2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Coupe

Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear all have been redesigned and dynamically developed as a system on test and race tracks including Germany's legendary 14-mile, 176-turn Nurburgring circuit. New standard Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology to provide real run-flat capability.


Three chassis choices are available: well-balanced standard suspension; F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control (with "Tour" and "Sport" settings); and Z51, which approaches the awesome C5 Z06 in handling yet remains surprisingly supple in ride. All operate in concert with three standard dynamic control systems—anti-lock braking, traction control, and Active Handling—which Chevy calls "smarter, less intrusive and more adept." Nevertheless, we strongly recommend investing in a set of all-season tires if you plan on driving a Z51 Corvette in winter weather—the awesome dry-road traction tires offer near-zero grip in snow and ice.


The C6 is five inches shorter, one inch narrower and (despite mass-increasing wheel, tire, brake and acoustics upgrades) significantly lighter than the C5 at about 3,200 lb. The interior is much improved in materials, craftsmanship, quietness and function, and new features include a Keyless Access and Start system and available DVD-based touch-screen navigation.

The design theme was inspired by Corvette's dual-cockpit heritage, with tasteful applications of bright aluminum trim.

Despite the '05's more compact exterior, the new interior has as much usable room as the '04, including "class-leading" cargo space that can swallow two golf bags and a fair amount more. The design theme was inspired by Corvette's dual-cockpit heritage, with a flowing, wraparound upper feature line and tasteful applications of bright aluminum trim. The instrument panel and doors are covered in cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like padded leather but boasts twice the life of conventional materials.


AM/FM radio (with enhanced reception) and CD player with MP3 capability are standard, while an improved Bose system with in-dash six-disc changer and XM Satellite Radio is optional. Also available are GM's OnStar convenience and security system and, for the first time in a Corvette, a DVD navigation system with a 6.5-inch color touch-screen display.