(continued)
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.
The new Corvette is 5 inches (127 mm) shorter and about 1 inch (25 mm) narrower
than its predecessor. Larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear) are
topped by dramatic fender forms. Exposed headlamps (not seen on Corvettes since
1962) combine with the grille to create a stronger “face” on the car. The fixed
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps provide superior lighting performance.
The Coupe’s removable-roof panel is 15 percent larger, yet offers the same
structural stiffness as C5’s while weighing just 1 pound (0.45 kg) more. The
tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear
design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust.
At 0.28 coefficient of drag, the C6 is the most aerodynamic Corvette ever, and
has improved anti-lift characteristics that improve high-speed stability.
The Corvette Convertible
The 2005 Corvette features an optional power-operated soft top. An
easy-to-operate manual top remains standard. Both configurations use a
five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up
appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces
road noise.
Every option available on the Coupe can be had on the Convertible, including
features new to the Corvette such as OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental
U.S. only) and DVD navigation system.
OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information
services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and
wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal
Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated
phone calls using a powerful three-watt analog system and external antenna for
greater reception.
Power
The 2005 Corvette features the new 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine based on GM’s Gen IV
small-block family. The car is capable of 186 mph (300 km/h), faster than any
production Corvette in history. It reaches zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2
seconds, and in 4.1 seconds with the optional Z51 Performance Package, and
covers the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph (183 km/h).
Shifting Gears
The Tremec six-speed manual features improved shifting characteristics thanks to
numerous upgrades, including new synchronizers that reduce travel by 10 percent,
and a redesigned shifter lever.
The Tremec is available with two sets of ratios. The more aggressive gear set is
reserved for Corvette’s Z51 Performance Package and is tailored with numerically
higher gears to improve acceleration. Also, a numerically lower fifth gear gives
the Z51 better fuel efficiency and a higher top speed than base models. To
increase durability in sustained high-speed situations, the Z51 and the base
European manual-transmission models have a transmission cooler.
The Hydra-Matic 4L65-E automatic transmission is an upgraded version of the C5’s
4L60-E, strengthened and revised to accommodate the LS2’s torque. It includes
GM’s advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting, which automatically selects the
optimal gear for a given driving condition.
To beef up the internals, a five-pinion planetary gear set was added – replacing
a four-pinion gear set. The extra gear reduces friction and loads carried by all
the gears. For protection from the high temperatures that are generated by high
speed, a four-plate oil cooler has been added.
Inside
The passion of the exterior’s design is reflected in an all-new interior. Even
with the car’s more compact exterior dimensions, the new interior has just as
much usable room – including class-leading cargo space that can swallow two golf
bags. Greatly improved materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver
premium quality meant to enhance performance driving.
The theme was inspired by Corvette's dual-cockpit heritage, with a flowing,
wraparound upper feature line. The result lends spaciousness to the passenger
and a nestled cluster pod for the driver.
The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim
that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has
double the life of conventional trim materials. Aluminum trim adds richness.
An AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 capability is standard. New technology
enhances conventional radio reception. An improved optional Bose audio system
with an in-dash six-disc changer and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only)
add to the choices available to the audiophile owner.
A full-function OnStar system is available, and for the first time, Corvette
offers onboard navigation as an option. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color
touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the
United States and Canada on one disc.
Chassis
Overall vehicle weight is significantly reduced, despite mass-increasing
features such as larger wheels and tires, more robust brakes and increased body
acoustics. It also delivers a quieter, more pleasing ride.
The car retains the hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which
features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted
transmission and aluminum cockpit structure.
Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings,
stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear
Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and
compound technology for run-flat capability.
The optional F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological
dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those
surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. The system has been improved
to deliver more differentiation between the system’s “Tour” and “Sport”
settings.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe performance very close to the widely
admired C5 Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger
stabilizer bars, and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches/340 mm in
front and 13 inches/330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still
providing a comfortable ride.
With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems – anti-lock
braking, traction control, and Active Handling – operate in concert. In all, the
new dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept
at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to
expect from their Corvette.
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