Author: David Harned

For Corvette enthusiasts all over the world, March 7, 1997, was a date that would be long remembered.  After the thirteen-year production run of the C4, Chevrolet had declared this date as the day that the first all-new Corvette would be made available for sale to the public.  Given the massive amount of fanfare that surrounded the arrival of the C5 Corvette, it was little wonder that there was such an overwhelming clamor for this amazing new variant of the legendary sports car.

The arrival of the C5 had been announced sometime earlier and there had certainly been plenty of information made available to consumers and enthusiasts alike long before its actual arrival.  The new Corvette was celebrated as “bringing a new level of sophistication to the franchise.”  Further, it was abundantly clear that this new Corvette was truly going to be unlike anything that had ever come before it.  While these types of catch-phrases were synonymous with the introduction of any new car – especially a sports car – there was a great deal of truth behind them, as would soon be discovered by the world over.”

Pricing: $37,495.00

Engine options: LS1 346 C.I., 5.7 Litre V8

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 9,752

Available Colors: Arctic White, Sebring Silver Metallic, Nassau Blue Metallic, Black, Light Carmine Red Metallic, Torch Red, Fairway Green Metallic

Highlights of the year:

To begin with, the C5 Corvette had a completely new look that was at once elegant, seductive, and a testament to the long lineage of sports cars that proceeded it.

The C5 was longer and wider than its predecessor, but the relocation of the wheels to the corners of the car also aided in giving the C5 Corvette a very modern appearance.  The wheelbase had been increased from 96.2 inches to 104.5 inches, the overall length increased from 178.5 inches to 179.6 inches, the width increased from 70.7 inches to 73.6 inches, the height increased from 46.3 inches to 47.8 inches, and the track width had been extended 4.4 inches in the front and 2.9 inches at the rear.  These increases produced the aforementioned end result of placing the car’s wheels close to the corner of the Corvette’s chassis, which not only aided in the car’s contemporary appearance but also produced enhanced stability and gave the car a roomier interior. The rounded taillights, another throwback to the earliest Corvettes, gave the car an entire familiar appearance while still being a completely new design

Like the exterior, the C5’s interior was an almost complete departure from all earlier-generation Corvettes.  The cockpit was bigger, roomier, and more thoughtfully designed.  The four-inch-tall doorsills of the C4 were eliminated, thanks to a newly designed frame.  The end result of the elimination of these side rails meant that C5 owners would find ingress and egress to be no problem whatsoever.

But there was more to the Corvette than just the comforts of the cockpit or its ultra-sleek exterior.  It was built to perform with automobile contenders from around the world.

To start, the new Corvette was fitted with a newly designed, yet historically traditional pushrod, 16-valve small-block V8. Designated as the LS1, this new engine delivered 345bhp (brake-horsepower) at 5,600rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 4,400rpm

Perhaps one of the 1997 Corvette’s most significant achievements is that the C5 was immediately recognized as one of the fastest Corvettes of all time and was one of the fastest cars in the world that year.

Needless to say, the C5 was a success from the moment the first models hit the showroom floor.  The automotive press was, for the most part, very enthusiastic about the new car, favorably comparing it to such exotic counterparts as Porsche and Ferrari – and at a cost that was less than half of what its European counterparts, there were few who could criticize the Corvette for being anything less than the perfect blend of “emotion and intelligence.”

Surprisingly, given the demand for pre-sales of these cars, only a total of 9,752 C5 Corvettes were built in its 1997 model year.  This was not a critical concern to anybody within General Motors though because future orders were increasing exponentially.  Besides, the production constrained 1997 Corvette had another variable working against it – namely that the model year had started late for the C5 Corvette.  Still, the Corvette was selling briskly for the first time in more than a decade.

Photos of the 1997 Corvette:

 

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1997-c5-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1997-c5-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

Pricing: $37,225.00 (Coupe), $45,060.00 (Convertible)

Available Colors: Dark Purple Metallic, Arctic White, Sebring Silver Metallic, Admiral Blue, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Competition Yellow, Torch Red

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine. 350CI, 330 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT4 V8 Small Block Engine. (w-Man. Trans Only)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 21,536

Highlights of  the year:

The 1996 model year marked the final year of both the C4 and the Generation II small-block engine that powered it.  As such, Chevrolet was prepared to commemorate its departure by offering two special edition Corvettes, both of which would feature an upgraded version of the LT1 power plant.  Denoted as the LT4, the 330-horsepower engine would be showcased in both the Collectors Edition Corvette and a limited-edition Grand Sport Corvette.

