Chevrolet Corvette (C6) - Overview

Overview

The Corvette C6 was virtually all new including new bodywork with exposed headlamps, an overhaul of the suspension geometry, a larger passenger compartment, a larger 6.0 L (364 cu in; 5967 cc) engine and a much higher level of refinement. 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 6.0 L LS2 V8 produces 400 horsepower (300 kW) at 6000 rpm and 400 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. 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. GM badges were added to the car in 2006.

Beginning with the 2008 model year, the Corvette received a new engine, the LS3. With displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376 cu in; 6162 cc), power was increased to 430 hp (321 kW) at 6500 rpm and 428 lb·ft (580 N·m) of torque at 6500 rpm, or 436 hp (325 kW) and 438 lb·ft (594 N·m) with the optional vacuum actuated valve exhaust. The previous Tremec T56 transmission on manual Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in model year 2008. 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. From 2008 onward, steering was revised for improved feel and the wheels were updated to a new five-spoke design.