FR500
Jan 02, 2004, 12:00 AM
The Car Connection
Although Chevrolet will unveil the new Corvette in three days at the Detroit auto show, TCC has the details and first pictures of the "C6" sixth-generation Corvette.
Many car enthusiasts have been waiting for the successor of the C5 - and most were expecting it to be shown at the 50th anniversary of Corvette last June. Too, even the L.A. Auto Show crowds going to that show's opening this weekend will have to wait for the 'Vette until after it's shown in Detroit first.
Shapely questions
What most Corvette fans wanted to know most about the C6 was if the new Chevrolet Corvette would have different or even retro-themed styling. That question was answered when TCC posted the spy shots of the uncloaked C6 a few weeks ago. But also keen on the list was the power output, which will rise to levels sure to make 'Vette faithful feel like their prayers have been answered.
The C6 may have a completely new body with a crispier, sharper look, but it still is a real Corvette. The C6 is 5.1 inches shorter and 1.1 inches narrower than the C5, which adds to the sportier stance, together with the new, wider five-spoke wheels. They are equipped with low profile run-flat Goodyear Eagles F1 (P245/40ZR-18s in front, P285/35ZR-19s on the rear).
Under the hood of the C6 is a new version of GM's new 6.0-liter LS2 small-block V-8. The small block debuted in 1955 with 265 cubic inches and 195 hp. Since then it has grown and evolved into the new LS2, effectively the engine's fourth generation. The new V-8 is the most powerful in the Corvette history with 400 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm, an increase of 50 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque over the LS1 motor. The cylinder heads for the LS2 are derived from designs for the previous Z06 models for a more efficient swirl of the air/fuel mixture. This enables a higher 10.9:1 compression ratio that increases fuel economy and horsepower.
The new lightweight LS2 V-8 is teamed with the Tremec G56 six-speed stick shift, or optionally, with the 4-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission. A Z51 performance option will be available with a further improved six-speed gearbox. The Z51 and the European version will also have a transmission cooler.
The new oil pan for the LS2 was developed during intensive track testing to provide better oil control under extreme demands of high revs and high g-force driving. The elimination of the previous gull wing design reduced the capacity from 6.5 to 5.5 quarts with a dry filter. The engineers furthermore improved airflow by approximately 4 percent through the exhaust manifolds. With a decrease from 4 to 3 mm of the wall thickness the mass was further reduced.
Numbers to come
Chevy does not mention any acceleration figures from 0-60 mph, the quarter mile or the top speed of the new Corvette. They may be disclosed on Sunday.
Even though the C6 is shorter and narrower than the C5, with its 1.1 inches longer wheelbase the current interior space and cargo room have not been affected.
What the new size does is improving handling, acceleration and adds to better braking. A low drag coefficient of 0.28 is also very important: it has been reached after 400 hours of wind tunnel testing and the input of the experience of Chevrolet Racing. But even more so important is the completely new suspension, for which not one part has been carried over from the C5. The underpinnings of the C6 are of the same setup as used for the Cadillac XLR: hydroformed steel rails with aluminium and magnesium structures. With three suspension choices - Standard, magnetic Selective Ride Control and the Z51 Performance Package - it is possible to choose the set up that best suits ones' driving style.
Although there is no doubt about the heritage of the C6, there are significant styling details that place it in the 21st century. For the first time since 1962 the (HID) headlamps are exposed. Chevy says that there has been a lot of discussion about this, but they were agreed upon because of the lean, performance-oriented looks. Another reminiscent styling detail is the bulge in the hood that goes back to the historic muscle cars and that reflects the Corvette's power. Sharp front fenders, large wheels and the traditional bold rear view with the four taillamps provide the new Corvette a new, aggressive shape.
For the interior Chevrolet crafted a cockpit swathed in leather and accents of anodised aluminium, a much richer-looking cabin than the C5 sports. The diameter of the gauges have been enlarged by 0.2 inches, and the gauge graphics have been simplified. They are illuminated by white LEDs and are backlit both day and night for better contrast. And of course, the head-up display is still there.
The new Corvette will go into production in the third quarter of 2004. The Convertible will be announced this spring and will go into production in the fall. Later we expect an upscale Z06 with 500 hp and we have also heard rumours about a super-fast version with 700 hp, to be competitive with Ford's new GT, among other supercars.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7578_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7579_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7580_image.jpg
For bigger pics go here and clic on the thumbs (really big, like 1600x1200)
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6723&sid=184&n=157
Looks great for me, and i think the Viper will have some trouble beating the next Z06, i guess they will be close, at least when a GTS Viper is released, i guess a Z06 will beat an SRT-10 by some tenths and handle just as good (Viper handles really well in the correct hands)
Although Chevrolet will unveil the new Corvette in three days at the Detroit auto show, TCC has the details and first pictures of the "C6" sixth-generation Corvette.
