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Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Coupe
Manufacturer	General Motors Corporation Chevrolet Division
Also called	Sting Ray (1963-67) Stingray (1969-76)
Production	1952–present
Model year(s)	1953-1982 1984-present
Assembly	St. Louis, Missouri, United States Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The first Corvette was designed by Harley Earl and introduced for the 1953 model year. America's first sports car was named by Myron Scott after the Corvette ship of the same name, and has been produced in six generations in convertible, t-top coupé, targa coupe, and hardtop coupe body styles. Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, it is currently built at a GM assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The National Corvette Museum and annual National Corvette Homecoming, also located in Bowling Green, celebrate the car's world-wide history. While sold under the Chevrolet marque in the United States and other locations in the world, it is sold under its own Corvette marque in Europe and Japan,^[1].

Contents 1 Generations 1.1 C1 Generation (1953–1962) 1.2 C2 Generation (1963–1967) 1.3 C3 Generation (1968–1982) 1.4 C4 Generation (1984–1996) 1.5 C5 Generation (1997–2004) 1.6 C6 Generation (2005–present) 2 Awards 3 Owner demographics 4 Future development 5 Racing 5.1 C5-R 5.2 C6-R 6 Production notes 7 Gallery 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External links

[edit] Generations

The Corvette generations are referred to as C1 through C6 (current). Three generations have been used as pace cars for the long-running Indianapolis 500 beginning with the 1978 C3 Coupe. The C6 includes the ZR1, which has the most powerful engine used to date in a production Corvette.

[edit] C1 Generation (1953–1962)

See also: Chevrolet Corvette C1

The first generation Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year and ended in 1962. It is most commonly referred to as the "solid-axle", as the independent rear suspension was not available until the 1963 model Sting Ray. 300 hand-built Corvettes were produced for the 1953 model year making it the rarest and one of the most sought after of all Corvettes. The 1955 model saw the introduction of the 265 cu in V8 engine offered as an option, however the first seven off the production line featured the standard "Blue Flame" Inline-6. Additional colors were offered. Despite the changes only 700 were sold. The 1955 model can be differentiated by its logo—the "V" in Corvette is enlarged and gold colored, signifying the V8 engine under the hood.

The 1956 Corvette had a new body. One noteworthy addition was the optional fuel injection made available in mid-1957 (also available on the Chevrolet Bel Air). Fuel injection first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester injection used a constant flow system as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes', it nevertheless produced about 290 hp (216 kW) (gross). The number was listed by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283 hp/283 CID (4.6L) "one hp per cubic inch" slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/CID. Other early options included power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (late 1957), and heavy duty brakes and suspension (1957).

The 1958 Corvette saw another body freshening. This year had the most exterior chrome of the C-1 generation. From its quad headlights and hood louvers to its twin trunk spars and bumper exiting exhaust, it was the flashiest Corvette built. 1959-60 saw little changes except decreasing chrome and increasing HP.

For 1961 a complete redesign to the rear of the car was made, with a preview of a design to come. It was a "boat tail" with four round lights. The four tailight treatment continues to this day. In 1962, the Chevrolet 283 cu. in. (4.6L) small block was enlarged to 327 cu in (5.4 L) and produced a maximum of 340 hp (254 kW) making it the fastest of the C1 generation. 1962 was the last year for: wrap around windshield, solid rear axle and convertible-only body style. The trunk lid and exposed headlights disappeared for decades. The oldest Corvette in existence is believed to be the EX-122.^[2] The EX-122 is a pre-production prototype that was hand built and first shown to the public at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. That car can now be seen at the Atlantic City Showroom and Museum of Kerbeck Corvette.

[edit] C2 Generation (1963–1967)

See also: Chevrolet Corvette C2

The second generation, or mid-year Corvette was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous un-produced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell. The design had several inspirations-The first was the contemporary Jaguar E-Type, one of which Bill Mitchell owned and enjoyed driving frequently. Mitchell also sponsored a car known as the "Mitchell Sting Ray" in 1959, because Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing. This vehicle had the largest impact on the styling of this generation, although it had no top and did not give away what the coupe would look like. The third inspiration was a Mako Shark that Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

Production started for the 1963 model year and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the 1963 model was the first year for a coupe with its distinctive split rear window , non-functional hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. Duntov never liked the split rear window because it blocked rear vision. Bill Mitchell however thought it to be a key part of the entire design. Duntov got his way on the 1964 model. The decorative hood vents were also eliminated for '64. Maximum power for 1963 was 360 hp (268 kW) and was raised to 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.

Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option (the 396 CID (6.5 L) V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional in 1965 and continued through 1967. The introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block in '65 spelled the beginning of the end for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00. Few people could justify spending $245.00 more for 50 hp (37 kW) less. With only 771 fuel-injected cars built in 1965, Chevrolet discontinued the option. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger 427 CID (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. Other options available on the C2 included the Wonderbar auto-tuning AM radio, AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (late 1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests (1966).

The 1967 Corvette was originally intended to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to quality issues the C3 was delayed until the following year. 1967 was also the first year for the L-88 engine option which was rated at 430 hp (321 kW), but unofficial estimates place the actual output at 560 hp (418 kW) or more.^[3] Only twenty such engines were installed at the factory in the 1967 Corvette, and the cars can fetch US$1,000,000 or more in auction today. From 1967 to 1969, the Holley triple two-barrel carburetor, or Tri-Power, was available on the 427.

Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov came up with a lightweight version of the C2 in 1962. Concerned about Ford and what they were doing with the Shelby Cobra, GM planned 100 Grand Sport Corvettes but only five were built. They were driven by historic drivers such as Roger Penske, A. J. Foyt, Jim Hall, and Dick Guldstrand among others. Today the cars 001-005 are all held by private owners. They are among the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built.

[edit] C3 Generation (1968–1982)

See also: Chevrolet Corvette C3

The third generation was patterned after Chevrolet's "Mako Shark II" concept show car. The C3 was introduced for the 1968 model year and lasted through 1982, and at 15 years was the longest running Corvette generation. It came out on top of the performance era of the 60's, sold in record numbers through the EPA rules and gas crunch of the 70's, and stood its ground against its competition into the early 80's. It saw monikers now revived such as LT-1, ZR-1, and Collector Edition. It became the first Indy 500 pace car and celebrated Corvette's 25th anniversary with a limited edition Indy Pace Car replica and a two-tone Silver Anniversary Edition.

The "Sting Ray" nameplate was not used on the 1968 model, however Chevrolet still referred to the Corvette as a Sting Ray, and 1969 models had "Stingray" fender nameplates. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) engine replaced the 327 cu in (5.4 L) engine in 1969, and it was the only year the C3 was available with the optional side exhaust system. (right) 1969 was also the only year the all-aluminum ZL-1 427 cu in (7 L) was available. The special big-block engine was reported to produce 550 horsepower and only 2 cars so-equipped were produced. In 1970 small-block power peaked with the optional high compression, high revving LT-1 producing 370 hp (276 kW). The '71 and '72 LT-1 was rated at 330 hp (246 kW). 1971 was the 454 big block's peak in power with the 425 hp (317 kW) LS6 rating. An even more powerful LS7 454 CID engine rated at 465 hp (347 kW) was planned and even included in early GM assembly manuals, but was never installed in any production cars. The ZR1 special engine package was an option available exclusively with the LT-1 engine option. It included the solid-lifter small-block engine, heavy-duty four-speed transmission, power brakes, aluminum radiator, and a revised suspension with special springs, shocks, stabilizer bar, and spindle-strut shafts. Only 53 1970-1972 ZR1's were built ^[4] the 427 big block was enlarged to 454 cu in (7.4 L) The ZR2 special engine package was a (1-year only) option released in 1971. It included equipment for the big-block LS-6 engine. Only 12 were built.

In 1972, GM moved to the SAE Net measurement for power (away from the previous SAE Gross standard), a more realistic rating which included installing all the power consuming accessories (alt. fan, water pump) and mufflers on the engine during testing which resulted in lower HP values . Along with lowered compression ratios from 1971 in anticipation of unleaded fuel, emission controls, and catalytic converters in 1975, power continued to decline and bottomed out in 1975 — the base ZQ3 engine produced just 165 hp (123 kW), and the optional L82 engine produced 205 hp (153 kW). Power in 1982 was the 200 hp (149 kW) L83 engine. Early model years came standard with an innovative Fiber-Optic light monitoring system. Strands of fiber optic wire went from the center console to the headlights, turn signals, tail lights and license plate light monitoring a total of nine lights. It was discontinued after the 1971 model year.