To start, the LT4 received newly designed aluminum heads that featured taller ports and bigger valves; 2.00-inch intakes and 1.55-inch exhaust.  Each of these valves had hollow stems that were specially designed to save weight.

Other improvements that were developed solely for use on the LT4 included a freer-flowing intake (which featured taller ports to match the heads), a roller-type timing chain, and a compression increase to 10.8:1, which was a noted increase over the 10.4:1 compression found on the LT1.

Additionally, the LT4’s crankshaft, camshaft, water pump, drive gear, and main bearing gaskets were all improved upon to bolster horsepower, while premium head gaskets were installed to deal with the extra compression.  While the LT4 shared distinct components with the LT1 – such as a newly designed throttle body, the LT4’s 330 horsepower was a marked improvement of 30 horsepower over the LT1.

The coupe used ZR-1 wheels and tires – P275/40ZR17s in the front and P315/35ZR17s in the rear.  The convertible used P255/45ZR17s in the front and P285/40ZR17s in the rear.  Unlike the ZR-1, which showcased a wider backend, the Grand Sport featured rear render flares to cover the wider back tires.

Beyond the engine, other revisions were made to the entire Corvette line for 1996.  The standard four-speed automatic transmission received a number of minor revisions which resulted in better shift quality.  Additionally, the introduction of new torque converters promised greater and prolonged durability.

Photos of the 1996 Corvette:

 

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1996-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1996-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

 

Pricing: $36,785.00 (Coupe), $43,665.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6 speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 20,742

Available Colors: Dark Purple Metallic, Dark Purple/White, Arctic White, Admiral Blue, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Competition Yellow, Torch Red, Dark Red Metallic

Highlights of the year:

Even with eleven years already behind it, the C4 Corvette still managed to receive the accolades of enthusiasts and critics alike.  It received praise for its jaw-dropping acceleration and equally for its intense road grip and superior handling.  However, with the announcement that an all-new, fifth-generation Corvette was under development and on track for the 1997 model year, there were few who were surprised by Chevrolet’s decision to make minimal changes to the existing C4 Corvette coupe and convertible and to completely eliminate the ZR-1 early in the 1995 production year.

The connecting rods were revised to improve strength and weight uniformity, the engine fan was made quieter, and the fuel injection system was improved to utilize alcohol-blend fuels, which began to have an increased appearance at gas pumps around the world at about that same time.  Additionally, the new fuel injectors were developed to reduce fuel dripping when the engine was turned off.

Beyond the engine, additional mechanical improvements were also made to the drive train and other areas of the car.  The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission was refined to provide smoother shifting, and the torque converter was made stronger and lighter.

Cosmetically, the changes to the Corvette’s exterior really were very few, though those that were made did help to distinguish the 1995 model from earlier years.  On the exterior, the single most notable modification was the redesigned fender vents which now featured more of a fish “gill” appearance.

Another special-edition Corvette was made available in 1995.  After a near-stock LT1 Corvette Convertible paced the Indy 500 in 1995 – which was only the third time Corvette had ever been bestowed with this honor – Chevrolet decided to commemorate the occasion by producing a specially optioned Pace Car Replica.  Option RPO Z4Z was offered to consumers at an extra cost of $2816 and was limited to convertibles.

With rocket-sled acceleration, mastiff grip, and right-now brakes, the ZR-1 has the largest performance envelope of any mass-produced American car ever built.  It also has the amenities and acceleration of a modern passenger car and none of the temperament of a race car.  With a slight tailwind, it will go 180 miles per hour, but it will also trudge through gridlock (traffic) without complaint, A/C on kill, and CD player on loud.  We may never see the likes of it again.