Many car enthusiasts have been waiting for the successor of the C5 - and most were expecting it to be shown at the 50th anniversary of Corvette last June. Too, even the L.A. Auto Show crowds going to that show's opening this weekend will have to wait for the 'Vette until after it's shown in Detroit first.
Shapely questions
What most Corvette fans wanted to know most about the C6 was if the new Chevrolet Corvette would have different or even retro-themed styling. That question was answered when TCC posted the spy shots of the uncloaked C6 a few weeks ago. But also keen on the list was the power output, which will rise to levels sure to make 'Vette faithful feel like their prayers have been answered.
The C6 may have a completely new body with a crispier, sharper look, but it still is a real Corvette. The C6 is 5.1 inches shorter and 1.1 inches narrower than the C5, which adds to the sportier stance, together with the new, wider five-spoke wheels. They are equipped with low profile run-flat Goodyear Eagles F1 (P245/40ZR-18s in front, P285/35ZR-19s on the rear).
Under the hood of the C6 is a new version of GM's new 6.0-liter LS2 small-block V-8. The small block debuted in 1955 with 265 cubic inches and 195 hp. Since then it has grown and evolved into the new LS2, effectively the engine's fourth generation. The new V-8 is the most powerful in the Corvette history with 400 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm, an increase of 50 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque over the LS1 motor. The cylinder heads for the LS2 are derived from designs for the previous Z06 models for a more efficient swirl of the air/fuel mixture. This enables a higher 10.9:1 compression ratio that increases fuel economy and horsepower.
The new lightweight LS2 V-8 is teamed with the Tremec G56 six-speed stick shift, or optionally, with the 4-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission. A Z51 performance option will be available with a further improved six-speed gearbox. The Z51 and the European version will also have a transmission cooler.
The new oil pan for the LS2 was developed during intensive track testing to provide better oil control under extreme demands of high revs and high g-force driving. The elimination of the previous gull wing design reduced the capacity from 6.5 to 5.5 quarts with a dry filter. The engineers furthermore improved airflow by approximately 4 percent through the exhaust manifolds. With a decrease from 4 to 3 mm of the wall thickness the mass was further reduced.
Numbers to come
Chevy does not mention any acceleration figures from 0-60 mph, the quarter mile or the top speed of the new Corvette. They may be disclosed on Sunday.
Even though the C6 is shorter and narrower than the C5, with its 1.1 inches longer wheelbase the current interior space and cargo room have not been affected.
What the new size does is improving handling, acceleration and adds to better braking. A low drag coefficient of 0.28 is also very important: it has been reached after 400 hours of wind tunnel testing and the input of the experience of Chevrolet Racing. But even more so important is the completely new suspension, for which not one part has been carried over from the C5. The underpinnings of the C6 are of the same setup as used for the Cadillac XLR: hydroformed steel rails with aluminium and magnesium structures. With three suspension choices - Standard, magnetic Selective Ride Control and the Z51 Performance Package - it is possible to choose the set up that best suits ones' driving style.
Although there is no doubt about the heritage of the C6, there are significant styling details that place it in the 21st century. For the first time since 1962 the (HID) headlamps are exposed. Chevy says that there has been a lot of discussion about this, but they were agreed upon because of the lean, performance-oriented looks. Another reminiscent styling detail is the bulge in the hood that goes back to the historic muscle cars and that reflects the Corvette's power. Sharp front fenders, large wheels and the traditional bold rear view with the four taillamps provide the new Corvette a new, aggressive shape.
For the interior Chevrolet crafted a cockpit swathed in leather and accents of anodised aluminium, a much richer-looking cabin than the C5 sports. The diameter of the gauges have been enlarged by 0.2 inches, and the gauge graphics have been simplified. They are illuminated by white LEDs and are backlit both day and night for better contrast. And of course, the head-up display is still there.
The new Corvette will go into production in the third quarter of 2004. The Convertible will be announced this spring and will go into production in the fall. Later we expect an upscale Z06 with 500 hp and we have also heard rumours about a super-fast version with 700 hp, to be competitive with Ford's new GT, among other supercars.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7578_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7579_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/7580_image.jpg
For bigger pics go here and clic on the thumbs (really big, like 1600x1200)
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6723&sid=184&n=157
Looks great for me, and i think the Viper will have some trouble beating the next Z06, i guess they will be close, at least when a GTS Viper is released, i guess a Z06 will beat an SRT-10 by some tenths and handle just as good (Viper handles really well in the correct hands)