Styling changed subtly over the generation and minor trim changes occurred through the 1972 model. An aluminum wheel option (left) was seen on '73 and '74 pilot cars but was withheld for quality issues and wouldn't be available until the 1976 model year.

In 1973, due to government regulations, the Corvette's chrome front bumper was changed to a 5-mile-per-hour (8 km/h) bumper system with a urethane cover. The rear chrome bumpers remained unchanged. In 1974, a 5-mile-per-hour (8 km/h) rear bumper system replaced the chrome bumpers and matched last year's front system with a 2-piece urethane cover with recessed tailights. 1975 saw the last year for the convertible, which did not return until 1986. In 1977, Dave McLellan succeeded Zora Duntov as the Corvette's Chief Engineer. In that year, the word Stingray was no longer used, ending the 13 year run where the names Corvette, Sting Ray and Stingray were synonymous. 1978 saw a 25th "Silver Anniversary" edition, the first Corvette Indy Pace Car, the introduction of a "fast back" glass rear window, and a new interior and dashboard. The highest production year was 1979, and would last up to the C5 model. In 1980, the Corvette received an integrated aerodynamic redesign that resulted in a significant reduction in drag. In 1982, an opening rear hatch was offered for the first time exclusively on the Collectors Edition. A new engine featuring cross fire injection, a fuel injection carburetor hybrid, was also introduced that year as the L83. It was the only engine available in 1982, and was not offered with a manual transmission.

[edit] C4 Generation (1984–1996)

See also: Chevrolet Corvette C4

The fourth generation Corvette began production in March 1983 as a 1984 model and ended with the 1996 model. 44 prototype 1983 models were completed. The 23rd produced is displayed at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

In 1981, GM's Chevrolet initiated plans to change the Corvette for 1983. Due to engineering problems and technology issues, the redesigned Corvette did not hit showroom floors until 1984, but toymaker Mattel and its Hot Wheels division obtained a picture of the new Corvette design and produced a 1/64 model of the future production 1984 Corvette. A GM executive saw the Hot Wheels version at a Detroit Area toy store and was infuriated, nearly causing GM to end its licensing agreement with Mattel's Hot Wheel division.

The 1984 C4 was a complete and total redesigned Corvette except for its engine, and the emphasis was on handling with the introduction of the front transverse composite leaf spring (still used today). This handling focus came with the penalty of a harsh, uncompromising ride in the 1984 model. This first year C4 carried over the 350 cu in L83 V8 engine from the 3rd generation Corvette. The L83 had a unique fuel delivery method dubbed "Crossfire": a dual throttle-body injection system. With the first major body, chassis and suspension change since 1963, the new C4 coupe incorporated a rear glass hatch for much improved cargo access, all new brakes with aluminum calipers, an all aluminum suspension for weight savings and rigidity, and the first one piece targa top with no center reinforcement. It came standard with an electronic dashboard with digital liquid crystal displays for the speedometer and tachometer.

1984 through 1988 Corvettes utilized a "4+3" transmission—a 4-speed manual coupled to an automatic overdrive on the top three gears. It was designed to help the Corvette meet U.S. fuel economy standards. The transmission was problematic and was replaced by a modern ZF 6-speed manual gearbox in 1989. Beginning in 1985, the 230 horsepower (170 kW) L98 engine with tuned port fuel injection was the standard engine.

In 1986 the 2nd Corvette Indy Pace Car was released. It was the first convertible Corvette since 1975. It was also the first pace car fast enough in stock form to pace the Indianapolis 500.^{[citation needed]} A Center High Mounted Signal Light (CHMSL, a third center brake light) was added in 1986 to comply with federal law. All 1986 convertibles had an Indy 500 emblem mounted on the console making any color a pace car edition. The color of the actual pace car (used in the race) was yellow.

In 1987, the B2K twin-turbo option became available from the factory. The Callaway Corvette was a Regular Production Option (RPO B2K). The B2K option coexisted from 1990 to 1991 with the ZR-1 option, which then replaced it.

