Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company

 

Like all the Corvettes before it, the development story of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 begins a few years before the actual market launch. This time we start right on time at the turn of the millennium. The sixth generation started in 2005 and ended in 2013. 

Since Corvette C5 was a complete success, Chevrolet decided to keep the basic recipe and sharpen it in the right places. However GM wanted and expected C6 to be less expensive than the last generation, so a little downsizing was on the wish list.

A completely new development was not even necessary, the C5 and its chassis worked very well. It was only necessary to improve the parts of the predecessor that was criticized. This time Tom Peters was primarily responsible for the design, who already had a significant influence on the design of the C5. 

When designing the C6, he was inspired by the C2, a model he himself greatly admired. Like design legend Harley Earl, Peters was also inspired by fighter jets. In the case of the C6, the Lockheed-Martin F22 fighter was the main inspiration for the design. 

This is particularly reflected in the air outlets in the fenders, which run with sharp kinks from the door to the front fenders. The front is now adorned with an air intake, which is flanked by the fog lights and also shows more edge than the completely rounded front of the C5. 

The biggest visual conspicuousness was certainly the fixed headlights, the days of pop-up folding headlights were finally over, making the C6 the first Corvette since '62 to have fixed headlights again. The fenders were also enlarged to make room for larger wheels.

 

Production

Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company

 

The Corvette C6 featured new bodywork with exposed headlamps, revised suspension geometry, a larger passenger compartment, a larger 6.0-liter V8 engine and a higher level of refinement. When the C6 came out of the production line, it was 5.1 inches shorter than the C5, but the wheelbase was increased by 1.2 inches. It was also one inch narrower. 

For the interior, the goal was to address the criticisms of the C5. The main criticism was the materials. For this, they worked on the processing and upgraded the interior with some aluminum accents, while retaining the two-part cockpit which has been a real Corvette trademark since the C2. 

Many body parts was now back-foamed, which improved not only the feel but also the durability of the interior. At the same time, the new interior design has created more space for passengers and retained the famous large trunk of the C5.

Of course, the changes weren't just limited to the looks of the vehicle, they were also technically hand-crafted and most points improved. The main aim was, like all Corvettes, among other things,  to further reduce the weight of the chassis. The basic principle of the tubular steel space frame with an aluminum cab was therefore retained.

 

Technology

Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company

 

The new LS2 engine had a power output of 400 hp at 6,000 rpm and 400 lb⋅ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Like the C5, the Corvette C6's suspension consisted of independent unequal-length double wishbones with transverse fiberglass mono-leaf springs and optional magnetorheological dampers.

The Corvette's manual transmission was fitted with Computer Aided Gear Shifting (CAGS), obligating the driver to shift from 1st gear directly to the 4th gear when operating at lower RPM. This boosts the EPA's derived fuel economy thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax. 

Beginning with the 2008 model year, the Corvette received a new engine, the LS3. With displacement increased to 6.2-liters, power was increased to 430 hp and 424 lb⋅ft of torque at 4,600 rpm, or 436 hp and 428 lb⋅ft with the optional vacuum actuated valve exhaust.

The previous Tremec T56 transmission on manual Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in the 2008 model year. Manual Corvette models now had improved shift linkage; the automatic model was set up for quicker shifts, and (according to Chevrolet) it was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette model.

The Corvette now came standard with 18-inch rims on the front axle and 19-inch rims on the rear axle. The adjustable chassis was also back in series production. In addition to the standard suspension, there was an improved version of the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. 

A CD radio with an MP3 function was also standard with completely new optional features such as the On-Star Concierge Service, a DVD-based navigation system, keyless go and a multifunction head-up display was added to the calatog for the C6.

 

Sales

Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company

 

The trade press was impressed by the new Corvette and the improved handling, the more powerful base engine, and the upgraded interior were very well received. Trade magazines wrote that the C6 was an improvement in every respect compared to its direct predecessor. 

Comparative tests at that time saw the C6 even ahead of the Porsche 911, which was not only slower but also significantly more expensive. No other car in its price range, for the most part not even those costing easily $20,000 more, could compete with it. 

Because of this fame, Chevrolet Corvette C6 was a very successful seller even before it rolled off the production line. In the first year of production, it was able to sell 37,300 units and that was a huge success for the Corvette.

The Corvette C6 kept selling good for the initial years and even passed the 40K mark in 2007. However with the introduction of the new LS3 engine in 2008, sales figures went down a bit. From 2009 to 2013, it wasn’t able to pass 15K units. All in all, The Chevrolet Corvette C6 generation sold 215,200 units in eight years.

 

Protecting a Chevrolet Corvette C6

 

First of all, if you want the best performance for less money, you are going to want a Chevrolet Corvette C6. Since the new generation C8 finally went mid-engined, Corvette C6 became considerably cheap. 

Corvettes are always great at keeping their value but you need to take good care of them. It is still a delicate sports car and if you don’t use proper protection and care materials, you do have a chance to ruin it. 

As far as protection goes, you can only buy custom made products because the sixth generation Corvette is a unique car with a unique shape. You can’t buy off the shelf covers for a Corvette. That is why Chevrolet partnered up with Coverking and they provided endless OEM options.

Performance cars should be stored indoors since their body and engine parts can be delicate and susceptible from outside effects. For indoor protection, Autobody Armor Car Cover from Coverking is your most protective option. You can check out the other options through the site.

 

 

Most of us don’t have the interior space available and Coverkng has a solution for that also. For outdoor protection, a special StormProof Car Cover from Coverking must be used. It will protect your pride and joy for years to come.

The Corvette C6 combines a fragile interior with flat windshield design and you definitely need a protection for that. Since it is a special car, you should get the Corvette Printed Sunshield for the perfect fit. A Molded Carpet Dash Cover or a Designer Velour Dash Cover will also help with interior protection while keeping the looks elegant.

 

Resources

 

Coverking Links

 

Tankut Basar

Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.

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