Photos of the 1994 Corvette:

   

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1995-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1995-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

Pricing: $36,185.00 (Coupe), $42,960.00 (Convertible)

Engine: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 23,330

Available Colors: Arctic White, Admiral Blue, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Competition Yellow, Copper Metallic, Torch Red, Black Rose Metallic, Dark Red Metallic

Highlights of the year:

In 1994, General Motors announced that an all-new C5 Corvette was on track for the 1997 model year. In fact, much of the Corvette design team had been re-assigned to the C5 program and were already focused on testing the new model, which was why the C4 remained mostly unchanged for 1994.

That’s not to say that there weren’t any changes made in the 1994 model year

The LT-1 engine was bolstered up to include a more powerful ignition system for shorter starting times, especially in cold weather.  Additionally, a new sequential fuel injection system was introduced for better throttle response, idle quality, overall drivability, and lower tailpipe emissions.

Matching the engine’s refinements was the Corvette’s first electronically controlled automatic transmission, which offered drivers smoother and more consistent shifting than the previous model’s all-mechanical four-speed.   Additionally, a lockout switch was installed on the new automatic gearbox which required drivers to depress and hold the brake pedal before shifting out of “park”.  This last addition was installed as a response to industry concerns regarding “unintended acceleration.”  For its own part, the ZR-1 received a boost in performance to 405 horsepower (a fact which would eventually make the 1994-1995 ZR-1 Corvettes the most desirable and collectible of them all.)

There were no cosmetic changes made to the exterior of the 1994 Corvette.  The only visible difference that differentiated the 1994 Corvette from earlier years was the introduction of two new colors – Admiral Blue and Copper Metallic (although Copper Metallic was limited to only 116 cars due to limited availability).

The interior of the 1994 Corvette received virtually no upgrades either, although a few standard options were added including a passenger-side airbag and knee bolster – both of which were introduced to help bring the Corvette into compliance with the second phase of the federal governments “passive restraint” safety requirements.

The most notable physical design change to the 1994 Corvette was the redesigned steering wheel.  To most critics, the new design, which featured a simplified, two-spoke steering wheel, was actually considered a functional downgrade from its predecessor, which had featured spokes at the “10” and “2” positions in addition to the remaining two spokes which carried over into the 1994 design.

Despite the limited number of cosmetic and mechanical changes, the sale of 1994 Corvettes actually rose to 23,330 units despite a modest price increase to $36,185.  Even with the increase in Corvette sales, the ZR-1 Corvette sales continued to suffer with only 448 units sold in 1994.  Given the year over year decline in ZR-1 sales, it was announced by General Motors that 1995 would be the last year for their “King of the Hill”.

Photos of the 1994 Corvette

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1994-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1994-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

When Harley Earl first envisioned his two-seat roadster in 1953, it is unlikely that even he would have been able to fathom the long term commercial success the Corvette would achieve.  Both on the road and on the racetrack, the Corvette had demonstrated again and again that it could compete with some of the fiercest automotive competitors from around the world. Now, as the Corvette prepared to turn 40, Chevrolet decided to honor the milestone by releasing a special edition Corvette to pay homage to the American legend.

Pricing: Orig. Base Price: $34,595.00 (Coupe), $41,195.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 179mph

Units Produced: 21,590

Available Colors: Arctic White, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green II Metallic, Competition Yellow, Ruby Red, Torch Red, Black Rose Metallic, Dark Red Metallic, Quasar Blue Metallic

Highlights of the year:
Under the car’s hood lived a 9.4-Liter (572 cubic-inch) Chevy V-8 that was mated to a GM four-speed automatic transmission.  When this special edition Corvette was run with the throttle full open, the Corvette could accelerate from zero-to-60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds, and best a quarter-mile at just 11.5 seconds at a speed of 135 miles per hour.

Additionally, when running fully open, the Corvette could hit and maintain a speed of 218 miles per hour.  Of course, achieving that level of incredible power has always been an expensive undertaking, as was the case with the G572, which carried a price tag of $179,333.

Finally, the size of the front wheels on the base model Corvette coupe and convertible were reduced in size from 9.5×17 to 8.5×17 and the corresponding front tire sizes were reduced from P275/40ZR17 to P255/45ZR17.  Similarly, the rear tire size was increased from P275/40ZR17 to P285/40ZR17.  For Corvettes that included RPO Z07, 9.5×17 wheels and P275/40ZR17 tires were used on both the front and rear.

