2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Coupe

Some have called the new C6 Chevy Corvette the "C5.5." They clearly don't get how new and how much better it is compared to its already excellent C5 predecessor. The 1997-2004 C5, good as it was at its relatively modest price, was less than perfect. Critics complained that its interior fell short in material quality and design, its ride was a bit too noisy and its backside (like some of theirs) was a tad too bulky.

With help from exposed headlamps and a tapered rear deck, it's the slickest Vette ever at 0.28 Cd (coefficient of drag).

Now comes the 85 percent (by weight) new sixth-generation iteration of Chevrolet's 52-year-young iconic sports car, which GM Performance Car Vehicle Line Executive (VLE) Dave Hill and his talented team have pushed much closer to perfection by starting with the C5's hydroformed steel structure and reworking virtually every other element. Chevrolet correctly claims it delivers "more power, passion and precision" than any Vette yet.


The exterior designers' mission was a fresh new look with a taste of classic 1963-1967 "mid-year" Corvette. With help from exposed headlamps (last seen on the 1962 Corvette) and a tapered rear deck and fascia with reduced aerodynamic lift for enhanced high-speed stability, it's the slickest Vette ever at 0.28 Cd (coefficient of drag). The Keyless Access system replaces mechanical door and hatch handles with solenoids and electronic actuators, and the larger (18-in. front, 19-in. rear) tires and wheels roll proudly under dramatic new fender forms.


The powertrain is a new LS2 version of GM's Gen IV aluminum small-block V8 delivering 400 thoroughbred horses harnessed to a choice of a much-improved Tremec 6-speed manual or an upgraded 4-speed automatic with perfection-seeking Performance Algorithm Shifting, which automatically selects the optimal gear for any driving condition. The most powerful standard "small-block" V8 ever offered in a Corvette, the LS2 can launch the '05 to 60 mph in a tick over 4.0 seconds and to a top speed of 186 mph. That simply makes it the fastest production Corvette in history.

The LS2 can launch the '05 to 60 mph in a tick over 4.0 seconds and to a top speed of 186 mph.

The 6-speed manual is available with two sets of ratios, the more aggressive (with numerically higher gears) specifically tailored to the available Z51 performance package. A numerically lower fifth gear gives the Z51 both higher fuel efficiency and a higher top speed compared to standard models, and a transmission cooler keeps temperatures under control.