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The C5 was a major change from the previous generation.
Designed from the outset as a sturdy convertible (as opposed to a coupé
that was subsequently weakened by the removal of the roof structure in
order to accommodate demand for a convertible model), the car now had a
hydro formed box frame. The transmission was moved to the rear of the
car to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly which was
connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube; this
engine/transmission arrangement helped facilitate a desirable 50-50
(percentage, front-rear) weight distribution for the vehicle. The LS1
engine initially produced 345 hp (257 kW), but that was increased
slightly in 2001 to 350 hp (261 kW). The 4L60-E automatic transmission
carried on from previous models, but the manual was replaced by a
Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed. Gone were the squeaks and rattles of the
C4,[1] replaced by a stronger frame that would last for at least two
more generations. By all measures, the new C5 was better in every aspect
than the C4 it replaced.
The styling of the C5 was also a departure from the trend set by the
previous-generation Corvette. Whereas the styling of the C4 had largely
been a simplification of the C3 hatchback design, straightening out the
complex curves of the car to give it sleeker lines, the C5 reversed that
somewhat. The vehicle now had a more rounded and graceful appearance
that helped to recapture some of the aggressive looks of the C3 without
compromising aerodynamics.
In the inaugural model year (1997), only the hatchback coupé was
offered, with the convertible — the first to offer a trunk since 1962 —
following in 1998. 1998 also saw the C5 convertible pacing the
Indianapolis 500, and a replica pace car edition was sold; C5 Corvettes
subsequently paced the 2002 and 2004 Indianapolis 500 races, but no
replica pace car versions were offered during those model years. In
1999, a third body style, the hardtop (also referred to as the
"fixed-roof coupé" or "FRC"), was added to the lineup. This body style,
as its name suggests, featured a fixed top (no removable targa top panel
as with the hatchback coupé) with a roofline shape and trunk space
similar to that of the convertible. The hardtop became the
top-performance Z06 in 2001, but for two model years was offered as a
variant of the base-model Corvette.
Aside from cosmetic differences (new wheel styles, paint colors, pace
car/commemorative editions in 1998, 2003, and 2004, etc.), horsepower
boosts, and new offerings for optional equipment, there were few
fundamental changes from one model year to the next within the
production run of the C5. One of the more popular "high-tech" options
introduced to the Corvette line was a head-up display or HUD, while
another innovation was the Active Handling System (first available as an
option in 1998, then standard on all models in 2001).
In contrast to the (largely deserved) reputation of high-performance
vehicles for poor fuel economy, the 2004 C5 achieves comparatively high
EPA ratings of 18/25 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic
transmission[2] and 19/28 with the manual transmission,[3][4] allowing
it to avoid the "gas guzzler" tax that is levied against most other
vehicles in the Corvette's class. A number of factors are responsible
for this: the relatively light weight of the C5 (a curb weight under
3,300 lb (1,500 kg); Chevrolet went so far as to omit the spare tire as
a weight-saving measure, relying upon run-flat tires instead); the C5's
low drag coefficient; and the vehicle's tendency to up shift into the
higher gears as soon as possible. The manual transmission's
Computer-Aided Gear Shifting results in an obligatory shift from 1st
gear directly into 4th gear under certain driving conditions; the system
can be inhibited through the use of an aftermarket device.
Suspension choices for the base model C5 were limited to the standard
suspension (RPO FE1), with options for either the autocross-inspired FE3
Sport Suspension (included with the Z51 Performance & Handling Package
and standard on the 1999-2000 FRC); or the F45 Selective Ride Control
Suspension, which permitted "on-the-fly" driver selection of different
ride characteristics (sport or touring). Late in the production run
(starting with the 2003 model year), the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride
Control Suspension replaced the F45 as the third suspension choice. The
racing-inspired FE4 suspension used for the Z06 is stiffer again than
any offered on the base model C5, and is unique to that model with no
optional suspensions offered.
Although sometimes criticized for its arguably liberal use of
light-weight materials (e.g., plastics, balsa wood, etc. in areas such
as interior trim components), overhead valve engine, and reliance upon
leaf springs in its suspension, all of which were often (and perhaps
unfairly) interpreted as "cheap-and-easy" substitutes for higher-quality
materials or more sophisticated designs, the C5 quickly became regarded
as the best performance vehicle available for the price. In some cases,
the C5 provided performance equal to, or better than, vehicles
approaching 2-3 times its sticker price, which buyers of the C5 viewed
as an acceptable trade-off for these "lower-cost" compromises.
A successor to the ZR-1 made its debut in 2001 as the Z06, giving a nod
to the high-performance Z06 version of the C2 Corvette of the 1960s.
Instead of a heavy, double-overhead cam engine like the ZR-1, the Z06
used a high-output, tuned version of the standard LS1 Corvette engine
(designated LS6), which initially produced 385 hp (287 kW). Although its
total horsepower output was less than that of the last ZR-1, the Z06 was
much lighter, and could out-perform the ZR-1 in every category except
top speed. It also cost substantially less money than the ZR-1.
Chevrolet engineered several modifications for the Z06 to best use the
increased power. Starting with the most structurally rigid body style,
the hardtop or FRC, new components included: upgraded FE4 suspension,
larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake
cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop
thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner
glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear
radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year,
the LS6 engine output was increased to 405 hp (302 kW) due to a larger
cfm air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves,
more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised
engine block.
The 2004 Z16 Commemorative Edition was equipped with a carbon fiber
hood, saving an additional 10 pounds of weight. Other unique
characteristics of the Z16 (Commemorative Edition Z06) are the polished
aluminum wheels, special paint color and striping, and
commemorative-edition badging and wheel center caps. The Z16 also
received shock damping tuning for improved handling. The Z16 option
accounted for the majority of Z06 Corvettes in 2004, totaling 2025
units, with 325 units shipped overseas.