Early B2Ks produced 345 hp (257 kW) and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) of torque;^[5] later versions boasted 450 hp (336 kW) and 613 ft·lbf (831 N·m).^[6]

1988 saw the 35th Anniversary Edition. Each of these featured a special badge with an identification number mounted next to the gear selector. These Corvettes were easily identified with their white exterior, wheels and interior.

In 1991, all Corvettes received updates to the body, interior, and wheels. The convex rear fascia that set the 1990 ZR-1 apart from the base model was now included on L98 Corvettes, making the styling of the expensive ZR-1 even closer to that of the base cars. The most obvious difference remaining between the base and ZR-1 models besides the wider rear wheels was the location of the CHMSL (center high mounted stop lamp), which was integrated into the new rear fascia used on the base model, but remained at the top of the rear-hatch on the ZR-1's.

For the 1992 model year, the 300 horsepower (220 kW) LT1 engine was introduced, an increase of 50 hp (37 kW) over 1991's L98 engine. Also new for 1992 was Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), a form of traction control which utilized the Corvette's brakes, spark retard and throttle close-down to prevent excessive rear wheel spin and possible loss of control. The traction control device could be switched off if desired.

1993 saw a special 40th Anniversary Edition featuring a commemorative Ruby Red color, 40th anniversary badges and embroidered seat backs. The 1993 Corvette also marked the introduction of the Passive Keyless Entry System, the first GM car to feature it. Production of the ZR-1 ended in 1995, after 6,939 cars had been built.

1996 was the final year of C4 production, and featured special models and options, including the Grand Sport and Collector Edition, OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics), run flat tires, and the LT4 engine. The 330 hp (246 kW) LT4 V8 was available only with a manual transmission, while all 300 hp (224 kW) LT1 Corvettes used automatic transmissions.

Chevrolet released the Grand Sport (GS) version in 1996 to mark the end of production of the C4 Corvette. The Grand Sport moniker is a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. A total of 1,000 GS Corvettes were produced, 810 as coupes and 190 as convertibles. The 1996 GS came with the high-performance LT4 V8 engine, producing 330 hp (246 kW) and 340 lb·ft (461 N·m) of torque. The Grand Sport came only in Admiral Blue with a white stripe down the middle, and black wheels and two red stripes on the front left wheel arch added to its distinctive look.

[edit] C5 Generation (1997–2004)

See also:Chevrolet Corvette C5

Production of the C5 Corvette began in 1997 and ended with the 2004 model year. The C5 was a major change from the long-running C4. Gone were most of the squeaks and rattles of the C4. The new C5 has a top speed of 186 mph and was judged by the automotive press as improved in nearly every area over the previous Corvette design.

Also introduced with the C5 was GM's new LS1 small block. This third-generation small block was a completely new design, including a distributor-less ignition and a new cylinder firing order. It was initially rated at 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 350 ft·lbf (470 N·m) torque, but was increased to 350 horsepower (260 kW) in 2001.

For its first year, the C5 was available only as a coupe, even though the new platform was designed from the ground up to be a convertible. The convertible returned to the lineup in 1998, followed by the predecessor to the Z06, the fixed-roof coupe (FRC), in 1999. Originally, the 1999 FRC was considered to be a stripped-down model with a possible V6 engine (nicknamed in-house as the "Billy Bob"). The powers to be eventually overturned the idea and opted to keep the FRC up to par with both the coupe and convertible. It would later pay off, as the FRC laid the groundwork for the return of the Z06, an RPO option not seen since Zora's 1963 race-ready Corvette.^[7]

A successor to the FRC C5 made its debut in 2001 as the Z06, a nod to the high performance Z06 version of the C2 Corvette of the 1960s. The Z06 models replace the 1999–2000 FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe) models as the highest performance C5 Corvette. Instead of a heavier double-overhead cam engine like the ZR-1, the Z06 used an LS6, a high-output version of the standard LS1 Corvette engine producing 385 hp (287kW). Although the Z06's total power output was less than that of the last ZR-1's, the Z06 was lighter and therefore quicker than the ZR-1.

