Corvette C6

Sales designation:	Corvette
Production period:	2005 to 2013
Class :	sports car
Body versions :	Coupe , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline : 6.0-7.0 liters (298-476 kW)
Length:	4435-4459 mm
Width:	1844-1927 mm
Height:	1246 mm
Wheelbase :	2686 mm
Curb weight :	1418-1538 kg
previous model	Corvette C5
successor	Corvette C7

The Corvette C6 is the sixth edition of the US sports car Corvette produced by General Motors , which was manufactured from January 2005 to February 2013.

History

Since its launch in June 1953, the Corvette has over six generations so far with about 1.5 million copies made . The sports car with the fiberglass body is known worldwide and an integral part of the American sports car history. The Corvette has been immortalized in many songs and films and has become a sports car cult object, as well-known people in the film and music industry owned or own a "Vette".

In addition to the significantly changed appearance are used for the first time since the Corvette C1 again open instead of the now typical folding headlights . In addition, the new C6 got a larger and more efficient V8 engine, the chassis has been revised, improved driving characteristics and upgraded the interior.

The latest model of the Corvette now officially no longer carries the Chevrolet brand in Europe . The reason for the separation of the name is given by the distribution of Daewoo vehicles under the name Chevrolet in Europe. It wants to preserve the sporty-upscale image of Corvette, it says from the official side.

The latest Corvette is technically more modern than ever, but is stylistically based on design elements of earlier model generations. However, the new edition of the sports car was presented with a one-year delay; Thus, the 50th Corvette anniversary celebrated in the summer of 2003 had to go off without the premiere of the C6. The premiere finally took place in 2004 in the United States at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit . Nevertheless, it took another good year until the C6 also came on the roads: The C6 was delivered to the first customer in 2005.

The sixth-generation Corvette, available as a coupe or convertible, now comes with a heavily revised, larger and above all more powerful V8 engine on. The sports car also benefits from improved handling compared to its predecessors. Numerous improvements to the body and interior as well as the higher workmanship of the Corvette to strengthen the competitiveness of the sports car. The C6 has no real weaknesses and many strengths. It has world class performance, a high level of comfort and it is almost half the price of a Porsche Carrera S to have . That they are because of the special high-torque engine with large displacementand the chassis with transversely mounted leaf springs instead of coil springs does not feel the same as, for example, the European competitors.

The current basic models are the C6 Coupé with traditionally removable roof ( Targa ) and the C6 Convertible (convertible). These were from 2005 to 2007 equipped with the 6.0-liter LS2 engine. Since 2008, the still current 6.2-liter LS3 is used, the most powerful engine ever installed in a Corvette, which can be combined with the automatic transmission. The sport version Z06 and the top version ZR1 are only available with manual, conventional manual transmission. The ZR1 is the most powerful production Corvette ever developed.

All of these current Corvette models also benefit from the successful Le Mans racing technique. With the ZR1 , a reissue of the ZR-1 from the year 1989, 2008 began a whole new chapter in the Corvette history, because she is with 476 kW (647 hp) performance the fastest and strongest production Corvette.

With more compact exterior dimensions and relatively high performance, the C6 is so far the most successful Corvette generation.On February 2013 in the GM factory in Bowling Green (Kentucky), the last Corvette C6 was built. It was a Corvette 427 Convertible in Arctic White, equipped with the Z06 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine and the 60th Anniversary design package. A total of 215,100 Corvettes series C6 were built, of which 13,466 attributable to the 2013 model year.

While the new C6 was greeted with applause at the first global show in 2005, critics said it was not new enough to meet that claim. The Corvette C6 was the first to be developed simultaneously with another General Motors car by the same team. This was the Cadillac XLR , a luxurious two-seater with folding hardtop, launched in 2004. Only after completing development of the Cadillac XLR could the Corvette team devote their full attention to the C6. After all, it has been in the development phase since 2000.

In the sixth generation, the Corvette is still considered the American sports car. In the meantime, although clearly Europeanized in design, it has retained characteristics such as the small-block V8 engine, the fiberglass body , the extremely light and durable leaf springs and extensive standard equipment over the 50-year history . The Corvette C5 has often been criticized for being too big for a high-end sports car. If it were smaller, it would be cheaper to produce and more suitable for city traffic. The latter argument applied in particular to the European sales market, where GM wanted to increase the sales quota.

