MYVetteBy25

To those that have traded up to a 2009, what do you think of the new variable ratio steering compared to that of earlier year C6s?

Oh9C6

Frankly, you will notice little difference. I did find parking the car to be easier than the 08 I drove. GM did a good job of designing the variable steering, as it is "invisible" but works.

JoesC5

I don't know about the older C6's but the 09 steering sure beats the C5's steering.

StanNH

I can only compare it to my 2005. The steering on my 2009 is much lighter at low speeds and the steering is very quick. At highway speeds, it tracks well with very little wheel correction needed on straight runs.

There is noticeably more feedback through the wheel, and it doesn't have that numb feel that the 2005 did. Aside from the variable assist and the newly added variable ratio, the new rack now uses a steel shaft instead of the aluminum one used in 2008 and earlier units. This is supposed to reduce steering flex, but I haven't really been able to feel any difference.

One of my biggest gripes with the 2005 was its heavy and numb feeling steering. I have no such complaints about the 2009, so there was a real change.

Kreuzen

I don't know ~ actually notice or feel the difference between the 08 and 09? I could buy C5, C4, etc., but a C6 and the latest two model years. Doubtful.

rjwoerheide

I can't say I've traded up, since my '09 is my first Corvette, but I do agree with Stan that the steering is looser (in a good, logical way) at low speeds and tightens up quickly at speed. I am very happy with the steering feel.

Oh9C6

08 changed the gears and box, 09 added variable ratios...the 08 is a real improvement over the earlier boxes.

danl72

jschindler

I've had an 08 and an 09. As someone said above, I really don't notice any difference. I'm sure it turns tigher as it's supposed to, but it is pretty seemless.

LT1 Z51

Is it all mechanical changes? Could a 2008 (or earlier) owner swap the rack to get the 2009 system?

3 Z06ZR1

The 08 is improved alot over the 05-07. The 08 has the improved steel shaft.

StanNH

The current issue of Car and Driver, in their review of the ZR1, mentions that the ZR1 gets the steel shaft that's new for all 2009 Corvettes. They may be wrong, but that's where I saw it.

LOUSVETTE

Don't notice any differance

ufaj26

cdavekirk

I test drove an '08 and the same optioned '09 back to back about a month ago. I did notice the quicker steering at low speeds. It was something that actually stood out to me as noticeable.

Wah

From what I know, variable ratio steering (as it's the case on other cars) means slow steering at/near zero and gets quicker as the steering angle is increased. This is unfavorable in my view, I prefer the steering ratio to be both constant and quick. Good thing I got an '08

There is also "Variable Assist" which means more assist/boost at low speed (i.e. when parking) and less assist/boost at high speed (e.g. at higher/highway speeds). I don't think this is the case with the '09 steering.