2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6

"The sixth generation represents a comprehensive upgrade to the Corvette," said Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer and GM Performance Cars vehicle line executive. "Our goal was to create a Corvette that does more things well than any other performance car."

The car features dramatic new styling, the new 6.0L V-8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (298 kw and 542 Nm), a revised suspension and more powerful brakes. It delivers extreme performance capabilities and offers value, style, quality and comfort.

The 2005 Coupe production begins in the summer of 2004, with the Convertible following in the fall of 2004. European sales begin in October, and other regions by early 2005. All models will be built in Bowling Green, Ky.

Exterior styling

The Corvette combines classic cues with an expressive new design. While the styling team used the latest advanced computer-aided design techniques, they relied heavily on traditional hand sculpting. Sculptors pored over every millimeter of the car’s surface. The aerodynamic development combined digital simulations, Corvette Racing experience and more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing.

The driving force behind the exterior was to keep it fresh, yet distill the passion exemplified by the classic mid-year Corvettes of 1963-1967.

The new Corvette is 5 inches (127 mm) shorter and about 1 inch (25 mm) narrower than its predecessor. Larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear) are topped by dramatic fender forms. Exposed headlamps (not seen on Corvettes since 1962) combine with the grille to create a stronger “face” on the car. The fixed Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps provide superior lighting performance.

The Coupe’s removable-roof panel is 15 percent larger, yet offers the same structural stiffness as C5’s while weighing just 1 pound (0.45 kg) more. The tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust.

The ability to keep lines and surfaces smooth was supported by technology. For example, the Keyless Access system replaces traditional mechanical door and hatch handles with solenoids and electronic actuators.
At 0.28 coefficient of drag, the C6 is the most aerodynamic Corvette ever, and has improved anti-lift characteristics that improve high-speed stability.

The Corvette Convertible

The 2005 Corvette features an optional power-operated soft top. An easy-to-operate manual top remains standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Every option available on the Coupe can be had on the Convertible, including features new to the Corvette such as OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) and DVD navigation system.

OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Power

The 2005 Corvette features the new 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine based on GM’s Gen IV small-block family. The LS2 is the most powerful standard small-block engine ever offered in Corvette, and features:

• All-new 319-T5 aluminum deep-skirt block casting with cast-in-place iron cylinder bore liners and cross-bolted main caps
• Cylinder head design derived from the C5 Z06
• Camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased head flow
• Revised exhaust manifolds are 34 percent lighter
• Compression raised to 10.9:1
• More powerful engine controller incorporates all electronic throttle control (ETC) functions

With base curb weight starting at 3,179 pounds/1,442 kg (Coupe) and 3,199 pounds/1,451 kg (Convertible) the new Corvette is significantly lighter than its predecessor.

The car is capable of 186 mph (300 km/h), faster than any production Corvette in history. It reaches zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, and in 4.1 seconds with the optional Z51 Performance Package, and covers the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph (183 km/h).

Major revisions to the manual and automatic transmissions provide Corvette with significant improvements geared towards performance driving. The Tremec six-speed manual gearbox is available with two sets of ratios, one with more aggressive acceleration characteristics reserved for Corvette’s Z51 Performance Package that emulates the performance of the C5’s landmark Z06 model. Improved shifting characteristics are another major improvement, with new synchronizers that reduce travel by 10 percent, and a shifter knob that is an inch shorter and redesigned for greatly improved driver operation.

Shifting gears