When the C6 finally came on the market, these intentions were confirmed; she was actually smaller than her predecessor. Overall, the body was 13 cm shorter and 2.5 cm narrower. However, the wheelbase increased to 269 cm, which is 3 cm more than the C5. At the same time, the wheels were also one inch larger: front 18 "wheels and rear 19" wheels were installed. The boot shrank from 700 l to 620 l for the Coupé / Targa variant and for the Cabriolet version from 390 l to a maximum of 290 l.

The C6 has been omitted for a long time on a special feature: After 42 years, the folding headlamps were replaced by conventional, permanently mounted, open headlights, which had not existed in a Corvette since 1962. Due to the aggressively styled headlights, the new C6 is visually immediately distinguishable from the other Corvette generations . Even otherwise, a lot has changed on the Corvette C6; Although she has not completely lost her American flair, but it was made Europe-compliant.

The new LS2 engine in the normal C6 Coupe and Convertible is still the well-known so-called small-block V8, but it has been revised. Displacement was increased from 5,666 cc (5.7 liters) to 5,967 cc (6.0 liters) over its LS1 predecessor and the compression rate increased from 10.1: 1 to 10.9: 1. A refurbished air intake provides 15 percent more air. The exhaust system was made from newly developed light metal, resulting in thinner walls and 20 percent improved outflow. The maximum output of 257 kW (350 hp) at 5200 rpm of the Corvette C5 was raised to 298 kW (405 hp) at 6000 rpm. Thanks to a new water pump and an aluminum sump, the new LS2 weighed just under 7 kg less. From 2008, the displacement of the now designated LS3 engine was even at 6,

The C6 has a rear mounted with the differential in a housing transmission (so-called transaxle design) for a better weight distribution in the vehicle, as well as an aluminum cockpit structure, just like the C5. The same applies to the front and rear independent wheel suspensions in the so-called SALA version (Short Arm / Long Arm = one short and one long wishbone each); this design reflects the most racing-inspired suspension change in Corvette history. The suspension, wishbones , shock absorbers , bushings, stabilizers and steering gear were also adopted by the C5, but revised over its predecessor. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires(EMT) use the latest design, sidewall and compounding techniques for runflat tires . The new model is available with either a manual six-speed gearbox, a four-speed automatic or a six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic mode from 2006. Unlike the C5, the optional manual gearbox is available at no extra cost.

Generally, the chassis and chassis were taken from the C5 and partially provided with new parts. The car is considered better manoeuvrable. The Corvette C6 brings many new features and improvements over its predecessor and has increased performance.

From 2004 Performance improvements were made for the coupe and convertible; Among other things, with the optional availability of a new, electronically controlled 6-speed gearbox with paddle-shift function including automatic mode. The transmission has three driving programs: While Drive, the automatic switches rather smoothly and normally, the shifting moments are set shorter in sports mode. The Paddle-Shift function allows manual selection of the gears to be shifted by means of paddles on the steering wheel. A wide spread of the gearbox allows a balanced balance between acceleration and economy.

In the interior, a new sporty three-spoke steering wheel is also among the innovations from 2006. The new steering wheel with 370 mm diameter is smaller than the previous four-spoke model. It is characteristic of a sporty design, which is also implemented in other performance-oriented Chevrolet vehicles.

As of 2006, the previously manually controlled airbag switch was also replaced. All Corvettes now come with advanced two-stage front airbags with General Motors'new Passenger Sensing System (PSS) . PSS uses sensors to automatically switch the passenger airbag function on or off.

For the 2006 model, the previously manually controlled airbag switch for the passenger was replaced by an automatic, so-called Passenger Sensing System (PSS). Based on the seating position and the weight sensors of the system register whether a child or a smaller person is in the passenger seat. If the sensor detects an unoccupied passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, it automatically shuts off the passenger airbag for safety reasons. A status indicator on the rear-view mirror notifies occupants of whether or not the passenger's airbag is off.