[edit] C6 Generation (2005–present)

See also: Chevrolet Corvette C6

The new C6 gets an overhaul of the suspension geometry, all new bodywork with exposed headlamps (for the first time since 1962), a larger passenger compartment, and a larger 6.2 L (~378 cu in) engine. Overall, it is shorter and narrower than the C5 to gain wider appeal to the European market. The 6.2 L LS2 V8 produces 430 hp (298 kW) at 6000 rpm and 424 ft·lb (542 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm. Its redline is increased to 6500 rpm. With a 0-60 time of less than 4.2 seconds, it places this sixth generation Corvette into a true supercar status.

The C6 comes close to retaining the relatively good fuel economy of the C5, due in part to its relatively low .28 drag coefficient and low curb weight, achieving 16/26 mpg (city/highway) when equipped with an automatic transmission. The manual version is the same at 16/26; like all manual transmission Corvettes since 1989, it is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) to improve fuel economy by requiring drivers to shift from 1st gear directly to 4th in low-speed/low-throttle conditions. This feature is what helps the C6 avoid the gas guzzler tax while achieving better fuel economy.^[8]

The new Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005. It has a 7.0 L (7,008 cc/427.6 CID) version of the small block engine codenamed LS7. Officially certified output is 505 hp (377 kW). The Z06 was the official pace car for both the 2006 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 race. For 2008, the Corvette received a mild freshening: a new LS3 engine with displacement increased to 6.2 L (~378 cu in), resulting in 430 hp (321 kW) and 424 lb·ft (575 N·m) of torque (436 HP and 428 TQ if ordered with the optional performance exhaust). The 6-speed manual transmission also has improved shift linkage and a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds, while the automatic is set up for quicker shifts giving the C6 Automatic a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette. The interior was slightly updated and a new 4LT leather-wrap interior package was added. The wheels were also updated to a new five-spoke design.^[9]

The ZR1 was formally announced in a December 2007 press statement by General Motors, where it was revealed that their target of 100 horsepower/liter (1.64 hp/cu in) has been reached by a new "LS9" engine, an Eaton-supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing a confirmed 638 hp (476 kW) and 604 foot-pounds force (819 N·m) of torque with a sticker price of about US $100,000. The engine is the most powerful engine to be put into a GM production sports car.^[10] Top speed is 205 mph (330 km/h)^[11][12]

In 2010, the popular Grand Sport name returns to the Corvette lineup. As an entirely new Corvette series, the Grand Sport combines the wide body from the Z06 with the C6 powertrain in both targa coupe and convertible versions. With suspension and brake upgrades now included, the Grand Sport replaces the Z51 option. Also for 2010, there is now a launch control system that will allow for more optimal launch across the whole Corvette model range.

[edit] Awards

Over the years the Corvette has won awards from automobile publications as well as organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Motor Trend magazine named the Corvette Car of the Year in 1984 and 1998.

Car and Driver magazine selected the Corvette for its annual Ten Best list fifteen times: the C4 from 1985 through 1989, the C5 in 1998, 1999, and 2002 through 2004, and the C6 from 2005 through 2009.

Car and Driver readers selected the Corvette "Best all around car" in Car and Driver's Reader's Choice Polls including years 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975.

Automobile Magazine ranked the 1963–1967 Sting Ray first on their "100 Coolest Cars" list, above the Dodge Viper GTS, the Porsche 911, and others.^[13]

Sports Car International placed the Corvette at number 5 on their list of the "Top Sports Cars of the 1960s".

Society of Automotive Engineers publication Automotive Engineering International.^[14]selected the 1999 Corvette Convertible, (along with the Mercedes-Benz S500) "Best Engineered Car of the 20th century".

The 2005 Corvette was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and was named "Most Coveted Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year contest.

U.S. News & World Report^[15]selected the 2010 Corvette the "Best Luxury Sports Car for the Money".

