Chevrolet Corvette (C6)

Chevrolet Corvette (C6)

Chevrolet Corvette coupe
Overview
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors)
Production June 2004–February 28, 2013
Model years 2005–2013
Assembly United States: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Designer Tom Peters (2000)[1]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style
Layout FMR layout
Platform Y-body
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 105.7 in (2,685 mm)
Length
  • 174.6 in (4,435 mm)
  • 175.6 in (4,460 mm) (Z06, ZR1)
Width
  • 72.6 in (1,844 mm)
  • 75.9 in (1,928 mm) (Z06, ZR1)
Height
  • Coupe: 49 in (1,245 mm)
  • 2005–06 Convertible: 49.2 in (1,250 mm)
  • 2007–09 Convertible: 49.1 in (1,247 mm)
  • Z06 Coupe: 49.0 in (1,245 mm)
  • 2010– Convertible: 48.7 in (1,237 mm)
Curb weight
  • C6 Z06: 1,420 kg (3,131 lb)
  • C6 ZR1: 1,530 kg (3,373 lb)
  • C6 Grandsport: 1,542 kg (3,400 lb)
  • C6 Z06 Z07: 1,394 kg (3,073 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Successor Chevrolet Corvette (C7)

The Chevrolet Corvette (C6) is a sports car that was produced by Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 2005 to 2013 model years. The sixth generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model. Production variants include the Z06, ZR1, Grand Sport, and 427 Convertible. Racing variants include the C6.R, an American Le Mans Series GT1 championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE-Pro winner.

Overview

Chevrolet Corvette coupe
Chevrolet Corvette convertible

The Corvette C6 featured new bodywork with exposed headlamps, revised suspension geometry, a larger passenger compartment, a larger 6.0 L (364 cu in; 5967 cc) engine and a higher level of refinement.[2] It is 5.1 inches (13 cm) shorter than the C5, but the wheelbase was 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. Like the C5, the Corvette C6's suspension consisted of independent unequal-length double wishbones with transverse fiberglass mono-leaf springs and optional magnetorheological dampers.

With an automatic transmission, the Corvette achieves 15 mpg‑US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp) / 25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) mpg (city/highway); the manual-transmission model gets 16 mpg‑US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg‑imp) / 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) mpg.[3] The Corvette's 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. This boosts the EPA's derived fuel economy thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax. GM badges were added to the car in 2006.

Beginning with the 2008 model year, the Corvette received a new engine, the LS3. With displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376 cu in; 6162 cc),[4] power was increased to 430 hp (321 kW) at 6500 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.[5] The previous Tremec T56 transmission on manual Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in model year 2008.[6] 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 4.0 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette.[7] From 2008 onward, steering was revised for improved feel and the wheels were updated to a new five-spoke design.[7] The last Corvette C6, a white 427 convertible, was completed on February 28, 2013.[8]

Z06

Corvette Z06 coupe
Corvette Z06 coupe

The Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005 and is the lightest of all Corvette models. The Z06 was equipped with the largest-displacement small-block ever produced, a new 7.0 L (427 cu in) engine codenamed LS7. The LS7 produced 505 hp (376 kW) and is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine put into a production car from General Motors. In addition to the larger displacement engine, the Corvette Z06 has a dry sump oiling system, and connecting rods made out of titanium alloy. The frame of the Z06 is constructed from aluminum, saving 136 pounds (61 kg) over the standard steel frame. Other weight saving measures such as balsa wood/carbon fiber composite floors and a magnesium alloy engine cradle were used. The Z06's body differentiates itself from the standard Corvette with its larger front and rear fenders and an intake inlet scoop on the front bumper. The front fenders are constructed with carbon fiber and the rear fenders contain ducts to aid in cooling the rear brakes. The Z06 weighed 3,130 lb (1,420 kg),[9] giving it a weight to power ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower (3.8 kg/kW), allowing it to achieve a fuel economy of 15 mpg‑US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp) in the city and 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp) on the highway.[10] The Z06 was the official pace car for both the 2006 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 race. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and 1/4 mile in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph in October 2005. A pre-production/pre-official model was recorded by AMS against the 483bhp Porsche 996 GT2 with a slower 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds and a 0-to-400-meter time of 12.7 seconds in May 2004.[11]The Z06 contains the following enhancements over the standard C6 Corvette:

For 2011 the Z06 carbon edition was introduced, which carries over multiple parts from the ZR1 including carbon ceramic brakes, active suspension, and other carbon fiber aerodynamic pieces. Only 500 Z06 Carbon Editions were made. Actual production numbers were much lower, in total only about 250 were Carbon Editions and 250 were optioned the same but did not have the carbon hood. In 2012 and 2013, these options can be ordered through the Z07 package on the Z06.[12]