Other changes to the 2006 Corvettes included a new 370 mm diameter (9.4 inch) three-spoke steering wheel. The new steering wheel is smaller in diameter than the previous four-spoke model and improves the curve handling.

The combined with a Bose audio system XM Satellite Radio was now part of the standard delivery. The antenna of the XM radio is installed invisibly so as not to disturb the body design.

New color for the interior from 2006: Titanium Gray replaces Steel Gray as one of the selectable interior colors for the Corvette.

For the model year 2008, the Corvette C6 has been revised, these modifications will be discussed in more detail in each of the sections. Among other things, engine, transmission, suspension and handling properties have been improved. The interior design has been modernized and upgraded. The body, however, was not touched, so that the models visually from 2008 differ from the previous ones. Probably the most important upgrade is the new LS3 engine, whose displacement and power have been increased. Many details have been improved since 2008, but these changes are not noticeable to a layman at first glance. Excluded from this model care remain only the Corvette Z06 and the later released ZR1.

All models now feature a redesigned dash center console bezel with bright bezel shifters and cup holders. Striking are the new metallic sills and the new, illuminated control button for the optional suspension control system Magnetic Selective Ride Control . In addition, there is an audio input connector for MP3 players on all audio systems with the exception of the navigation system, and a new hand-held transmitter for central locking and keyless go system, which combines key and remote control functions in one unit. Many faucets and control knobs now have chrome trim that makes the interior look more sophisticated and modern.

Available in coupe, convertible and Z06 models, the custom leather interior trim package includes a new two-tone leather trim, available in Linen or Sienna finishes. The seats, upper and lower dashboard and door panels are made of leather. The dashboard on the passenger side shows a Corvette emblem, the headrests are, however (with the Corvette crossed flags logo Crossing Flags ) embroidered, joins a special center console trim panel with Bias pattern.

The DVD navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and integrated satellite radio and the automatic dimming rearview mirror are now fitted as standard. These options were previously either not installed in the United States and in special models such as "Competition" or only available with the luxury package at extra cost. In addition, these cheaper competition versions are not equipped with the head-up display .

Coupe 

While the rear-tapering trunk lid and the sporty wedge shape highlight "high-speed performance", the sleek design of the redesigned rear section features the typical four round taillights and center-centered four tailpipes. The new xenon fixed headlights offer better light output than the often criticized C5 lights, the Coupé models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.

However, the new design of the C6 has sparked controversy among auto fans. While some welcome the modern look, other classic Corvette elements, such as the extravagant bodywork and the folding headlamps, are lacking . These were replaced by open headlights. The Corvette C6 now looks no different from the front of a Dodge Viper . The body shrank in length by about 140 mm and in width by about 30 mm compared to the predecessor C5 . With these dimensions, the new Corvette has approximately the format of a current Porsche 911However, the body of the C6 is wider and lower than that of the Porsche. Despite the compactness, the C6 has about the same weight as the C5. The wheelbase grew by 20 mm to 2680 mm. Thus, the expansive shapes of the C5, which still embodied the typical design of the US sports cars, were replaced by the modernized design with short body overhangs of the C6. It is criticized by Corvette fans that the new design is too European and no longer independent. The rigidity of the body and the quality of workmanship has been significantly improved compared to the C5.

The design improved body is a synthesis of modern and historical elements. The front section with the small individual headlights (xenon for low beam, halogen for high beam) under a clear plastic cover springs more modern times, while the characteristic hip kink in the flank and especially the boat-like rear with the highly curved, rear-tapered rear window and the four large round taillights strongly to the Coca-Cola bottle look of the third and most successful Corvette generation, the Corvette C3 (1967 to 1982) reminds, which was then also called "Coke-Bottle-Vette".

In the world of the Corvette, driving with an open roof has always been nothing extra. The Corvette C6 also has the traditional removable Targa roof . The roof can be removed and stowed in the specially designed upper part of the boot, leaving room for other luggage.

New exterior colors are available from model year 2006: Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat enter the Corvette color palette and replace Millennium Yellow and Magnetic Red Metallic . Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat does not exist for the Z06. The colors were already changed on late 2005 models.