Perhaps one of the most notable improvements to the 1993 Corvette was the introduction of a passive keyless entry (PKE) system.   Unlike other keyless entry systems, which required the vehicle owner/operator to unlock the vehicle by pressing a “LOCK/UNLOCK” button on a small transmitter, the PKE system automatically communicated with the Corvette when the driver was in the general proximity of the vehicle.

Despite the absence of notable, physical changes to the design of the car, the overall sales numbers of the 1993 Corvette actually increased over previous years.   A total of 21,590 Corvettes were manufactured and sold, marking 1993 the first model year in four years to actually witness an increase in its numbers.  Additionally, the ZR-1 Corvette received the accolades of being the winner of the top speed category of Car & Driver’s “Ten Best” issue (January, 1994).  Despite this, the ZR-1’s numbers continued to head south, with just 448 units being produced that year.

Photos of the 1993 Corvette:

 

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1984-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1993-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

Pricing: $33,635.00 (Coupe), $40,145 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 

Units Produced: 20,479

Available Colors: White, Yellow, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green II Metallic, Black Rose Metallic, Dark Red Metallic, Quasar Blue Metallic, Bright Red

Highlights of the year:

Late in 1991, it was decided by General Motors that an all-new generation of Corvette would have to be put on hold until as late as 1998.  While the next generation of Corvette was originally anticipated to arrive in 1995, poor sales prevented General Motors from expending the budgets necessary to develop a new model.   Despite this economic downturn, GM did unveil a new concept car in January, 1992.

The car featured both a functional trunk and exposed headlights. Just as GM had showcased the Sting Ray III as one of their concept cars at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show, so too did they showcase a new powertrain for the 1992 Corvette.

In an effort to strike a happy medium between the moderately aggressive L98 and the incredibly powerful LT-5 (found in every ZR-1 Corvette) Chevrolet decided to roll out a standard pushrod small-block engine that would increase horsepower in the Corvette for the 1992 model year.  And increase horsepower it did.  In all, the new LT-1 V-8 small block engine produced a significant boost in power – 50 horsepower to be exact.

Now rated at a hearty 300 horsepower (at 5,000 rpm), with 300 lbs/ft of torque (at 4,000rpm), the LT-1 engines improved performance was the result of a number of improvements and refinements to the existing 5.7-liter V-8.  Amongst these improvements was the introduction of computer-controlled engine timing, a new low-restriction exhaust system that utilized two catalytic converters and oxygen sensors (one for each cylinder bank), a new camshaft profile, a higher compression ratio (10.5:1), free-flow cylinder heads, and a revised multiport fuel-injection system.  Cast iron exhaust manifolds were also introduced, replacing the previously used stainless-steel ones.  This, along with other minor modifications, resulted in the LT-1 engine weighing 21 pounds more than its predecessor. To its credit, however, this engine was capable of providing impressive performance numbers even while operating on low octane gasoline.

The interior was also devoid of any real physical changes, although a number of subtle improvements were made.  For 1992, the digital speedometer was relocated above the fuel gauge. Falling sales numbers weren’t isolated to the ZR-1 Corvette alone.  In all, General Motors sold a mere 20,479 Corvettes during the course of its 1992 model year, which resulted in the lowest sales output since 1962. 

Photos of the 1992 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1992-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1992-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

Pricing: $32,455.00 (Coupe), $38,770.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: Base Model: 350CI 240/245 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine. ZR-1: 350CI 375 Horsepower, LT5 V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 192mph

Units Produced: 20,639

Available Colors: White, Steel Blue Metallic, Yellow, Black, Turquoise Metallic, Dark Red Metallic, Quasar Blue Metallic, Bright Red, Polo Green Metallic, Charcoal Metallic

Highlights of the year:

 With the arrival of the ZR-1 in 1990, the Corvette had once more been elevated to a stature that had been missing since the early seventies.  The “King of the Hill” had arrived and had met or exceeded the expectations of most enthusiasts and automobile reviewers alike.

