SV 9 Competizione

New Corvette C6 conversion adds Italian style to US muscle

By SiMan / Wednesday, 22 July 2009 / Loading comments

There is definitely something appealing about combining heavy American muscle with Italian flair and delicacy, and this new SV Corvette conversion is not the first to fall for the idea - but it is a tricky balance to strike.

The SV 9 Competizione could be the result of a genetic splicing experiment involving a Ferrari 599, an Alfa 8C and - well - a Corvette C6 (insert further influences ad infinitum here). The shape may divide opinion, but it's certainly better proportioned than many conversions and 'replicars' that drop into the PH mailbox.

Under the new carbon-fibre skin you'll find a subtly re-trimmed interior which actually looks quite 'OEM', with five different trim levels available to order. They've also improved the 'Vette's breathing with an uprated intake and exhaust system, bringing a modest power increase of just over 3%, and the headline figure to 450bhp.

SV claims that this, along with some Pirelli Pzero Rossos, helps the car get from 0-60 in just 4 seconds (down by 0.4 seconds on the standard C6), and on to a top speed of around 190mph. They also list an impressive quarter-mile time of 12 seconds, crossing the line at 123mph.

Adding to the bespoke feeling, only 1000 will be made, and at $99,995 (£61,079 at today's exchange rate) it is certainly significantly cheaper than the Italian supercars it aspires to.

The SV may not be to everyone's taste, but it's an intriguing mix of differing cultures. The deep-pan pizza of supercars, perhaps?