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Callaway C12 Coupe 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)
Coupe Overview:
Callaway C12 (Coupe). 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 two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Callaway C12 Coupe, being a low-volume, specialized performance vehicle, was not subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing. Safety features are typical for high-performance cars of its era, including ABS.
5.7 i V8 (440 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.7L V8, based on the robust LS1, delivers exhilarating performance with 440 Hp, enabling rapid acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.3 sec) and a top speed over 300 km/h. Its naturally aspirated power delivery is linear and engaging, characteristic of a high-performance grand tourer.
Fuel Economy
As expected from a high-performance V8 of this displacement and era, fuel economy is not a strong suit. Urban consumption is around 16 l/100 km, reflecting its focus on power rather than efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance and handling for its era
- • Exclusive and unique styling, stands out from the crowd
- • Robust and tunable LS1-derived V8 engine
- • High-quality Callaway engineering and craftsmanship
- • Strong collector appeal due to rarity
Cons:
- • High purchase price and running costs
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest cargo space
- • Fuel economy is poor, especially in urban driving
- • Maintenance and parts can be specialized and expensive
- • Stiff ride may not appeal to all for daily driving
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Callaway |
| Model: | C12 |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 i V8 (440 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 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 |
| Width: | 2000 mm |
| Height: | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 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 |
Your first impression of the Callaway C12 in one word? Go!