Smaller, faster, better-looking and more fun for less money

In 2005, for just the sixth time in its 52-year history, Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette. This sixth-generation Corvette, or C6 to Corvette aficionados, figured to be an improvement over the previous generation but I didn’t expect it to be quite this spectacular.

At first glance, the new Corvette doesn’t look dramatically different from a 2004 except for the exposed high-intensity headlights under clear polycarbonate lenses that replace the retractable headlamps. The last Corvette to feature fixed headlights was the 1962 model.

More dramatic than the headlamps, however, is a Corvette that’s faster, better looking, better built, shorter and best of all, less expensive. Base price of the coupe is $43,445, or $1,305 less than the ’04 model; the convertible is $51,445, or $305 less than the ‘ 04 it replaces. For 2006, the base price of the coupe inches up $245 and the convertible a very modest $55. New for 2006 is the return of the ultra-high performance Z06 after a one-year hiatus, with a base price of $64,890.

Visually, the Z06 can be distinguished from other Corvettes by a prominent air scoop just above the bumper on the hood, a fixed rather than removable solid colored roof, wider front and rear fenders, slightly larger exhaust tips and a slightly larger rear spoiler. Not visible are the lightweight carbon fiber front fenders that replace the traditional fiberglass, stiffer suspension, larger cross-drilled brakes and an all lightweight aluminum and magnesium frame, rather than the high-strength steel on non-Z06 models.

The Z06 is powered by an all-new 7.0-liter (427 cubic inches for us old timers) LS7 V-8 that pumps out a whopping 505 horsepower with 470 pound-feet of torque. Chevy says the Z06 will cover zero to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.7 seconds, and the quarter mile in just 11.7-seconds. Top speed is 200 miles per hour. Those numbers are quicker than the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430, cars that cost more than twice the price of a Z06. Even the standard Corvettes will hit 60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph, the fastest production Corvette ever. That’s quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

The new Corvette is five inches shorter and one inch narrower, yet interior room has thankfully grown slightly and the wheelbase has been stretched just over an inch. These dimensions result in a car that is lighter by 67 pounds for the coupe and 49 pounds for the convertible. The C6 is now the same size as a Porsche 911.

The rear end has been lowered and narrowed with four oversized taillights that glow like fighter-jet afterburners. Quad tail pipes and a small, black rear spoiler add to performance look.

The coupe comes standard with a removable body-colored top or a transparent plastic top for an additional $750. If you can’t decide, you can get both but it’ll cost $1,400.

Gone too are door handles, which have been replaced by electric solenoid buttons with keyless access. Simply have the key in your purse or pocket, and the car unlocks as you approach. You start it by pushing a button on the dash, again keeping the key in your pocket. The car automatically locks as you exit the vehicle and walk away.

The interior is all new for ’05 and much improved over the previous generations. It has shed most its “Camaro” look. Interior materials are a better grade, the dash design has improved, and I especially liked the arch-enclosed analog gauges. There’s a smaller three-spoke steering wheel on 2006 models.

Seats are incredibly comfortable and there was enough head and legroom for my too-tall 6’6” body to fit comfortably in the cockpit. Still, I found the interior rather plain, especially when compared to the contemporary exterior. Also a first are an optional DVD-based navigation system and XM satellite radio.

But the big changes for ’05 aren’t limited to visual gratifications. There’s more horsepower with a bump up from 350 in the ’04 model to 400 horsepower and a whopping 400 pound-feet torque, unleashing G-force power effortlessly at any speed. Even more impressive is the EPA fuel economy, which rates the Corvette at 18 miles per gallon in the city, 28 highway, and while premium fuel is suggested it isn’t required. Interestingly, because of its favorable gas mileage, the Corvette is the only 400- or 500-horsepower car on the market that does not have the federal gas-guzzler tax.

During my week in the driver’s seat I tested the Convertible with the six-speed manual transmission. The one annoying feature of the manual transmission is the mechanism that force-shifts the transmission from first to fourth, bypassing second and third gears unless the vehicle is under heavy acceleration. This engineering was incorporated several years ago to improve the fuel-efficiency rating, and thus eliminate the gas-guzzler tax. It’s very disconcerting to think you have shifted into second gear only to release the clutch to a powerless fourth gear at 20 to 25 miles per hour.

A four-speed automatic without a manual shift option is a no-cost option on coupe and convertible models. New for 2006 is an optional ($1,250) six-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission.

Corvette offers three suspension packages: standard, magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) and Z51 ($1,495). Think of the three as firm, firmer and firmest. My tester was equipped with the Z51, which includes firmer springs, shocks and stabilizer bars. It also has oil coolers for the power steering and transmission, large, cross-drilled brake rotors, larger Hi-Performance Goodyear F1 “run-flat” tires (18 inches up front, 19 in the rear) and an anti-roll bar. It’s available with either transmission.

Handling with the Z51 performance package was incredible with cornering like the car was on rails, with zero body lean and fantastic stability. Of course, if you push it too hard and fast, the Corvette features an Active Handling System (AHS) that automatically reduces the engine speed and applies the brakes to help reign in the power and maintain stability.

If you’d rather just sit back and enjoy the ride, you can opt for the Magnetic Ride Control option ($1,695) which allows the driver to manually select the mode of suspension from touring (soft) to sport (firm).

During my week of test-driving we were blessed with incredible weather for driving a convertible. I certainly had my share of top-down driving in our sunny “it’s the reason we live here” spring weather. For a convertible I found the Corvette to be remarkably stable with zero cowl shake or body shimmies usually associated with top-down driving.

In another “first”, ’05 features the first power top option ($1,995) since the 1962 Corvette. Manual operation is standard. In just 18 seconds the top folds neatly below the fiberglass boot lid, all with the press of a button and without ever leaving the drivers seat. Nice!
 
Standard features on all Corvettes include leather upholstery, climate control, power steering, brakes, mirrors, windows, locks and drivers seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3-playback stereo, Xenon headlamps, cruise control, carpeted floor mats and cruise control.

Options on my tester included the Preferred Equipment Group ($2,995) with head up windshield display, Homelink transmitter, seat memory package, auto dimming mirror, heated seats, premium stereo and power telescoping steering. Other options are the Z51 Performance Package and polished aluminum wheels ($1,295). The list of freestanding options includes XM Satellite Radio ($325), DVD navigation system ($1,400) and competition painted wheels ($295).

Safety features include traction control, active handling, front and side airbags (side airbags are only standard on the convertible and available as part of an option in the coupe equipment group for $1,405). For 2006, the manual passenger airbag switch has been eliminated and replaced with a system that automatically senses a child seat or small passenger and disengages or engages accordingly. Side curtain airbags are not available. Neither the 2005 nor 2006 Corvette has been crash tested by either the IIHS or NHTSA.

The new Corvette is smaller, more powerful and the best Corvette ever, having fixed most of the nagging problems from the previous generations. When compared to other performance sports cars there is little competition on bang for the buck. Corvette is a bargain, and with all the positive changes it’s easy to live with even as a daily driver. If you’ve ever wanted a Corvette this is the one to own.

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