ZR1

Corvette ZR1
Corvette ZR1

The ZR1 is a Corvette variant that was first reported by several print and online publications, based on rumors that General Motors was developing a production version of the Corvette above the Z06 level under the internal code name Blue Devil (named after CEO Rick Wagoner's alma mater, Duke University). The exotic car was originally rumored to feature a supercharged LS9 engine producing more than 650 hp (485 kW) with prices reported to exceed $130,000.99 USD.[13]

Corvette ZR1 Hood

The October 12, 2006 issue of AutoWeek published photos by photographer Chris Doane of a C6 with special auto-manufacturer-issued license plates on a Z06 with a hood bulge, widely thought to confirm the presence of a supercharger on the Blue Devil. Other names attached to the project included Corvette SS[14] and Corvette Z07.[15] In February 2007, a worker at a Michigan shipping company posted pictures online of a powertrain development mule that was being shipped to Germany, believed to be part of the Blue Devil program. The car had manufacturer's license plates, carbon-ceramic brakes, enlarged fender vents, a hood bulge, and an engine with a positive-displacement supercharger in the valley between the cylinder banks and a water-to-air intercooler atop it. GM began to release details on the Blue Devil project in April 2007, and revealed the ZR1 in December. The company confirmed the existence of the project in an interview with Car and Driver on April 13. Power levels were confirmed to be between 600 and 700 horsepower (447 and 522 kW), but contrary to prior rumors of a supercharged 6.2 liter engine, the engine was only confirmed to have greater displacement than the 7.0 liter LS7 in the Z06.[16] Motor Trend confirmed the official name for the production Blue Devil, resurrecting the old ZR1 nameplate. 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.[17] General Motors officially revealed the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on December 19, giving a press release and photographs of the car. GM confirmed a supercharged 6.2 L LS9 V8 producing 638 hp (476 kW). The ZR1 is capable of reaching a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h);[18] Carbon fiber is used on the roof, hood, fenders, front splitter, and rocker moldings; the hood and fenders are painted over, while the roof and splitter are merely covered in a clear-coat, retaining their black color. A polycarbonate window is placed in the center of the hood, allowing the engine intercooler to be seen from the exterior. 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. Carbon-ceramic brakes are included. The brake calipers are painted blue, as are the engine intercooler trim and the ZR1 logo. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is also included on the car, with sensors to automatically adjust stiffness levels based on road conditions and vehicle movement.[19]

Grand Sport

Corvette Grand Sport

The 2010 Grand Sport was unveiled at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum.[20] The Grand Sport replaces the previous Z51 option. The GS or Grand Sport was equipped with the following enhancements:

Engines

TypeYears Corvette
LS22005-2007
LS72006-2013
LS32008-2013
LS92009–2013

LS2 was replaced by LS3 in 2008 - 2013 vehicles.

LS3 engine in the GS convertible or Grand Sport coupe equipped with an automatic transmission is wet sump instead of dry sump.[21]

Limited Editions

Ron Fellows Special Edition (2007)

399 Ron Fellows Special Edition Z06 Corvettes were produced in 2007 with an option cost of $7,500.00. Option included Arctic White paint with Monterey Red Grand Sport style fender stripes, Arctic White "CORVETTE" script windshield banner, Ebony/Red interior, body color exterior door handles and full-width rear spoiler, unique console and dash pod trim pattern, Red center console lid with C6 logo embroidery (signed and numbered by Ron Fellows) and 427 hood emblems.

ZHZ (2008)

Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ

500 examples of the ZHZ - mechanically a C6 coupé with the LS3 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, vacuum actuated valve exhaust, F55 suspension and unique 7-spoke chrome wheels - were produced for The Hertz Corporation's Fun Collection for 2008 in targa versions. 350 convertibles were produced for Hertz in 2009.[22] All cars were finished in yellow with a broad black stripe along the hood and roof.[23]

GT1 Championship Edition (2009)

The GT1 Championship Edition is an option package for the C6 that was unveiled in the 2009 New York Auto Show.[24] It celebrates the Corvette C6.R's entry into the GT1 class of ALMS in 2009. Its Based on Corvette Coupe 4LT, Convertible 4LT or Z06, it comes with same yellow body hue that adorns the C6.R or "41U" black, along with a "Jake" graphic that spans the Championship edition's hood. Chrome wheels and a body-colored spoiler pulled from the ZR1 join a "carbon pattern" engine cover, while inside a leather-wrapped ebony interior contains "GT1" embroidered on the seats, an instrument panel and a center console armrest. Non-Z06 models also include a Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance exhaust.