Two new colors are used in the metallic finishes of the 2008 model year: Jetstream Blue Tintcoat and Red Crystal Tintcoat . They replace the colors Le Mans Blue and Monterey Red Tintcoat .

Convertible 

The Convertible Convertible now has in contrast to the C5 on a standard all-electric, five-ply fabric top . This new canopy uses a five-ply fabric that hides the underlying structure for a harmonious look when the hood is closed. It also contributes to excellent aerodynamics and reduces driving noise.

The soft top can be fully automatically opened and closed within 16 to 18 seconds by a button in the interior. Even if the soft top hard top is open, the aerodynamic design of the Corvette C6 provides low air resistance. The soft top of the convertible is now standard in Europe electric, in the United States on request but also manually available again.

The tight fabric hood with glass rear window of the Corvette convertible disappears completely under a solid cover behind the seats. Underneath are two small stowage compartments accessible from the driver's compartment. The covering Speedster cover with its two Airdomes blends seamlessly into the headrests and the sideline of the Vette, which remains untouched opposite the Coupe.

From the model year 2006, there was a new soft top color: Storm Gray replaced Gray as a shade for the selection of convertible roofs.

Two new premium colors are available for the exterior paintwork of the 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoatand Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat ; They replace the colors Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat .

Equipment 

The C6 experienced numerous technical innovations, but it also features features were taken from the C5 and revised. An attractive innovation in the Corvette C6 is the standard automatic interior release with an approximate "keyless entry" and "keyless go" system. This keyless vehicle release and engine start system allows the vehicle engine to be switched on and off in the cockpit with a start / stop button. Equally new are the electronic door openers inside and out; A gentle push of a button is enough to unlock the door.

For the first time for the Corvette in Europe as standard is a DVD navigation system with voice recognition. It has an integrated 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touchscreendisplay and a built-in DVD player. The navigation system includes all map data for the countries considered on a DVD. An optional enhanced Bose audio system with a six- disc CD changer in the dash and XM Satellite Radio now offers more choices for higher sound demands. The standard AM-FM radio is equipped with a new technology for improved conventional radio reception and offers a CD player with MP3 playability.

The head-up display (HUD) has been adopted and improved by the C5. This off-the-shelf feature projects various relevant displays such as speed, rpm, gear selection, audio settings, etc. onto the windshield. Likewise, navigation data and the g values ​​of the lateral acceleration can be displayed in real time on the HUD. It can be adjusted in brightness and can also be switched off completely. The interior was also opposite the Corvette C5upgraded. The quality of workmanship has been improved and the materials used now have a higher quality and are in part offset by different shades. The instrument panel and door panels are made of special foamed material with leather look. The steering wheel can be adjusted in the C6 in height and now electrically in the depth (telescope).

The C6 models are equipped with the so-called " OnStar " system. It offers features such as advanced handsfree phone call and digital voice recognition features. GPSand WLAN OnStar is the leading provider of on-board security and information services in the United States and Canada. This system does not work or only partly in Europe.

The Corvette C6 is equipped as standard with an airbag system with head and chest protection. Depending on the severity of the impact, the two front airbags are activated at one of two different speeds. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated if desired.

Behind the passengers, under the glass dome of the tailgate, there is a large compartment with room for luggage - even if it still stores the nine-kilogram hardtop.

Engine Model year 2005 / LS2 engine 

The V8 engine of the C6 is an evolution of the LS1 engine of the Corvette C5 . The new name is therefore "LS2". It is still the so-called "small-block" engine, which has been used for years in the Corvette and other vehicles and has been constantly modernized and improved. The displacement in the new engine of the C6 has been increased by 0.3 liters to 6.0 liters, the power of the engine is now 298 kW (405 hp) at 6000 / min, the torque 546 / minNm at 4400 / min. The LS2 engine of the C6 thus offers a power increase of exactly 44 kW (55 hp) and 63 Nm more maximum torque than the old LS1 in the C5.

