Sixth generation Corvette C6

Press Release

Power, Passion and Precision in Coupe and Convertible form

 

The sixth generation of the Corvette was born less than a year ago and in its short life the car has already convinced a lot of customers. How? With a combination of power, passion and precision. The Corvette comes either as a coupe or a convertible and combines high performance with great style, value and quality. On top of that, the Corvette delivers surprising levels of comfort for daily driving. New for the 2006 model is a six-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission.

 

The sixth generation Corvette is more competition-influenced than any previous Corvette, but from the very beginning of this generation, engineers envisioned a car at home in virtually any environment. The goal was a performance car that would be more agile, "placeable" and "tossable" on the race track, while also more comfortable in daily driving. Raw performance is combined with improved ride comfort, a precisely built and technically sophisticated interior and contemporary body.

 

Distilling the dimensions of Corvette into a smaller package, an overall length of 4435 mm and an overall width of 1844 mm is achieved, 125 mm shorter and 25 mm narrower than its predecessor. More efficient packaging and a wheelbase that is 30 mm longer, maintain interior space and class-leading cargo space that can swallow two golf bags. The Corvette's overall dimensions are in fact similar to those of the Porsche 911, another respected performer on the road and track.

 

With a maximum curb weight of 1508 kg (Coupe) and 1517 kg (Convertible) the sixth generation Corvette is significantly lighter than its predecessor. The result is that the car is capable of 300 km/h and reaches zero to 100 km/h in 4,3 seconds.

 

At 0.28 coefficient of drag, this Corvette is the most aerodynamic Corvette ever, with improved anti-lift characteristics that improve high-speed stability. The ability to keep lines and surfaces smooth was supported by technology. For example, the Keyless Access system replaces traditional mechanical door and hatch handles with solenoids and electronic actuators.

 

Removable roof panel

 

The Corvette Coupe offers a removable roof panel, which can be stowed under the hatchback in the luggage area. The panel is 15 percent larger than previous models yet weighs just 0,45 kg more. Painted body color as standard, it is available with an optional tinted clear panel.

 

The Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft top, the first offered since 1962. It utilizes a single-button control and completes the cycle in just 18 seconds. Five-layer fabric materials conceal the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, while helping preserve the car's excellent aerodynamics and interior noise levels. As the Corvette was designed from the outset to be an open car, there is no compromise in ride, handling or performance compared to the Coupe.

 

Classic 'egg crate' grille and exposed headlamps

 

The Corvette combines classic cues with an expressive new design. While the styling team used the latest advanced computer-aided design techniques, they relied heavily on traditional hand sculpting. Sculptors pored over every millimeter of the car's surface. The aerodynamic development combined digital simulations, Corvette Racing experience and more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing. The driving force behind the exterior was to keep it fresh, yet distill the passion exemplified by the classic mid-year Corvettes of 1963-1967.

 

One key design feature is the classic 'egg crate' grille, reminiscent of Corvettes from the '50s, which is combined with the first use of exposed headlamps since 1962. They combine with the grille to create a stronger "face" on the car. Fixed HID Xenon low-beam and a tungsten-halogen high-beam projector lens lamps additionally offer the advantages of lower weight, less complexity and superior lighting performance.

 

Larger wheels (18-inch front, 19-inch rear) are topped by dramatic fender forms. The front fenders are both more rounded and more sharply defined. They are higher by 10 mm and also feature a beltline crease. Combined with the shortened front overhang, the fenders contribute to a more taut, purposeful front-end design, while bold, simple, rear end styling emphasizes the shortened rear overhang. Four round tail lamps continue as a Corvette rear styling trademark. Four circular exhaust tips are also integrated into the rear diffuser and pick up the circular theme established by the tail lamps.

 

Interior

 

A Corvette hallmark, the dual cockpit design theme, continues in the interior, with improved materials, craftsmanship and functionality. More sophisticated contours and leather surfaces that are richer and softer add tone, along with pleasing details including a two-layer composite seat frame that gives the seats outstanding support, especially in the stiffness of the seat backs.

 

Among many electronic technologies are GM's Keyless Access with Push Button Start technology allows access by detecting the proximity of the key fob. The system both unlocks the doors and allows it to be started. An AM/FM radio with in dash 6-CD changer is standard. New technology enhances conventional radio reception despite the antenna being completely concealed within the windshield glass. Optional features include a DVD-navigation system with voice guidance.

 

A menu-selectable head-up display can be projected onto the windshield in the line of sight on the road ahead, allowing the driver to focus on driving while still being able to monitor vehicle speed and other critical vehicle information. There are two settings: Street and Track; each setting is pre-programmed to display information, including g-forces, that is relevant for each respective - and very different - situation.

 

Small-block V8

 

The LS2 6.0-liter small-block V-8, the standard engine in the Corvette, is based on GM's Gen IV small-block family of engines and raised the bar for performance in the Corvette. With peak output levels of 404 horsepower (297 kW) and 546 Nm of torque, it has 60 horsepower more than the previous model.

 

An aluminium block casting incorporates provisions for external knock sensors and revised oil galleries to improve serviceability. The cylinder bore diameter increased to 101,6 mm, increasing displacement from 5,7 to 6,0 liters and the camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased cylinder head flow, while the engine's compression ratio is raised to 10.9:1 and the "redline" raised to 6500 rpm.

 

Transmissions

 

The Corvette uses an upgraded and revised Tremec T56 six-speed transmission, which is offered with revised gearing with the Z51 Performance Package. To increase durability in sustained high-speed situations a transmission cooler is fitted. The Tremec six-speed manual features improved shifting characteristics thanks to numerous upgrades, including synchronizers that reduce travel by 10 percent, and a redesigned shift lever. The Tremec transmission is available with two sets of ratios. The more aggressive gear set is reserved for Corvette's standard Z51 Performance Package and is tailored with numerically higher gears to improve acceleration.