"The new 2005 to present C6 GM Chevy Corvette has similarities that go way beyond skin deep."
New C6 Corvette Exposed Headlights pictures- web-cars.com
Basically, in 2005 the new Corvette C6 model came with an all new body (along with much more that'll be covered in other articles). Besides the slicker, more rounded, and wind cheating (low drag coefficient) smoothed out design, the most obvious change to the casual onlooker are exposed headlamps, which hadn't been seen on a Vette since 1962. The C6 has an overall .28 coefficient of drag.
All C6 models get these new HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights. They are the Xenon type. These units reduced the weight, mechanical complexity (from deleting the machinery needed to raise and lower the headlights), and improved the aerodynamic efficiency, as mentioned above. There was a huge gain made from not raising the old model air brakes (pop up headlights), as the GM engineers referred to them, when lighting was needed, and these new lights are powerful, lightweight, integrated, solid, and smooth.
Overall the new C6 model is shorter and narrower, but it has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
| C6 Corvette | C5 Corvette | |
| Wheelbase | 105.7 | 104.5 |
| Overall length | 174.6 | 179.7 |
| Overall width | 72.6 | 47.7 |
| Overall height | 49.1 | 47.7 |
| Track, front | 62.1 | 61.9 |
| Track, rear | 60.7 | 62 |
The tail lights are now round instead of oval.
New C6 Corvette Round tail lamps pics- z06zone.com
Older C5 Chevrolet Corvette Oval Tail Lamps pics
The front grill is now functional and depended upon for 60% of the air intake requirements.
C6 Grill with mesh insert that highlights the opening pic - rpidesigns.com
So, in short with the new model you basically have a choice of the base C6 coupe or convertible, the Z06 coupe, the ZR1 coupe, and the C6.R or Z06-R if you are a factory type racer.
* C6 Coupe and Convertible Corvette:
The coupe is pretty much the same as the other street legal coupes described in this article, except for the fact that the base coupe foregoes much of the carbon fiber pieces that the ZR1 and Z06 have. It also does not have the small hood scoop of the Z06, or some of the other flashy body modifications added to the ZR1. The C6.R and Z06-R were mentioned to display the full line of pavement running Vettes, though obviously the race bodies are often far removed from the street legal Corvettes, except for the fact that they are designed to recognized as Vettes.
C6 Corvette Coupe pictures - gulum.net
Also, remember that this new C6 frame was designed with the structural integrity of the convertible model as a top priority. It is a tight unit and the body changes from the coupe include indexed windows for a better seal, an custom aluminum windshield frame with aerodynamics and noise reduction laboriously built in, a top made of durable 5 layer Twillfast and a 18.5% larger glass backlight (window), and the new convertible is lighter than the C5 version. Also, every option available on the coupe can be had on the convertible.
Chevy C6 Corvette Convertible pictures - autodrum.com
*Corvette Z06 Coupe: (info from motortrend.com)
1. Splitter and 30-percent-larger grille opening make Z06 a front breather; base car is a bottom breather.
2. Intake air enters through new nostril.
3. Black fender lips at the leading edge of the front wheel openings direct air around the wide tires. Generous radius at trailing edge of fender liner smoothes airflow, deflects stone damage.
4. Carbon-fiber front fenders widened slightly and incorporate larger functional air exhaust scoop. Must be clamped to a painting fixture, or the sprayers blow them away.
5. Hatchback body style weighs 22 pounds more than the previous Z06's notchback, but greatly improves aerodynamics. Lightweight Plexiglas considered for the hatch flunked GM's ultraviolet stability and scratch-resistance tests.
6. Rear SMC quarter panels widened by 1.5 inches each to clear wheels that are two inches wider than the base car's.
7. Tall Gurney-lip ducktail spoiler reduces lift.
Corvette C6 Z06 Coupe picture (no enlarged version available)
* Corvette ZR1 Coupe: (info from wikipedia)
Carbon fibre 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.
ZR1 uses lots of Carbon Fiber - pictures
C6.R (race) Corvette:
Pratt & Miller builds the C6.R race car as well as the C6RS street legal model. We will not go into great details on the body structure of this race vehicle, but the hyperlinks above will lead to the details on this model.
Corvette C6-R race car pictures - seriouswheels.com
Z06-R GT3 (race) Corvettes:
These are basically race cars for the new FIA GT3 European Championship Series, and again we'll leave research on race specific models to the reader. Details are available at corvette-racing.com.
Corvette Z06-R race car pictures - tuningnews.net
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Chevy C6 Corvette Videos:
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The new C6 Corvette on the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track video
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.
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