The aluminum engine is controlled by a central camshaft and has two valves per cylinder. The valves are actuated by the camshaft via hydraulic tappets , ie tappets with hydraulic lash adjuster , bumpers and rocker arms. The valves are closed by simple coil springs. ^[1] The piston in the 6.0-liter engine have a diameter of 101.6 millimeters, the piston stroke is 92.0 millimeters. The predecessor engine of the C5 with 5.7 liters showed with an identical stroke piston of 99.0 millimeters.

The characteristic of the LS2 is typical for high-displacement V8 engines: it delivers a high torque already from idling speed and the power output is designed very elastic. While the previous engine, the liter output was 60.7 hp / l, the 6.0-liter engine reaches 67.9 hp / l. In comparison, modern engines with high-speed concepts of z. As BMW or Ferrari values ​​of over 100 hp per liter of displacement, but such engines require because of their design high speeds to develop power and torque, which is not the case with the Corvette because of the larger displacement.

The power-to-weight ratio of the C6 is nominally very cheap 3.7 kilograms per horsepower. This is not only the result of the relatively high engine power, but also the relatively moderate weight of the C6 due to the installed GRP body.

Model year 2008 / LS3 engine 

Since 2008, the revised engine cover has been replaced by the new LS3 V8 engine, which has been boosted from 6.0 to 6.2 liters. The power grew by 23 kW (32 hp) and the unit now provides 321 kW (436 hp) at 5900 / min, the maximum torque increased by 29 to 575 Nm at 4600 / min. Optionally, a flap exhaust, code NPP, could be ordered in conjunction with the LS3 engine. These flaps open at a certain speed and increase the performance again. With this extra charge, the engine provides 325 kW (442 hp) and 586 Nm. In the Z06 Sport version, this special exhaust is standard in both the United States and Europe.

This reissue of the Smallblock family features a revised aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners . The cylinder bore was increased from 101.62 mm to 103.25 mm, the piston stroke remains unchanged at 92 mm. Corvette Z06's streamlined LS7 / L92 cylinder heads, a revised camshaft and modified valve timing, a more dynamic valve train with offset intake rocker arms, and a revised intake manifold for better air supply to the engine are other features of the LS3 engine. The injectors are also from the LS7 engine of the Z06 model.

The valve sizes were adjusted to the larger cylinder head bores, the intake valve diameter increased from 50.8 mm to 55 mm - an increase of over 8 percent (area increase over 17%). The intake valves have lightweight and hollow valve stems that allow a maximum engine speed of 6600 rpm. The outlet valves have also become larger and now have a diameter of 40.4 mm.

To allow a more direct flow into the inlets, the intake rocker arms between the valve tip and bumper have a 6mm offset. The valves are driven by a new camshaft, whose stroke at the intake cam has been increased from 13.25 mm to 14 mm. The lift of the exhaust valves remains unchanged compared to the LS2. Valve timing has also been changed to further optimize performance.

The new intake manifold ensures maximum cylinder filling by reducing suction losses through intake pipes of different lengths. It is produced in the melt-core injection molding process . Engine noise is reduced by insulating foam, which is applied between the manifold surface and an additional sound insulation shell. In addition, the new decorative covers on the engine not only protect the toggle lid, but also provide a cultured engine noise with noise-reducing and acoustically enhanced inserts.

The C6 was in 2010 the fastest Corvette with automatic transmission, which was built as standard by General Motors so far. The two more powerful models Z06 and ZR1 are only available with manual transmission.

Transmission 

The transmission is either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, the automatic version was the model year 2005 still the 4- speed automatic transmission . This actually in their technology outdated 4-speed automatic came from the Corvette C5 and was modified and strengthened for the C6. It was decided that since the release of the C6 at General Motors no better automatic transmission was available, which withstood the high torque of the new Corvette. It was already replaced in 2006 by another, completely newly developed version with six stages.

As with all Corvette models of the newer generations, the sixth gear is a so-called overdrive and thus designed as a savings gear. This is why the last gear is extra long in order to allow lower fuel consumption at cruising speeds with low engine speeds. While the US versions are sometimes delivered with even longer translations, the European versions are equipped with a more direct and thus sportier gearbox. This relatively long translation also shows the theoretical range of the individual gears of the manual / manual transmission of the European version:
1st gear: 78 km / h, 2nd gear: 114 km / h, 3rd gear: 162 km / h, 4th gear: 228 km / h, 5th gear: 335 km / h, 6th gear: 402 km / h (theoretical).