100 units of each model (600 total) were built, each carrying a $7,840 premium over standard models.[25]

Z06 Carbon Limited Edition (2011)

In March 2010, Chevrolet announced that 500 Z06 Carbon Limited Editions will be made available as a 2011 model beginning in Summer 2010. The car will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and an all-new Supersonic Blue. On the exterior, the car will get black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style spoiler, carbon fiber hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter. Inside, the Z06 Carbon has ebony leather and suede seats with body color-matching stitching. Other improvements include Magnetic Selective Ride Control, a special carbon engine cover, 20-spoke black 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels, and ZR1’s carbon ceramic Brembo brakes.[26]

Cadillac XLR

The Cadillac XLR is a luxury roadster that was marketed by Cadillac from 2004 to 2009 model years.[27] Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the XLR was based on the Chevrolet Corvette's Y platform. Designed to be more in the grand tourer market segment than a sports car, the XLR version featured different exterior and interior design, standard adaptive suspension system, a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine, and a power-retractable aluminum hardtop.[28]

Production notes

YearProductionNotes
200537,372New C6 body is first with fixed headlights since 1962; no Z06 model and a late convertible introduction
200634,021differential is re-designed; Z06 debuts; 6-speed automatic with paddle shift available on non-Z06 models
200740,5616-speed automatic paddle shift delays are reduced drastically compared to 2006; larger glovebox
200835,310LS3 introduced, Tremec TR6060 transmission, new steering system, NPP exhaust, improved interior on all models, All leather interior added (4LT, 3LZ)
200916,956ZR1 model added, new "Spyder" wheels for Z06
201012,194Grand Sport Coupe and Convertible added, replacing the Z51 performance packages, launch control standard with manual transmission
201113,596 Z06 Carbon limited edition; Z07 performance package added for Z06; new 5-spoke wheels for base models
201211,647New seat design and steering wheel; Chevrolet Centennial Edition package offered
201313,466427 Convertible collector edition added in final year for C6; 60th Anniversary design package offered

total:215,123

Concept cars

Z06X

Chevrolet Corvette Z06X
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z06X

The Z06X was designed to be a factory built road race car similar to cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and Dodge Viper ACR-X. The concept car was built by GM with the help of Pratt & Miller Engineering. The Z06X features racecar components such as: carbon fiber adjustable rear wing, carbon fiber front splitter, full roll cage, fire suppression system, race seat, harness, carbon ceramic brakes, upgraded cooling system, polycarbonate rear window, adjustable coilovers, adjustable sway bars, and tow hooks; the radio, interior carpeting and sound-deadening materials have been removed.[29] The suspension system was designed and supplied by Pfadt Race Engineering.[30]

Racing

C6.R

Corvette C6.R

File:Dijon Neon Callaway Wako's ED 2012 Super GT Sugo free practice.jpg

The C6.R was a replacement for the C5-R, built by Pratt & Miller, and unveiled for its first competition at the 2005 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race of the American Le Mans Series. It came in second and third in its class, just behind the new Aston Martin DBR9 race car. It was put on display a week later at the New York International Auto Show next to the Z06.

In 2006, the Corvette C6.R won both American Le Mans GT1 Championships: Teams and Manufacturers. On March 17, 2007 it won the GT1 class in the 12 Hours of Sebring.

For Le Mans 2007, four C6.R's were on the entry list, the two Corvette Racing entries joined by single entries from the Luc Alphand Aventures and PSI-Motorsport teams.

The heart of the C6.R, its LS7.R motor, was crowned as Global Motorsport Engine of the Year by a jury of 50 race engine engineers on the Professional Motorsport World Expo 2006 in Cologne, Germany.

As the GT1 class dwindled, Corvette Racing switched to the GT2 class during the 2009 ALMS season.

For 2011, the aerodynamics of the ALMS cars were modified to be similar to the ZR1. This car has since won the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes. In 2012, the Corvette C6.R won again in the GTE-Am category.

In addition to the American Le Mans Series, Corvette C6.Rs also race in the FIA GT1 World Championship. The GT1 cars are given more power and have less aerodynamics restrictions than the Le Mans cars, which follow GT2 regulations.

Riley GT

Riley Technologies built a GT2-class Chevrolet Corvette for the 2008 American Le Mans Series. The car also raced at the 2009 Petit Le Mans, where it beat both Pratt & Miller-built factory cars in qualifying.

Z06-R

Corvette Z06-R GT3

Entered in the FIA GT3 European Championship series as a GT3 class car, the Z06-R is a modified production Z06. Changes were necessary to make the car endurance race ready. These include a stripped interior, full rollcage for safety, center-locking wheels, carbon fiber doors, rear deck spoiler and front splitter. The LS7 and LS3-engine and drivetrain are built by APP Racing Engines from the Netherlands. The car is not road legal.

