|
 | |
        | |
  |
 |
|
Program #2401
If there's one car that gets the blood pumping of American enthusiasts, it's the Chevrolet Corvette. And for 2005, the 'Vette is all-new and more stimulating than ever. But in a market bulging with high-tech super cars, big-bling SUVs, and hot-rod econoboxes, is a pushrod-powered, big bore, 2-seat sports car still relevant? Well, any car is relevant if it's fast. But there's a lot more to the 6th generation plastic fantastic than just speed. A lot more! The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, C6 in Chevy-speak, is completely reworked from the ground up. But that doesn't mean an altogether new formula for success. Like its C5 predecessor, the C6 is built on a hydro-formed steel frame, with an aluminum cockpit structure and composite floor panels. But the new chassis is both stiffer and lighter, and longer, with 1.2-inches of added wheelbase. The suspension, a double wishbone design with composite leaf springs, is also a familiar design. But every piece is new, with more wheel travel. In addition to the base package, suspension choices include our test car's Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and the more aggressive Z51 package.
The 'Vette is powered by the new 6.0-liter LS2 version of Chevy's small-block pushrod V8 engine. Its 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque were achieved by revamping everything from intake to clutch, and bolting on either Tremec's new T56 6-speed manual transmission, or GM's latest Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic. Both are rear mounted, and drive beefy Getrag axles. Hit the gas hard, and you will light up the tires. A careful balance of clutch and accelerator is required for a clean launch. Get it right, and a 0-to-60 time of 4.8 seconds becomes routine. And13.2 seconds at 112 miles-per-hour is a sterling quarter mile. Once off the line, the bored out V8 delivers gobs of torque all across the rev band. The tranny's ratios are also perfectly matched to engine output with shorter, easier throws than before. While the chassis and suspension are well suited to any corner you choose to attack, the new 'Vette flows through turns with less of the point-and-shoot feel of its predecessors. It rewards a smooth touch on throttle and steering, only pushing the front or breaking loose out back if your transitions are too abrupt. The speed-sensitive magnetic rack-and-pinion steering lacks feel compared to less exotic designs, but it's quicker and more responsive, if a little nervous. Still, the overall feel is remarkably neutral, with less roll than the C5. Both the Magnetic Ride Control and the standard stability system are seamless in operation, and more importantly, not intrusive. Braking is by way of big discs all around with standard ABS and new cooling ducts. They pulled the C6 down from 60 in an average of 120 feet. Like the steering, the brakes lack feedback, but are very progressive, and stability is top notch. It rides well, too. Even when set in Sport mode, the ride is firm but without the harshness over broken pavement of earlier versions, and there were no squeaks and rattles in our very early production car.
The coupe's cargo space remains healthy at 22.4 cubic feet, encouraging you to hit the highway and burn some gas, which is not as irresponsible as it sounds. EPA mileage estimates for the 2005 Corvette are 19 city/28 highway with the manual transmission. Expect a fine 23 miles-per-gallon on a mixed driving loop.
With a lot more of everything, from performance to comfort, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette now offers not only speed, style and refinement, but even more thrills, chills and high-end sports car value than ever before. While each generation Corvette has been a huge improvement over the one before, the new C6 really is the 'Vette we've all been hoping for.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|||
|
|||
The C6 is clad in an all-new body that is actually 5.1 inches
shorter than before. The skin is still fiberglass, but with a leaner,
more sophisticated look, especially in the nose, with its fixed Xenon
High Intensity headlights the first exposed lights on a 'Vette since
1962 and out back where a leaner, more sculpted, tail flows down to
beefy quad exhaust tips. As one staffer put it, they finally got the
rear end right.
Wheels are 18-inches up front, 19-inches in the rear, and wear
Goodyear Eagle run-flat tires with tire pressure monitoring.
All 2005 Corvette coupes feature a removable roof panel for open air
motoring. But if you're a dedicated soft-top fan, there's the Corvette
Convertible. It offers a choice of manual or power tops, both of which
fold away beneath a hard tonneau cover.
You pop inside the new Corvette by squeezing an electric door latch.
This opens up a dual-cockpit interior that will surprise long time
'Vette owners with its high quality trim and excellent fit and finish.
Finally!
The comfy, body-hugging sport seats, with adjustable side bolsters
and back support, are superior to any Corvette seats before. But many
will also be surprised by new additions like seat heaters, push button
start with proximity key, a head up display with three modes, one for
the street and two for the track, and big screen DVD-navigation.
And the pricing numbers are just as appealing! The Corvette coupe
carries a base price of $44,245; that's $390 less than last year. The
Corvette Convertible goes for $52,245, an increase of only $610.