A Corvette has been selected as the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 ten times: 1978, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.^[16]

[edit] Owner demographics

According to research by Specialty Equipment Market Association and Experian Automotive, as of 2009, there were approximately 750,000 Corvettes of all model years registered in the United States. Corvette owners were fairly equally distributed throughout the country, with the highest density in Michigan (3.47 per 1000 residents) and the lowest density in Utah, Mississippi, and Hawaii (1.66, 1.63, and 1.53 registrations per 1000 residents). 47% of them hold college degrees (significantly above the nationwide average of 27%), and 82% are between ages of 40 and 69 (median age being 53).^[17]

[edit] Future development

Mike Connor of Motor Trend said that the next generation of Corvettes will not debut until 2012. Connor indicated that GM executive Bob Lutz favored a mid-engine design for the C7 to more easily implement cylinder deactivation, but the company stopped considering it due to high redesign costs.^[18]In May 2007, Bob Lutz stated he is not at all opposed to the idea of a Corvette sedan. This would follow in the footsteps of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide, and Lamborghini Estoque.^[19]

[edit] Racing

[edit] C5-R

The C5-R racer was built by Pratt & Miller for GM Racing. It was based on the C5 road car but had a longer wheelbase, a wider track, an enlarged engine and more aerodynamic bodywork with a rear wing and exposed headlamps. It took part in the American Le Mans Series in the GTS Class and competed in five 24 Hours of Le Mans races as a Corvette Racing entry.

[edit] C6-R

In 2005, the factory Corvette Team began racing the C6.R to coincide with the new sixth generation (C6) Corvette being released to the public. Private teams, primarily in Europe, continued to race the C5-R. Corvette C6.R went on to win its class at every race it entered in the 2005 ALMS season.