Cosmetically, the C4 Corvette received many additional enhancements to those listed earlier, including a smoother, slimmer front fascia with wraparound parking/cornering/fog lights, wider body-side moldings that were now painted to match the body color, and horizontal front-fender strakes that replaced the previous gill-like louvers.

Additionally, the 9.5-inch wide aluminum wheels were re-designed and now featured a turbine-like appearance, a “low oil” indicator was added to the driver information center, and all models were pre-wired to accommodate a cellular telephone or other 12-volt accessories.  On the ZR-1’s, the “full power” indicator light was relocated to alongside the valet-selection key.

The Corvette’s exhaust system underwent some revisions for 1991.  Included in the update were larger muffler sections with a more finely tuned exhaust note and lower backpressure.  While the introduction of these new mufflers was intended to add power to the existing L98 engine, the horsepower ratings remained unchanged.  In addition to the upgraded exhaust system, a finned power-steering cooler was also installed with the intent of improving performance.

1991 also marked the final year for the dealer-installed Callaway Twin-Turbo package.  Much like the ZR-1 option, dwindling sales drove Chevrolet executives to make the decision to discontinue the Callaway option.

Notwithstanding Chevrolet’s decision to discontinue the Callaway line as part of Corvette’s RPO (available options package), Reeves Callaway introduced a Corvette conversion kit of his own for the 1991 model year.  Dubbed the Twin-Turbo Callaway Speedster convertible, this aftermarket variant mated two turbochargers to the L98 engine to produce 450 horsepower and 600 lbs/ft of torque.  The 1991 Speedster was somewhat reminiscent of the earlier 1988 Corvette Sledgehammer, although its overall appearance was more aerodynamic

The World Challenge racing series was continued in 1991, but Chevrolet no longer offered a specially modified Corvette to run in the series.  Instead, consumers would have to purchase a Corvette and perform the modifications themselves.

Overall, sales of the 1991 Chevy Corvette followed the downward trend started earlier in the model year by the ZR-1.  In all, 20,639 units were sold, with coupes outselling convertibles at a ratio of about three-to-one.

Photos of the 1991 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1991-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1991-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

Although the C4 had already proven itself throughout the second half of the nineteen-eighties, there was no question that the Corvette would be transformed forever with the arrival of the 1990 model year.

In its entire history, there have been few model years that were so widely anticipated as the 1990 Corvette ZR-1. Although the ZR-1 had originally been slated for a midyear-1989 release, it had been delayed until the 1990 model year because of engineering and design refinements that prevented it from being ready prior to 1990.

Now, as Chevrolet moved into a new decade, it did so with the most technologically advanced, and one of the most powerful Corvettes of all time

Pricing: $31,979.00 (Coupe), $37,264.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: Base Model: 350CI 240/245 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine. ZR-1: 350CI 375 Horsepower, LT5 V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 175mph

Units Produced: 23,646

Available Colors: White, Steel Blue Metallic, Black, Turquoise Metallic, Competition Yellow, Dark Red Metallic, Quasar Blue Metallic, Bright Red, Polo Green Metallic, Charcoal Metallic

Highlights of the year:

Although the automotive world was focused on the arrival of the ZR-1, all Corvettes built in 1990 received some minor improvements.  In an on-going effort to meet the first phase of the federal government’s “passive restraint” crash protection regulations, Chevrolet introduced a standard driver’s side airbag to its entire fleet, including the Corvette. 

The L98 engine received a slight increase in power, boosting engine performance to 245 horsepower, thanks to the addition of an added air-intake speed density control system, a revised camshaft and an increased engine compression ratio.

A more efficient radiator was installed.  It worked so well that there was no longer a need for the optional boost fan (RPO B24) which had been offered from 1986 to 1989

The interior of the Corvette received some minor improvements as well.  A newly revised instrument display was introduced in the 1990 Corvette.  The new display now combined a digital speedometer with an analog tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, battery gauge, (and others).

An engine-oil monitor, which provided drivers with a display that calculated the useful oil life remaining and indicated when an oil change was necessary, was installed as part of the driver information center.

As CD technology was quickly replacing cassette tapes as the standard form of music media, Corvette offered a newly available Delco-Bose compact disc player audio system as an option in the 1990 model year.  When ordered, the CD player included a special lock-out feature to discourage theft; in the event that the stereo was removed from a car, it would require a special code to be entered to reactivate it or the stereo head unit would remain inoperative.