Factory performance figures for the 405 hp (302 kW) version of the Z06
give an acceleration time from 0-60 mph as 3.9 seconds. Owner-drivers
have reportedly achieved impressive quarter-mile times of 11.7[5]
seconds. The Z06 is capable of matching or besting the 0-60 acceleration
times of some of the world's premier sports cars, including the BMW Z8,
Ferrari 360, and Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 996).
In 1998, the newly-introduced convertible version of the C5 was chosen
to pace the Indianapolis 500 race, and a Pace Car Replica (RPO Z4Z) was
offered to the public. Aside from lacking the equipment necessary for
actual pace car duties (light bar, special racing harnesses, etc.),
there was little difference between the Pace Car Replica C5 and the
vehicle that actually saw duty during the race[6]. The Pace Car Replica
package consisted of a special paint color ("Radar Blue"), unique
interior colors (black and yellow), painted yellow wheels, and special
pace car decals. The Pace Car Replica package also included other
optional equipment: the newly-introduced Active Handling System (RPO
JL4); an electronically-tuned AM/FM radio with CD player and a Bose
speaker system; an electronic dual-zone heating & air conditioning
system; and leather adjustable sport bucket seats.
While regarded by many (including Corvette fans) as the most garish
Corvette appearance package offered to date, the 1998 Pace Car Replicas
nevertheless enjoy a strong and loyal following of owners and
collectors.
A 50th Anniversary Edition (RPO Z25) was offered during the 2003 model
year to commemorate a half-century of Corvette production. Available as
either a hatchback coupé or convertible (no Z06 version offered), the
50th Anniversary Edition came with a special shade of red paint
("Anniversary Red Metallic") and shale two-tone leather interior;
Anniversary Edition convertibles were adorned with a shale-colored soft
top as well. A new option for Corvette in 2003, the F55 Magnetic
Selective Ride Control Suspension was standard on the 1SC-equipped
Anniversary Edition vehicles. Special champagne-colored painted aluminum
wheels, embroidered upholstery trim, and badges completed the
Anniversary Edition package. Also included were all of the convenience
options offered on the upscale Corvette models.
A slightly modified 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette was chosen to pace
the Indianapolis 500 race in May 2002; then the production vehicle
became a centerpiece of the subsequent 50th Anniversary Celebration,
sponsored by Chevrolet. Festivities included gatherings in Nashville,
Bowling Green, and St. Louis. Thousands of Corvettes and their owners
arrived from all over the country to participate in the events marking
the vehicle's 50th year of production.[7]
During the 2004 model year, a 24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition
package (RPO's Z15 & Z16) was offered as an option for all three C5
models (hatchback coupé, convertible, Z06) in celebration of the C5-R
"1-2" in-class finishes at Le Mans. The package consisted of a special
paint color ("Le Mans Blue Metallic"); shale two-tone leather interior
(coupés and convertibles only); and wide, silver-and-red stripes
optionally applied down the center of the car (Z06 only). Commemorative
Edition convertibles received a shale-colored soft top, and the Z06
version (dubbed the "Z16" after its RPO for the Le Mans Commemorative
Edition) received a carbon fiber hood as a further weight-reduction
measure. Special commemorative badging, headrest embroidery, and
brightly-polished wheel rims (a first on the Z06) with unique center
caps completed the package.
The C5-R was a racecar built by Pratt & Miller for GM Racing. It was
based on the C5 road car but had a longer wheelbase, wider track, an
enlarged 7.0 L V8 and different bodywork with exposed headlamps. It is
raced in the American Le Mans Series in the GTS Class and has been to
four 24 Hours of Le Mans races.
2001 The car's remarkable 2001 racing season produced eight
victories in ten races, including an overall win in the 24 Hours of
Daytona and a one-two finish in the GTS class at Le Mans.
2002 In 2002 the C5-R repeated its one-two victory at Le Mans and
also dominated the GTS class in the American Le Mans Series. A new
transaxle unit replaced the previous year's separate transmission and
differential. Corvette faced stiff competition from the new Prodrive
Ferrari 550, which led for a good number of laps but had problems late,
leaving the victory to Corvette.
2003 In 2003, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest placed additional
restrictions on all 24 Hours of Le Mans competitors, reducing power by
10% in an attempt to slow the cars. At the 2003 season-opening 12 Hours
of Sebring race, the C5-Rs remained in winning form, with one of them
finishing first in class and eighth overall. Also in 2003 the yellow
paint was dropped in favor of a special red, white, and blue color
scheme to commemorate the Corvette's 50th anniversary. However, at Le
Mans the Prodrive Ferraris spoiled the anniversary and hopes for a
three-in-a-row victory in the GTS class.
2004 Corvette C5-R came back in 2004 and won the 24 Hours of Le
Mans in their class. The Prodrive Ferrari led most of the race, but with
under 12 hours to go both the Prodrive cars had problems causing them to
pit and lose laps. The Corvettes went on to finish 1-2, with the #64 car
finishing 16 laps ahead of the lead Ferrari.
2005 Although in the process of becoming superseded by the C6-R,
the Corvette C5-R was not finished with its racing successes. In FIA GT,
the new Corvette Europe team won races at Imola and Zhuhai. The Euro
team also managed a number of podium finishes. In the ALMS, the Pacific
Coast Racing team achieved some podiums behind the factory C6-R.
2006 The C5-R returned to Le Mans (France) for the first time as
a non-factory entry, run by Le Mans regular Luc Alphand. It finished
third in the GT1 class behind the C6-R and Prodrive Aston Martin.
2007 Alphand's squad will again run the C5-R at the Le Mans 24
Hour race, in pairing with a C6-R acquired from Corvette Racing.
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