[edit] Production notes

Year	Production	Base Price	Notes
1953	300	$3,498	First generation (C1) begins; production starts on June 30; polo white with red interior and black top is only color combination; Options were interior door handles; "clip in" side curtains were a substitute for roll-up windows.
1954	3,640	$2,774	Production moves to St. Louis; blue, red, and black are added; beige top, longer exhaust pipes.
1955	700	$2,774	Both inline-6 and 265 in³ V8 engines produced; 3-speed manual transmission added late in the model year.
1956	3,467	$2,900	New body with roll-up windows; V8-only; 3-speed manual transmission becomes standard equipment and Powerglide moved to option list.
1957	6,339	$3,176	283 in³ V8; Optional 4-speed manual and fuel injected engine option added.
1958	9,168	$3,591	Quad-headlights and face-lifted body; new interior; fake louvers on hood and chrome strips on trunk lid; number of teeth in grille reduced from 13 to 9.
1959	9,670	$3,875	First black interior and dash storage bin; only year with a turquoise top; louvers and chrome strips from '58 removed.
1960	10,261	$3,872	Very minor changes to the interior: red and blue bars on the dash logo, vertical stitching on seats
1961	10,939	$3,934	New rear styling, bumpers, and round tailights. New fine-mesh grill.
1962	14,531	$4,038	327 in³ V8 engine; last year with a trunk until 1998. New black grill with chrome surround, chrome rocker panel moldings.
1963	21,513	$ 4,037	Second generation (C2) begins;new coupe body style introduced (only year for split rear window); coupe more expensive than convertible
1964	22,229	$ 4,037	rear backlite windows of coupe changed to single pane window; hood louvers deleted
1965	23,562	$ 4,106	396 in3 Big-Block V8 added; last year of fuel injected engine option (until 1982); side-discharge exhaust introduced
1966	27,720	$ 4,084	427 in3 Big-Block V8 with unique bulging hood; 327 in3 300-horsepower small block V8 standard
1967	22,940	$ 4,240	five-louver fenders are unique; Big-Block hood bulge redesigned as a scoop; parking brake changed from pull-out under dash handle to lever mounted in center console; Tri-power 427 would become most sought-after Corvette ever
1968	28,566	$4,663	Third generation (C3) begins; New body and T-top removable roof panels, new interior, engines carried over, three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic replaces two-speed Powerglide as automatic transmission option
1969	38,462	$4,780	First year of the 350 in³ Small-Block; longer model year extended to December, 1969 due to delay in introduction of 1970 model; "Stingray" front fender nameplates added, new interior door panels and inserts, 17-inch black-vinyl steering wheel (replaced 18-inch wood-rim wheel)
1970	17,316	$5,192	First year for the LT-1 Small-Block and 454 in³ Big-Block; three-speed manual transmission dropped and four-speed manual became standard with Turbo Hydra-matic available as no-cost option with all engines except LT-1 350; posi-traction made standard equipment; introduced along with all-new second-generation Chevrolet Camaro on Feb. 26, 1970, new egg-grate metal front grills and fender grills, lower molded fender flares, new hi-back seats & interior trim, new custom interior option includes:leather seat trim, cut-pile carpeting, lower-carpeted door panels & wood-grain accents.
1971	21,801	$5,496	Significant horsepower drops due to reduced compression ratios to meet GM corporate edict requiring all engines to run low-octane unleaded gasoline; horsepower ratings based on both "gross" and "net" figures with the former based on engine hooked to dynometer while "net" ratings based on horsepower as installed in vehicle with accessories and emission controls installed.
1972	27,004	$5,533	Horsepower ratings now advertised in SAE net figures, last year for LT-1 engine, front & rear chrome bumpers & removable rear window, last year for windshield wiper door.
1973	30,464	$5,561	5 mph front bumper system with urethane cover, pot-metal front grills (black with silver edges), chrome rear bumpers unchanged, new design front fender ducts, first year for radial tires (standard equipment), rubber body mounts, new hood with rear air induction & under-hood insulation, new front-end (round) emblem.
1974	37,502	$6,001	5 mph rear bumper system with urethane cover to match last year's front bumper, new recessed taillamps and down-turned tail-pipes. 1974 is the only year with two piece rear bumper cover with center-split. No gas lid emblem was used. Aluminum front grills (all-black), new dual exhaust resonators, revised radiator cooling and interior a/c ducts, intergrated seat /shoulder belts in Coupe. Last year for true dual exhaust, last year for big-block engine in a Corvette ever,
1975	38,645	$6,810	First year of Catalytic converter & single-exhaust, black (painted) bumper pads front & rear, redesigned inner-bumper systems & one-piece rear bumper cover, plastic front grills (all-black), amber parking lamp lenses (replaced clear lenses on 73-74) new emblems, last year of C3 convertible.
1976	46,558	$7,604	First-year for steel floor-panels, cold-air induction dropped, new aluminum alloy wheels option, new one-piece rear "Corvette" nameplate (replaces letters), last year of "Stingray" fender nameplates.
1977	49,213	$8,647	Black exterior available (last year-1969), new design ""Corvette flags" front end & fender emblems. New interior console and gauges, universal GM radios.
1978	46,776	$9,750	New fastback rear window, Silver Anniversary and Indy 500 Pace Car special editions; Pace-car included sport seats & spoilers-front & rear, limited option-glass t-tops; redesigned interior, dash, instruments.
1979	53,807	$10,220	Sport seats (from previous year pace-car); front & rear spoilers optional, glass t-tops optional; New interior comfort features; highest Corvette sales year to date.
1980	40,614	$13,140	Lightened materials, new hood, front end with molded spoilers, rear bumper cover with molded spoiler and new taillamps, Federal government required 85 mph (137 km/h) speedometer; California cars powered by 305 V8 and automatic transmission for this year only, last year for L-82 engine-(n/a with manual transmission)
1981	40,606	$16,258	Production is switched from St. Louis to new Bowling Green plant; 350 V8 returns in California cars, last year for manual transmission.
1982	25,407	$18,290	New cross-fire fuel-injected L83, New automatic overdrive transmission; Collectors Edition features exclusive hatch rear window - is one fourth of production.
1984	51,547	$21,800	Fourth generation (C4) begins; hatchback body; digital instrumentation L83 engine continued from 1982.
1985	39,729	$24,891	More powerful and fuel efficient L98 engine introduced.
1986	35,109	$27,027	First convertible since 1975. Third brake light, antilock brakes, and key-code anti-theft system are new.
1987	36,632	$27,999	Callaway twin-turbo offered through dealers with GM warranty.
1988	22,789	$29,480	New wheel design; all white 35th Anniversary special edition coupe.
1989	26,412	$32,045	ZF 6-speed manual replaces Doug Nash 4+3.
1990	23,646	$32,479	ZR-1 is introduced with DOHC LT5 engine. Interior redesigned to incorporate drivers-side air bag
1991	20,639	$33,005	Restyled exterior; last year for the Callaway B2K twin turbo.
1992	20,479	$33,635	New LT1 engine replaces the L98; Traction control is standard.
1993	21,590	$34,595	Passive keyless entry is standard; 40th Anniversary special edition in Ruby Red.
1994	23,330	$36,185	New interior including passenger airbag.
1995	20,742	$36,785	Last year of the ZR-1; minor exterior restyling; Indy Pace Car special edition.
1996	21,536	$37,225	Optional LT4 engine with 330 hp (246 kW). Collectors Edition and Grand Sport special editions. First year with OBD II diagnostics.
1997	9,752	$37,495	Fifth generation (C5) begins; LS1 engine is new; the hatchback coupé is the only body style offered.
1998	31,084	$38,995	Convertible C5 debuts with the first trunk in a Corvette convertible since 1962; Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica offered; Active Handling System introduced as optional equipment
1999	33,270	$39,777	Less-expensive hardtop coupé is offered.
2000	33,682	$40,900	Newly-styled alloy wheels debut.
2001	35,627	$41,475	Hardtop coupé body style becomes top-performance Z06, utilizing the new LS6 engine and suspension improvements; Second-Generation Active Handling System becomes standard equipment on all models; slight (5 hp) increase in base model engine power
2002	35,767	$42,450	20 hp (14.9 kW) increase for the Z06
2003	35,469	$45,895	50th Anniversary Edition package offered for Coupe and Convertible base models; F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension supersedes F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension as base-model option.
2004	34,064	$46,535	24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition package offered for all models.
2005	37,372	$44,245	Sixth generation (C6) begins; New body is first with fixed headlights since 1962; no Z06 model and a late convertible introduction.
2006	34,021	$43,800	Z06 debuts; 6-speed automatic with paddle shift available on non-Z06 models.
2007	40,561	$44,250	6-speed automatic paddle shift delays are reduced drastically compared to 2006.
2008	35,310	$46,950	Mild freshening, LS3 introduced, All leather interior added (4LT, LZ3).
2009	16,956	$48,565	ZR1 model added, new "Spyder" wheels for Z06.
Total	1,508,930

