The Sixth Generation - C6 (2005 to 2011)
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the sixth and current generation of the sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The C6 was introduced for the 2005 model year and is the first Corvette with exposed headlamps since 1962. C6 variants have been made by GM and others; among them the C6.R, an American Le Mans Series GT1 championship winner; and the ZR1, the most powerful production Corvette to date. According to Motor Trend magazine, it will not be superseded by a new C7 generation at least until the 2012 calendar year.
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 CID; 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 hp (298 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 Corvettes manual transmission is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Shifting (CAGS), obligating the driver to shift from 1st directly to 4th when operating at lower RPM`s. This boosts the EPA`s derived fuel economy thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax.
For the 2006 model year, the GM badges were added to the car.
For the 2008 model, the Corvette received a new engine, the LS3. With displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376 CID; 6162 cc), power was increased to 430 hp (321 kW) at 5900 rpm and 424 lb·ft (575 N·m) of torque at 4600 rpm, or 436 hp (325 kW) and 428 lb·ft (580 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 4.3 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette. According to automotive review website New Car Test Drive, the Corvettes 0 to 60 time is actually 4.2 seconds, faster than both the Porsche 911 Carrera and the Jaguar XK8. From 2008 onward, steering was revised for improved feel and the wheels were updated to a new five-spoke design.
Stingray Concept - the Stingray Concept appeared in the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, in which it will take the form of character Sideswipe in robot mode. The vehicle, with styling based on the 1963 and 1969 Stingray, was unveiled in the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
For more information on specific years of production click on the links either in the side menu or below:
