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Callaway C12 Cabrio 5.7 i V8 (440 Hp)
Overall Rating
Callaway C12:
The Callaway C12 is a sports car, designed, developed and built by American manufacturer Callaway, between 1998 and 2001. It is based on the contemporary Chevrolet Corvette , although unlike earlier Callaway efforts the bodywork was entirely different. The C12 retained the Corvette's glass and roof, door handles, and interior hardpoints.
The bodywork, designed by Paul Deutschman, is of GRP and kevlar on a hydroformed steel skeleton. The bodywork was built by German IVM Automotive. The brakes are ventilated discs all around, with an ABS system. The suspension is double control arms with coil springs over shock absorbers at all four corners....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Cabrio Overview:
Callaway C12 (Cabrio). With 520 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1480 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.3 s). The top speed reaches 304 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Callaway C12 Cabrio, being a low-volume, high-performance vehicle from the late 90s, was not subjected to Euro NCAP testing. While it likely benefits from the C5 Corvette's underlying structure, it lacks modern active and passive safety systems.
5.7 i V8 (440 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.7L LS1 V8, tuned to 440 Hp, delivers blistering acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.3s) and a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. Its naturally aspirated power delivery is linear and thrilling, making it a true performance machine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is typical for a large displacement V8 of its era, with urban consumption at 16 l/100 km. It's not efficient by modern standards, but acceptable for a high-performance grand tourer.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exhilarating V8 performance and sound
- • Exceptional exclusivity and rarity
- • Distinctive European-inspired design
- • Strong acceleration and high top speed
- • Engaging manual transmission
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption
- • Limited practicality for daily use
- • Potentially high maintenance costs for bespoke parts
- • Firm ride quality may not suit all
- • Lack of modern safety and infotainment features
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Callaway |
| Model: | C12 |
| Generation: | Cabrio |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 i V8 (440 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 440 Hp @ 6300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 77.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 520 Nm @ 5200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LS1 |
| Engine displacement: | 5665 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 304 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.4 kg/Hp, 297.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.8 kg/Nm, 351.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1480 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 220 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 72 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4850 mm mm |
| Width: | 2000 mm mm |
| Height: | 1200 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1650 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1650 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 295/30 R19; 335/25 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
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