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Sometimes progress comes in baby steps, and at other times it’s a quantum leap. Chevrolet’s 2008 version of the Corvette is a quantum leap over the 2007, mostly because the engine has been enlarged and horsepower is now up to 430 (436 with the two-mode exhaust).

For purists, the high-performance Z06 is still the Corvette’s crown jewel, at least until the rumored supercharged Corvette with as much as 650 horsepower breaks cover, but the standard model is so much faster and more powerful than last year’s that one would have to think long and hard before choosing the more expensive Z06.

With each iteration, Chevrolet’s sports car gets faster, yet more refined. The 2008, with a base price of $45,170, is arguably one of the best performance-per-dollar values on the market. On top of that, the highway fuel mileage is rated at 25 miles per gallon.

Sports cars that can squirt to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds and have a top track speed of 190 mph are often hard-edged, rough-riding and demanding. Not so this one.

The ride, while not as soft as a luxury sedan’s, is pleasantly smooth, easily comfortable for everyday commuting or running errands. Handling, of course, is a Corvette trademark, and this baby sits firmly anchored to the pavement by 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch back wheels. These wheels are the same size as those used on last year’s high-performance Z06.

Key to the 2008’s performance is the LS3, a 6.2-liter version of the Corvette’s aluminum V-8. The bore was enlarged to increase the engine’s displacement from last year’s 6.0 liters. High-flow cylinder heads, larger valves, a new camshaft and a new intake manifold are part of the equation as well.

Stomp on the throttle and the 2008 roars, especially if it is equipped with the two-mode performance exhaust system that has valves that open for less resistance and more power. The two-mode exhaust, a $1,195 option, ups horsepower to 436.

The optional six-speed automatic transmission now has shift paddles on the steering wheel.

If you want optimum handling, pick the Z51 suspension package, like the one on the test vehicle, and you get bigger brakes, larger stabilizer bars and upgraded shocks and springs. The ride quality, even with the Z51 setup, is remarkably compliant.

The Z51 knifes through turns with precision, and the brakes are impressive. Only professional drivers can extract the performance that lies within the car. Unless you regularly race on a track, skip the Z06.

A host of electronic controls, such as vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes, go a long way toward keeping the Corvette under control.

The test car was equipped with a $4,505 option package that included adjustable sport bucket seats, side-impact airbags and a Bose stereo with six-disc CD changer.

A head-up display projects the speedometer and tachometer readings on the windshield so the driver can see vital information without taking his eyes off the road.

The test car also had a removable transparent roof in place of the standard roof panel.

Changes for 2008 bring the base Corvette closer to the vaunted Z06 in terms of performance, and they give average drivers all the car they can handle at a very competitive price.

Price The test car’s base price was $45,170. Options included the head-up display, two-mode exhaust, heated leather sport bucket seats, side airbags, premium audio system, polished wheels, luggage shade, transparent roof and the Z51 suspension package. The sticker price was $57,435.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.