This version of the transmission offers another advantage: The speed in the sixth gear at just under 160 km / h, depending on the gearbox version only 2000-2500 / min, which in addition to the low consumption also brings a low noise level while driving with it. This information applies to all models with manual 6-speed gearbox as well as the automatic versions from the 2006 model year with the 6-speed paddle-shift transmission. The automatic transmission, however, is longer in direct comparison to the manually switched Europe version and thus offers the opportunity to drive even lower-revving.

6-speed automatic transmission with "paddle-shift" 

From model year 2006, the already installed in the Corvette C5 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a new 6-speed version with so-called paddle shift ( shift paddles on the steering wheel). It allows both normal automatic operation and a sporty manual mode with control via paddle shifters.

The six forward gears now have a shorter gradation between the individual gears than the old 4-speed automatic transmission. This enhances the feeling of higher power over the entire rev range and also contributes to smoother running because of the lower RPM level. Compared to the previous four-speed automatic with 3.06: 1, the new transmission has a shorter gear ratio of 4.02: 1 in first gear. This results in a significantly improved performance when starting and accelerating from low speeds. There are two overdrive gears : a ratio of 0.85: 1 in fifth gear and a 0.67: 1 ratio in the sixth. The axle ratio of Corvette models with the new automatic transmission is 2.56: 1.

Technological sophistication shows the new transmission on the example of two electronically controlled modes: automatic and sport plus manual driving mode with so-called paddle-shift function. The normal drive mode D follows a specific gear selection of predetermined shift points and realizes soft gear changes, while the sport mode S the so-called performance algorithm shifting(PAS) allows. This PAS system immediately selects the optimum gear when the electronics detects a sporty driving style. In addition, sport mode combined with PAS also allows for firmer and faster gear shifts to deliver higher horsepower and higher acceleration. With the paddle-shift function, which is only available in S-mode, the gears are manually changed with paddles on the steering wheel. It is shifted to the next higher gear by pressing the buttons on the right or left of the steering wheel while pulling down the gears on the shift paddles.

The functions of the new six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic mode are controlled by an integrated controller. The controller is located inside the transmission to reduce complexity. A new 300 mm torque converter, a new carrier of hydraulic pump at the rear and the revised length of the drive shaft also support the better integration of the transmission in the Corvette.

From model year 2008 

Shifting is easier than ever from the 2008 Corvette models; This concerns the six-speed manual transmission as well as the six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. With the manual gearbox, thanks to the improved shift lever guide, a more direct shift feeling can be seen when changing gears.

The six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles for the Coupe and Convertible has been upgraded with new hardware and a new controller calibration, which shortens the shift times. This change gives the driver when pressing the shift paddles even more than before a sense of control and direct response of the transmission.

Also new from the 2008 models with automatic transmission is the more direct axle ratio of 2.73 instead of 2.56 previously. This measure makes the automatic act more agile, because the speed level has been slightly increased by the new translation.

Suspension 

For the optimization of the chassis was intensively tested in Germany - on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, on the highways, but also in city traffic. In addition to an improvement in driving dynamics, criteria such as clarity and manageability were included in the specifications for the first time. That's why the Corvette got smaller. The fiberglass body decreased in length by 13 and in width by 2.5 centimeters. At the same time, however, the wheelbase was stretched by 3.5 centimeters and the C6 rolls on larger wheels (front 18 instead of 17, rear 19 instead of 18 inches), resulting in interesting proportions and because of the further backward engine, an almost balanced weight distribution of 51 (front) to 49 percent (rear). Behind the larger aluminum wheels in five-spoke design act more powerful brakes, there are standardESP, traction control and for Europe in addition a Z51 optional package, which includes, inter alia, a chassis with a firmer vote. But even with sports cars more emphasis is placed on comfort, the C6 has longer suspension travel than its predecessor.

