C6 model Chevrolet Corvette - 6th generation refinement - New 2005 and on sixth gen GM performance Chevy Corvettes

"GM C6 Chevrolet Corvette until 2012 or later. Advancing a successful automotive sports car design into the SuperCar performance league" American Metal Racing by Zorly aka Paul Malessa

 

2009 Chevy C6 Corvette Coupe high res pictures

2005 Chevy Corvette C6 LS2 Convertible pics – commons

The new 2005 C6 gets all new bodywork which includes exposed headlights (no more pop up head lights), and these hadn't been seen on the Vette since 1962. The removable top on the standard model is much improved in its fit tolerances, and is much easier to put back on, and stores more securely when off. There is now a larger passenger compartment. The seats have much improved ergonomics and the climate control is simplified and improved all the way around. The whole vehicle has generally been refined.

Three new suspensions setups are available that share no parts at all from the previous C5. The base setup has a good ride. The 1st optional suspension is the optional F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension (.pdf on this system), and it has a smoother ride than the base setup, but better handling when the vehicle is pushed hard. The 2nd optional suspension is the Z51 option which entails, for the most part, beefing up the suspension, adding larger drilled rotors, and shortening the transmission gearing.

 

C6 2005-2007 6.0 LS2 Corvette engine photos

The 350 (5.7L) LS1 was dumped, and in its place now was the 6.0-liter 364 ci "LS2" which cranks out 400 ponies (298 kW), and kicks out the 0-60 runs in 4.2 seconds, and is also capable of running up to a 186 mph top speed. The six-speed manual tranny is beefed up and improved all the way around. Also, a six speed paddle shift auto is now an option. So, 6 speeds are what you get in either the auto or manual.

All these improvements and the base car actually cost less than the previous generation C5 model, and so it is a rare good time for the customers in that a new model design is a great comparative value, as GM usually had to pass the much higher than anticipated Corvette "new model" development and production costs on the customer directly, sometimes at prohibitively high prices.

 

2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Coupe pictures- commons

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pair images

The 2006 had the Z06 (introduced as a late 2005 model) back on the road again. It actually released late 2005 and packed a wicked 7.0L 427 ci LS7 kicking out 505 hp (all LS7's are hand built at the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, MI, and it is also believed that GM underrated the horsepower figures). This motor can push the 3132 lb (1421 kg) Corvette Z06 from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The LS7 also has a computer controlled top end of 198 mph. It also has a dry sump oil system, (which keeps the engine lubed when the G's would normally be pushing the oil up the sides of the oil pan and away from the oil intake with the previous systems), and uses an additional oil reservoir separate from the crankcase. This also allows the engine to be placed lower in the engine bay because of the space saved from not needing the traditional oil pan depth. The connecting rods are titanium, as are the valves.

 

7.0 L 427 CID LS7 Chevrolet Corvette engine pictures

LS7 427 CID Z06 Chevy Vette motor pics

 Chevy Corvette LS7 dry sump pictures

GM Corvette Dry Sump Engine Lubrication System pictures

The hydroformed frame (.pdf on hydroforming) on the Z06 is also aluminum vs. the steel used on the other models, but is identical outside of the different material being used for construction. The front fenders are carbon fiber. The aluminum engine cradle found on the other models is made of die cast magnesium on the Z06. This 2006 Z06 was also the pace car for both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, and of course a Pace Car edition Z06 was made available to the public.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 Aluminum Frame pictures

2007 saw a retuning of the suspension system on the Z06. There was the 500 Indy Pace Car Replica Convertibles in orange (with no major modifications from the stock unit). Also, a Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion special edition Corvette Z06, in Arctic White, with accented fender-stripes was offered.

Ron Fellows GM Corvette Z06 picture

The 2008 Z06 added the TR6060 six speed manual transmission (GM .doc info) which replaced the T-56. The steering was tweaked. Also, a leather package was now available (the 3LZ). An LS3 engine is now standard. The LS3 376 ci (6.2 L) is rated at 430 horsepower, or 436 hp with the optional two-mode exhaust system. This motor with the automatic paddle shift makes for the quickest Corvette automatic ever, snapping 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. 
Many owner's manuals are available in .pdf format if you want to take a look.

Lastly, probably the biggest Chevrolet Corvette news is the 2009 ZR1 LS9 Coupe SuperCar that was set loose in 2008.

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Corvette 6th generation (C6) Videos:

Corvette POWER video

 

Chevrolet Corvette C6 during 2008's 12 Hours of Sebring videos

 

2008 Chevrolet Corvette - First Drive - Car and Driver video

 

[ref] Wikipedia.org, rogerscorvette.com

 Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.

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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.

Read through the American Metal site archives for more high tech info on the exotic Corvette. The sites index will also display archive info on the coupe and convertible sport car Corvette. The sports cars design, concept, and high performance aspects are all explored. See the site wallpaper galleries for both the Camaro and Corvette via this free wallpapers link.

Also, please use any information with caution. These articles contain information from many sources, and it is impossible to verify the accuracy on each of these sources, so please do your own research before reacting to anything, and consult your local professional for guaranteed information.

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Corvette "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa

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