Corvette C6
by RICHARD SHRYACK
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the sixth and current generation of Chevrolet Corvettes. It was introduced in 2005, and according to several issues of Motor Trend magazine, will be superseded by the C7 Corvette in the 2012 calendar year. The reduced dimensions were in response to criticism that the fifth-generation Corvette looked too wide?the new body gives the impression of a much sleeker, faster car. The current Corvette retains its relatively high fuel economy, in part by up shifting to higher gears as soon as possible and in part by its relatively low drag coefficient.
Equipped with an automatic transmission, the Corvette achieves 18/26 mpg (city/highway), and the manual transmission is slightly better at 18/28. While this boosts the EPA's derived fuel economy, thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax, it is an open secret that more than a few sixth-generation Corvette owners with manual transmissions simply have a $20 aftermarket part (CAGS eliminator) fitted to their vehicle to re-enable a normal 1-2-3-4-5-6 sequence at any RPM.
ZR1 Corvette:
A Corvette variant was first reported by several print and online publications, based on rumor from General Motors was developing a production version of the Corvette above the Z06 level, under the internal code name Blue Devil (named after GM CEO Rick Wagoner's alma mater, Duke University). The ZR1 had originally been used on developmental cars in 1971, and again as ZR-1 as the top performance model on the C4 Corvette. On December 19, 2007, General Motors officially revealed the 2009 Corvette ZR1, giving a press release and photographs of the car. Performance figures were not released, but GM acknowledged that the car was capable of 200 mph (320 km/h), making it the fastest production Corvette ever. The wheels are the largest ever placed on a production Corvette, with both front and rear wheels increasing in size and diameter over the Corvette Z06.
More than a status symbol, the all new 2008 Corvette C6 is an automotive icon, providing customers with the utmost in quality, comfort and charisma. For many years Chevy has insisted on utilizing hideaway headlamps in order to complement the Corvette' aerodynamic makeup, but now, thanks to an advance in optics and lighting technology, the lights have been exposed, providing the new Corvette with a commanding presence and amazing poise. A new profile, exposed headlamps and a slimmed down rear-end are a few of the Corvette's most notable features, along with a new brake system, engine setup and a redesigned suspension. The Corvette C6 features innovative technologies to combine high performance thrills with a luxuriously-appointed interior. Some of the car's key features include an all-new interior that maintains the Corvette hallmark dual cockpit design theme; exposed headlamps for the first time since 1962 and anew LS2 6. Luxurious interior comfort and advanced technologies The Corvette hallmark dual cockpit interior design features high quality craftsmanship and functionality.
Corvette C6 Features:
The 2008 Corvette transmits power to the rear axle through a short-throw six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission. A lower first gear ratio provides exceptional launch from standstill, while a high top gear ratio enables the automatic Corvette to cruise quickly, quietly and economically with extra-urban fuel economy figures exceeding 30 mpg. Fitted with the automatic transmission, the Corvette is capable of reaching a top speed of 186 mph and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 4. Short-throw, six-speed manual in standard guise, the Corvette C6 is equipped with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, which is pre-configured with the more aggressive gearing of the Z51 Performance Package for improved acceleration.
Enhanced chassis and suspension The Corvette chassis design features a low-weight hydro formed steel rail backbone structure, cored composite floors, an enclosed centre tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. When specified with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension option, the Corvette C6 will also have slightly softer gearing with different ratios for the manual transmission. Taut purposeful iconic styling as befits its status and an all-American automotive icon, the 2008 C6 retains the unmistakably distinctive design cues of the modern Corvette, subtly incorporating recent refinements. The four round tail lamps a Corvette trademark are complimented by the four circular exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear diffuser.
Corvette C6 Standard Features:
As standard, the C6 sits on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear, five split spoke aluminum silver alloy wheels, with 245/40 ZR18 and 285/35 ZR19 tires. The proven and trademark short-long arm (double-wishbone) and transverse composite leaf spring independent suspension configuration (front and rear) delivers a sure-footed, compliant ride and sharp, direct handling with excellent traction and stability in corners. The C6 features a long wheelbase (2686 mm), wide track (1577 mm front and 1542 mm rear), and a front-mounted engine, rear transaxle configuration. These features help to achieve an ideally balanced 51/49% front/rear weight distribution, and are all excellent ingredients for a car with agile, responsive handling.