The ESP is called "Active Handling" in the Corvette and is adjustable in three different stages. In addition to the possibility to disable it, it allows in the so-called "sporty driving mode" until the intervention of the system a controllable drift in powerful acceleration out of curves. If the ESP is completely switched off, the C6 demands full concentration: with the standard sports suspension fast direction changes remain neutral for a very long time, but the rear pushes strongly outwards.

The suspension is very similar to that of the C5, but has been optimized and improved. As before, there are no conventional coil springs as in most other manufacturers of sports cars, but each a transverse leaf spring front and rear. The leaf spring rear axle of the Corvette is significantly lighter than a multi-link construction in vehicles of the competition. In addition, it is less expensive and achieves a longer service life. A disadvantage of this construction is the less precise wheel guidance on a wavy runway compared to a multi-link axle.

A total of three different suspension options allow the C6 driver to find the right setup for his driving style . The standard chassis is fitted as standard in the US versions. It is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. The Corvette C6 looks compared to its predecessor now even more relaxed and is even easier to drive at a faster pace.

The optional Z51 sports package in the United States is also back for the C6 and standard in Europe . The Z51 option is standard on the European models of the Corvette C6, unlike US versions. It further improves the performance of the Corvette and brings the performance of Coupé and Convertible (convertible) very close to that of the C5 Z06. The Z51 package features tighter dampers and springs, larger stabilizers , improved cooling and larger perforated brake discs (340 mm front and 330 mm rear). These extras, including better cornering and faster deceleration, ensure optimum performance on the track while still allowing comfortable driving.

Optionally, the C6 can be equipped with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension. This optional suspension is available with magneto-rheological dampers. It is able to detect road surfaces and automatically adjust the damper characteristics accordingly to the given road situation. The system has been improved over the C5 to provide a more accurate distinction between the Tour and Sport settings.

Together with each of the three different suspension systems work together an ABS, a traction control (ASR) and an ESP, which is called in the Corvette "Active Handling". The "Active Handling" is usually always active, but can be switched off together with the ASR. There is also a mode for "sporty driving". Here the ESP allows smaller drifts and intervenes later.

From model year 2008

By changing the control unit, the switching times of the six-speed automatic with shift paddles have been shortened; The manual transmission should now enable more accurate shifts. The rack-and-pinion steering has also been redesigned and is now more direct; The steering feel was thus further improved in all speed ranges. These optimizations are achieved by a particularly precise machining of the internal system components, a new, stiffer intermediate steering spindle and a modified controller calibration.

Likewise, the suspension has been completely re-tuned and more precise handling. The 2008 Corvette coupe and convertible models are delivered with wheels in the new "Split Spoke" look. The 18- or 19-inch aluminum wheels each front and rear, are now available as standard in Sparkle Silver or optional in the dark Competition Gray or also available at extra cost as a polished version. Also new are the forged five-spoke aluminum rims of the Corvette base models. The latter are highly polished and also an extra charge extra.

Tires 

As with the C5, the tires are Goodyear's "Extended Mobility Tires" (EMT) , ie run flat tires . The vehicle was delivered without spare wheel .

It can also be mounted conventional tires from other manufacturers. The tire size is 245/40 ZR 18 at the front and 285/35 ZR 19 at the rear. The alloy wheels are 18 × 8.5 inches at the front and 19 × 10 inches at the rear. To monitor the best possible air pressure, the tire monitoring system sends the current data to the "Driver Information Center" (DIC) in the cockpit.

Performance 

Overall, the Corvette C6 looks more agile than the predecessor C5 with the new 6.0-liter LS2 engine. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes according to factory specifications 4.5 seconds with the manual 6-speed manual transmission and 4.8 seconds with the automatic transmission. From 0 to 200 km / h, the acceleration time is 15.6 seconds. The maximum speed is specified at exactly 300 km / h and electronically limited in the control unit.

The suspension and the steering were also significantly improved, which also confirmed the lap time in Hockenheim of 1: 14.8 minutes determined by the car magazine sport auto 2005 in the test . For comparison, a Ferrari 360 with similar power of 294 kW (400 hp) needed 1: 15.1 minutes for a lap for the same exercise in Hockenheim and a Porsche 911 (standard version) also from 2005 had exactly 1:15 , 9 minutes and thus took more than a second longer in the test than the Corvette C6.

