Chevrolet Corvette C6 Performance And Capability

While the C5 generation introduced the LS V-8 engine, it was the C6 that perfected it. The first model year C6 base car had the same performance as the C5 Z06. It was a big jump in power from the 345 horsepower base model LS1 engine to the LS2 found in the base C6. The LS2 offered 400 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 430 pound-feet of torque.

The high-performance Z06 model hit showrooms in 2006. At its time, the LS7 engine was the largest displacement small-block ever made. The most powerful naturally-aspirated GM engine at its release. With a stunning 7.0-liter displacement and 505 horsepower at 6,300 RPM, it was a proper supercar killer.

With dry sump lubrication and fully forged engine internals, the Z06 is an absolute beast out of the box. It is almost in a different league when compared to the base model C6. Yet, Chevy didn't stop there. Instead, they went even wilder.

In 2009 the C6 ZR1 introduced the supercharged LS9 V-8 which was the most extreme Corvette made at the time. With 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, it is still crazy to think about today. That is ridiculous power in a rear-wheel drive car. If there was a definition of too much car for the road, it would be the C6 ZR1. The ZR1 had 200 more horsepower than the base model C6 and carbon fiber at almost every body panel.

Yet, it will be a surprise to most that the best performance value you can find in a C6 Corvette is none of the above models. In 2010, we got the middle-of-the-range Grand Sport (known as GS) model. This variant offered both coupe and convertible options. It replaced the Z51 performance package found in previous model years.

The GS would be the perfect balance option within the C6 generation. The GS retained the LS3 engine found in the base model but carried the Z06 widebody and upgrades. This means you got much better transmission, gearing, suspension, and cooling. Better wheels and tires, Z06 brakes, and dry sump lubrication (manual transmission coupes only) were also part of the package.

To emphasize the appeal of the GS, Chevy sold 14,777 base models between 2010 to 2013. During the same period, they sold 28,004 GS models. That's about double that of the base and there is a reason why. It was the ultimate value Corvette, you got every dollar's worth. The C6 GS still remains one of the best Corvettes you can buy regardless of generation even today.

Exterior Design

Let's talk exterior design. As I mentioned earlier, the C6 Corvette had 85 percent new parts. Yet, you knew without a shadow of a doubt the C6 is a 100-percent Corvette. Starting up front, gone are the pop-up headlights of the C5, replaced by exposed HID headlights. They also performed 85 percent better than the pop-up lights.

All the body lines were sleek and the design brought the C6 into the modern age in the new Millenium. Even today, the C6 Corvettes looks have not gotten stale. Many consider it the peak of the original Corvette design language. The quad exhaust tips and quad circular tail lights remain a Corvette staple in the C6's styling.

Although the C6 looked more modern and aerodynamic than its predecessor, it is actually smaller in dimension than the C5 in every aspect. The most notable differences between C6 models are the widebody cars and the narrow-body cars. All base model coupes and convertibles came with the standard narrow body. ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport models offered the widebody. It is still surprising how much of a difference this makes to the aesthetic of the C6.

Park a base model C6 next to a GS, it's obvious which one you'd prefer. The wide hips of the GS make it look aggressive and purposeful. The narrow body lacks a bit of character in comparison. Does that make the narrow-body models bad cars? Not in any aspect. Yet, if you're in the market for the best-looking C6, it will have to be a widebody model.

Interior Design

Many Corvette enthusiasts complained about the lackluster quality of the C5's interior. With the Corvette being the top-of-the-line Chevy model, owners wanted the interior to match its prestige. As a result, Chevy made major upgrades to the cabin with the C6.

Two-tone leather was standard and available in a variety of colors. You also now got soft-touch surfaces all around and real metal accent trim pieces. You still very much so feel like you're in a Corvette, but much nicer than before.

Both headroom and cabin space increased. The C6 even offered the best cargo space of any 2-seat sports car at the time. Keyless entry was standard and made a big impact on the luxury experience. In convertible models with the top down, the cabin of the C6 is an absolute dream.

Drivers will appreciate the retention of analog gauges. One of the few digital screens is the optional heads-up display. Despite its age, this is a tool that remains useful and keeps the driver focused on the road ahead.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Price, Availability, and Ownership

C6 Corvette prices find a very wide range on the used market. This is due to the fact that there were so many varieties of models available through its eight-year lifespan. A 2006 base model coupe sold for $44,600 when new. A 2009 C6 ZR1 was $107,830 when new. That’s over twice the price. There are several factors you should consider before you go shopping for a used C6 'Vette. The first is to understand exactly what you are looking for. Base model and ZR1 buyers are not the same people.

One thing we 100-percent recommend is avoiding 2005 1st model year cars. This was the only year the outdated 4-speed automatic transmission was available. After 2006, all automatic Corvettes offered updated 6-speed automatics with paddle shifters. These units are both faster shifting and more reliable.

The first model years are also the ones that tend to have the most general issues. As a result, they tend to sell for almost $8k cheaper on the used market. Regardless of the price difference, we would stay away from 2005.

For the absolute best value for your money, prospective owners will want to look at 2008+ model years. This is where even the base models began to offer the upgraded LS3 engine. The LS3 has become legendary within LS-engine circles. Even Chevy engineers have stated the LS3 may be the greatest V-8 made by the bow-tie brand. So whether base model or Grand Sport, you want the LS3.

There is nothing wrong with the LS2 engines, but they do tend to have more reliability issues due to their age. As a result, 2008+ models have held their value very well. The average price of a 2008 C6 is about $38,426 over the last five years. Grand Sports carry about a $5k premium compared to a base coupe.

Z06 models, although produced for over twice as long as the Grand Sport, will cost about $4k more on average. After 2010, Z06s dwindled down to triple-digits production numbers. Thus, 2010+ Z06s carry heavy premiums due to their rarity. Compared to 2009, 2010+ Z06s on average carry a wild $22k premium. It appears like the LS7 is that special indeed.

The ultimate C6, the ZR1, maybe the most shocking find on the used market. When new, these supercharged unicorns were $107k. Only 4,695 of them saw production from 2009 to 2013. Yet, the average sale price of the ZR1 over the last five years is $85,620. That is truly remarkable in our current market. Collectible models across brands seldom exist below the original MSRP. Most ZR1s you find will be low-mileage, pristine condition examples.

Most certainly, prices on these extreme and rare Corvettes will only increase as time passes. Whether you have an interest in a ZR1 or a Grand Sport, there is a C6 model for everyone. 15 years on, it still remains one of the best-value performance cars on the market.

Now even though there are eight different Corvette generations to choose from. the C6 retains its allure and attractive price point. Much easier to live with than a C5 and twice as visceral as the C7 that followed. Compare it to any sports car of its era at the price and it has no equal. So if you are looking for the purest Corvette experience, look no further than the C6.