Eight Z06-R were constructed by Callaway Competition GmbH[31] in Leingarten, Germany, for the 2006 season. The French team Riverside campaigned a three car team.[32] In an effort to achieve parity among the disparate participants of the GT3 Series, three forms of handicapping were applied by the FIA regulators: additional vehicle weight, ride height, and tire compound selection. The Corvettes were raced with all three handicaps employed. The Z06R won the FIA GT3 European Championship in its second year of entry.[33] By 2011, all Z06-R teams discontinued their racing efforts in GT3, ending the car's FIA career. Z06-Rs are also campaigned in national championships.

Special Coverage for Service Recalls

15682-03: Special Coverage – Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks – (Jan 17, 2017) Some 2007 to 2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles may have a condition where a fuel odor is detected, fuel droplets appear below the left-hand fuel tank with fuel gauge level above 1/2, or a malfunction indicator lamp illuminates due to a leak path in the left-hand fuel pump module flange. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.[34] Bulletin Description Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin PDF

See also

References

Notes

  1. ↑ "2005 Corvette: “The First C6”". Super Chevy. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  2. ↑ Archived March 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ↑ "EPA estimate". Fueleconomy.gov. Archived from the original on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  4. ↑ Archived August 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  5. ↑ "LS3 Overview - GM Powertrain" (DOC). GM media.
  6. ↑ "Six-Speed Manual Tremec T56 (MM6/M12) Car Transmission" (DOC). GM. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  7. 1 2 "First Drive: 2008. 2009, and 2010 Chevrolet Corvette". Edmunds.com. 2007-04-27. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  8. ↑ "Last C6 Corvette rolls off the line". Autoweek. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  9. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-10-16. - National Corvette Museum 2006 Z06 Spec Page
  10. ↑ "EPA estimate". Fueleconomy.gov. 2006-09-10. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  11. ↑ auto motor und sport 11/2004 - 2004 Porsche 911 GT2 gegen 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
  12. ↑ http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/download/0703_hc_and_os_powertrain_ss.pdf
  13. ↑ Is Blue Devil Alive? Chevy Performance Might Be Heating Up article from AutoWeek
  14. ↑ Gritzinger, Bob. "Auto Week prototype Blue Devil photos". Autoweek.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  15. ↑ Z07 coming in late 2008 article by Motor Trend
  16. ↑ 2009 Corvette Blue Devil confirmed and in final tuning phase - Daily Auto Insider article by Car and Driver
  17. ↑ "Corvette Blue Devil (finally) gets a name - ZR1". Blogs.motortrend.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  18. ↑ Top 10 Speeds Clocked on the Autobahn | by Jamie Page Deaton & Kristen Hall-Gei sler | retrieved: September 17, 2015 http://auto.howstuffworks.com/5-fastest-speeds-on-autobahn1.htm
  19. ↑ "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 unveiled". Leftlanenews.com. 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
  20. ↑ Neff, John (2009-04-24). "Chevy Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2010!". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  21. ↑ Abuelsamid, Sam (2009-09-30). "Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  22. ↑ "Hertz Corvette ZHZ". Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  23. ↑ "The Corvette ZHZ". Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  24. ↑ Paukert, Chris (2009-04-08). "New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  25. ↑ Lavrinc, Damon (2009-02-19). "Look like the Champ: 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  26. ↑ "Limited Edition 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon". Automoblog.net. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  27. ↑ Csere, Csaba (June 2003). "2004 Cadillac XLR". Car and Driver. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Cadillac XLR Discontinued". US News. January 27, 2009. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  29. ↑ GM Media "2010 SEMA Chevrolet Corvette Track Car", retrieved on 2010-11-17.
  30. ↑ Pfadt Race Engineering "GM equips Corvette Z06X, Camaro SSX with full suspension upgrades and chooses Pfadt Race Engineering", retrieved on 2010-11-17.
  31. ↑ Callaway Cars#C15 .28FIA Corvette GT3.29
  32. ↑ "2006 Oscherleben Race". Vetteweb.com. 2007-02-26. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  33. ↑ "Victory in Dubai". Corvettemotorsport.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  34. ↑ Special Coverage – Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel And Vapor Leaks "AUTHOR: OEMDTC" Special Coverage Adjustment. Published August 24, 2016.

Bibliography

  • Holmes, Mark (2007). Ultimate Convertibles: Roofless Beauty. London: Kandour. pp. 60–61. ISBN 978-1-905741-62-5. 
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