From model year 2008 / LS3 engine 

After the facelift 2008 with the new, more powerful 6.2-liter LS3 engine, the performance also improved slightly. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h with manual 6-speed gearbox now takes place in 4.3 seconds and with the 6- speed automatic transmission in 4.4 seconds. The top speed increased with the new engine from 300 to 306 km / h.

Another new option for the 2008 model year is the sports exhaust system, which increases engine power by four to 325 kW (442 hp) and maximum torque by eleven to 586 Nm. In addition, the sound and the sound are controlled by speed-dependent, vacuum-controlled exhaust valves in the exhaust.

C6 Competition 

In the spring of 2008, a limited edition of the new Corvette was released: the C6 "Competition". The special model visually appeals to the vehicles used in the ALMSchampionship, but is normally approved for the road. Elements optically adopted from the Corvette C6.R racing version are the silver grilles in the air intakes of the radiator grille and the trim in the same honeycomb pattern between the twin exhaust tailpipes. The rear spoiler is similar to the Z06, which is not only aerodynamically advantageous, but also refers to the inserts of the Corvette in motorsport.

In addition, the exclusive 5-star alloy wheels (18 inches at the front, 19 inches at the back) in the specially developed color "Competition Gray" underline the dynamic look of the Corvette Competition. The model Competition is limited edition and only available in black. The engine is the same LS3-6.2-liter V8 as in the normal coupe or convertible, but there is the C6 Competition only as a coupe.

"Competition" is synonymous with the new Corvette C6 for a better price-performance ratio. The Coupe 6.2 V8 Competition received a less extensive standard equipment, whereby the base price is below that of the normal coupe; this is to entice newcomers and converters to the Corvette. The austerity measures concern the head-up display and the otherwise standard navigation device; these standards of the C6 are therefore not available in this special version.

For the model year 2010/2011 appeared the revised Corvette C6 with the name "Grand Sport". This designation is a reminder of the achievements of the Corvette in racing . The term first appeared in the 1960s with the Corvette C2 and was already reused in the Corvette C4.

The body of the C6 Grand Sport has been modified from the normal C6. It is equipped with the wider rear Z06 fenders, the Z06 front spoiler and the Z06 air scoop in the hood. In addition, the air outlets in the front fenders are designed differently than on all other versions of the Corvette C6. Also, there are three air outlets in parallel behind each other instead of, for example, an individual in the normal coupe or convertible.

In the Grand Sport (GS) works the same 6.2-liter LS3 small block V8 with 321 kW (436 hp) as the normal C6. Although not for the Cabriolet, but exclusively for the Grand Sport Coupe with manual 6-speed transmission, there is an optional racing package. This includes dry sump lubrication , differential gear cooler and, for better weight distribution, a rear-mounted battery. In addition, the 6-speed gearbox got the launch control of the ZR1.

The Grand Sport has a wider track both at the front and at the rear, to better transfer the power of the V8 engine with 321 kW on the road. The offensive tuned suspension includes tighter springs, harder shocks and larger stabilizers. The brake system has perforated brake discs and 6-piston front calipers. The newly designed 5-spoke alloy wheels carry Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with runflat properties (EMT / run-flat technology), Wider tires on the Corvette Grand Sport provide improved road grip over the C6 base. The front tires are 275/35 ZR 18, the rear tires are 325/30 ZR 19. The front rim size is 9.5 × 18 inches and the rear is 12 × 19 inches. Thus, the wheels have the same dimensions as the Z06.

The lateral acceleration of the Grand Sport is 1 g and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in just 4.3 seconds (automatic: 4.4 s) at a top speed of 306 km / h. With a lap time in the test of 1: 11.9 minutes at the short Hockenheimring proves the Corvette Grand Sport their qualities. The lap time is almost exactly halfway between the "normal" C6 and the Z06.

Corvette C6 Tuner 

Based on the Corvette C6, a small series of the sports car VSpeed ​​V77 has been produced since 2014 in Radeberg, Saxony . The power of the LS3 engine was increased by 40 hp to 477 hp (351 kW), while lightweight construction, the curb weight of the vehicle dropped to 1399 kg.