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Compared to the fifth generation, the "C6" gets an
overhaul of the suspension geometry, all new bodywork with exposed
headlamps (for the first time since 1962), a larger passenger
compartment, a larger 6.0 L (364 cu in; 5967 cc) engine, and a much
higher level of refinement.[1] Overall, it is 5.1 inches (13 cm) shorter
than the C5, but its wheelbase has increased by 1.2 inches (3 cm). It is
also one inch (2.5 cm) narrower. The 6.2 L LS2 V8 produces 432 hp (400
kW) at 6000 rpm and 425 lb·ft (542 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm.
With an automatic transmission, the Corvette achieves 15/25 mpg
(city/highway); the manual-transmission model gets 16/26 mpg.[2] The
Corvette's manual transmission is fitted with Computer Aided Gear
Shifting (CAGS), obligating the driver to shift from 1st directly to 4th
when operating at lower RPMs. This boosts the EPA's derived fuel economy
thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax.
For the 2008 model, the Corvette receives a new engine, the LS3. With
displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376 cu in; 6162 cc)[1] , power is
increased to 430 hp (321 kW) and 424 lb·ft (575 N·m) of torque, or 436
hp (325 kW) and 428 lb·ft (580 N·m) with the optional vacuum actuated
valve exhaust.[3] The previous Tremec T56 transmission on manual
Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in model year
2008.[4] Manual Corvettes have improved shift linkage; the automatic
model is set up for quicker shifts, and (according to Chevrolet) goes
from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, faster than any other production
automatic Corvette.[5] According to automotive review website New Car
Test Drive, the Corvette's 0 to 60 time is actually 4.2 seconds (they
don't shift properly and it is a rolling street start, which results in
slower times), faster than both the Porsche 911 Carrera and the Jaguar
XK8.[6] The steering has also been tightened up for much improved feel.
The wheels were also updated to a new five-spoke design.[5]
It is an option package celebrating the Corvette C6.R entering the GT1
class of ALMS in 2009. Based on Corvette Coupe 4LT, Convertible 4LT or
Z06, it comes with same yellow body hue that adorns the C6.R or "41U"
black, along with a "Jake" graphic that spans the Championship edition's
hood. Chrome wheels and a body-colored spoiler pulled from the ZR1 join
a "carbon pattern" engine cover, while inside a leather-wrapped ebony
interior gets "GT1" embroidered on the seats, instrument panel and
center console armrest. Non-Z06 model also gets Z51 Performance Package
and NPP Performance exhaust.
General Motors made 100 units of each model (600 total), and would be
available this spring, each carrying a $7,840 premium over standard
models.[7]
The Corvette Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005.
It has a 7.0 L (7,008 cc/427.6 cu in) version of the Small-Block engine
codenamed LS7. The Z06 achieves a fuel economy of 15 mpg-US (16 L/100
km; 18 mpg-imp) in the city and 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) on
the highway,[8] and the output is 505 hp (376 kW). Car and Driver
recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds in their March 2007 comparison
test.[1]
In addition to the larger engine, the Corvette Z06 has a dry sump oiling
system, and Connecting rods made out of titanium alloy.
The Z06 officially weighs 3132 lb (1421 kg), giving it a weight to power
ratio of 6.2 lb/hp (3.8 kg/kW).
A Corvette variant was first reported by several print and online
publications, based on rumor from General Motors was developing a
production version of the Corvette above the Z06 level, under the
internal code name Blue Devil (named after GM CEO Rick Wagoner's alma
mater, Duke University). The car was originally rumored to feature a
supercharged LS9 engine producing more than 650 hp (485 kW) with prices
reported to exceed $100,000 USD.[9]
The October 12, 2006 issue of AutoWeek published photos by photographer
Chris Doane of a C6 with special auto-manufacturer-issued license plates
on a Z06 with a hood bulge, widely thought to confirm the presence of a
supercharger on the Blue Devil. Other names attached to the project
included Corvette SS[10] or Corvette Z07.[11] In February 2007, a worker
at a Michigan shipping company posted pictures online of a power train
development mule that was being shipped to Germany, believed to be part
of the Blue Devil program. The car had manufacturer's license plates,
carbon-ceramic brakes, enlarged fender vents, a hood bulge, and an
engine with a positive-displacement supercharger in the valley between
the cylinder banks and a water-to-air intercooler atop it. The
photographer was fired and may face civil or criminal legal action,
pending a GM investigation.
GM began to release details on the Blue Devil project in April 2007, and
revealed the ZR1 in December. The company confirmed the existence of the
project in an interview with Car and Driver on April 13. Power levels
were confirmed to be between 600 and 700 horsepower (447 to 521 kW), but
contrary to prior rumors of a supercharged 6.2 liter engine, the engine
was only confirmed to have greater displacement than the 7.0 liter LS7
in the Z06.[12] Motor Trend confirmed the official name for the
production Blue Devil, resurrecting the old ZR1 nameplate. The ZR1 had
originally been used on developmental cars in 1971, and again as ZR-1 as
the top performance model on the C4 Corvette.[13] General Motors
officially revealed the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on December 19, giving a press
release and photographs of the car. GM confirmed a supercharged 6.2 L
LS9 V8 producing 620 hp (460 kW). Performance figures were not released,
but GM acknowledged that the car was capable of 200 mph (320 km/h),
making it the fastest production Corvette ever.
Carbon fiber is used on the roof, hood, fenders, front splitter, and
rocker moldings; the hood and fenders are painted over, while the roof
and splitter are merely covered in a clear-coat, retaining their black
color. A polycarbonate window is placed in the center of the hood,
allowing the engine intercooler to be seen from the exterior. The wheels
are the largest ever placed on a production Corvette, with both front
and rear wheels increasing in size and diameter over the Corvette Z06.
Carbon-ceramic brakes are included. The brake calipers are painted blue,
as are the engine intercooler trim and the ZR1 logo. Magnetic Selective
Ride Control is also included on the car, with sensors to automatically
adjust stiffness levels based on road conditions and vehicle movement.
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