[edit] Gallery

1954 Corvette Corvair Concept   1957 Corvette (C1) Convertible   1963 Mako Shark I Concept   1965 Mako Shark II Concept   1967 Corvette (C2) Sting Ray 427 Coupe   1977 Aero-Vette Concept   1982 Corvette (C3) Coupe   1996 Corvette (C4) Grand Sport Coupe   2003 Corvette (C5) 50th Anniv. Convertible   2007 Corvette (C6) Indy 500 Pace Car

[edit] See also

• Chevrolet Corvette CERV
• Corvette Mako Shark (Concept car)
• Corvette Stingray (Concept car)
• Chevrolet Aerovette
• Chevrolet Corvette GTP
• Head-Up Display
• Corvette America
• Corvette leaf spring

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

• Mueller, Mike. Corvette Milestones. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Co., 1996. ISBN 0-7603-0095-X.
• Nichols, Richard. Corvette: 1953 to the Present. London: Bison Books, 1985. ISBN 0-86124-218-1.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chevrolet Corvette

• Chevrolet Corvette (North American site)
• Corvette Europe
• Corvette GM Asia-Pacific-Japan
• Chevrolet Corvette at the Open Directory Project

v • d • e Chevrolet Corvette timeline, 1953–present
Type	1950s							1960s										1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0
Coupe											C2					C3																															C5
Hatchback																														Collector Edition		C4													C5								C6
Convertible	C1										C2					C3																		C4												C5							C6
Performance					Fuel Injection											Big Block																						ZR-1						LT4					Z06					Z06
											L84		Big Block					LT1																																							ZR1
Motorsports: Grand Sport • GTP • C5-R • C6.R

v • d • e « previous – Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, road car timeline, United States market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0
Subcompact	Monza					Sprint				Geo Metro						Geo Metro / Metro									Aveo
	Chevette
						Spectrum					Geo Storm
						Nova				Geo Prizm
Compact	Citation													Geo Prizm					Prizm							Cobalt
																											HHR
			Cavalier						Cavalier							Cavalier
Mid-size	Malibu							Corsica / Beretta										Malibu							Malibu				Malibu
			Celebrity								Lumina					Lumina
Full-size	Impala														Impala SS						Impala						Impala
	Caprice											Caprice
Personal	Monte Carlo	Monte Carlo														Monte Carlo					Monte Carlo
Sports	Camaro		Camaro											Camaro																	Camaro
	Corvette				Corvette													Corvette								Corvette