Also new was a glove box on the passenger side dashboard.  Lastly, the optional leather seats became available for all 1990 models. 

Without question, the most significant change for 1990 was the introduction of an entirely new option (RPO ZR1) that would transform the Corvette line for all time.  While the ZR-1 was not a separate model in the Corvette line, its introduction represented a return to the glory days of the Corvette, when such engineering legends as Zora Arkus-Duntov and Bill Mitchell were building Corvettes that could be optioned out for their drivability and performance

The LT5 came with a total of four camshafts, two per cylinder bank, one for each set of intake and exhaust valves.  Valves were actuated directly from the lobes on the cams, and the intake cams featured distinct primary and secondary lobe profiles to match the valve operation of the staged induction system.  Each bank’s pair of camshafts was driven by a steel duplex roller chain with a hydraulic tensioner.  An ECM-governed fuel shutoff limited the engine to a maximum rpm of 7,200 rpms

Overall, sales of the Chevy Corvette dropped slightly in 1990, with a total sales of 23,646 units.  Despite this decrease in sales, there was no question that Corvette had achieved an incredible success with the introduction of the ZR-1. Without question, “the King” had arrived.

Photos of the 1990 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1990-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1990-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

Since its introduction in 1984, the C4 had undeniably evolved into a sports car that could hold its own as a contender amongst some of the staunchest sports car competitors from around the world.
With each passing model year, on-going modifications to the engine, drive train, suspension, and steering had transformed the C4 Corvette from a car that was recognized more for its handling than its performance into a machine which had successfully mated technology and horsepower.

Pricing: $31,545.00 (Coupe), $36,785.00 (Conv.)

Engine options: 350CI 240/245 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 152mph

Units Produced: 26,412

Available Colors: White, Medium Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Black, Dark Red Metallic, Bright Red, Gray Metallic, Charcoal Metallic

Highlights of the year:

As early as 1988, the rumblings and rumors of a new ZR-1 model Corvette had begun to circulate. With fuzzy spy photographs and a growing rumble amongst the Detroit automotive community, there had been a growing speculation that a new “King of the Hill” Corvette was on its way.

Designed in a joint effort between Chevrolet and Germany’s ZF (Zandfabrik Friedrichshafen), the new six-speed transmission would prove to be a massive improvement over the never-popular Doug Nash 4+3 manual transmission which had been a part of the C4 Corvette program since its introduction in 1984.

The arrival of the new six-speed transmission would be met with unquestioning approval, although its introduction would carry with it a certain amount of controversy as well.

While the equipment previously associated with the optional Z52 became standard on all Corvettes, future Corvette owners were presented with an all-new suspension option.  RPO FX3 featured a selective ride and handling package.  Priced at $1,695, and only available on Corvettes also equipped with the Z51 option, the FX3 system adjusted shock damping by adjusting suspension firmness levels specified by a console-mounted switch.

Three suspension modes were available to select from during vehicle operation: touring, sport, or competition, and each was designed to suit the mood of the driving condition.  Within each setting, the damping rate increased with the car’s speed in six, twenty-five-mile-per-hour steps, from 25 miles per hour to 150 miles per hour.  A stylized, removable, bolt-on hardtop was introduced for the 1989 model year as well.  Made of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin over rigid urethane, it was molded around a steel/aluminum “cage” and coated with polyurethane inside and out.  A cloth headliner and window weather-stripping were included, as well as an electrically heated rear window (which plugged into a special rear-deck socket.) 

For the first time in several years, the 1989 model year would actually see an increase in the total sales numbers of the Chevrolet Corvette.  Even with the knowledge that the ZR-1 Corvette’s arrival was certain in 1990, Chevrolet sold a total of 26,412 Corvettes in 1989, of which nearly 10,000 units were convertibles.

Photos of 1989 Corvette:

     

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1989-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1989-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

The arrival of the 1988 model year brought with it the 35th anniversary of the Chevy Corvette.  For General Motors as a whole, and especially for the teams of people responsible for the design and development of “America’s Sports Car”, this anniversary was significant not only because of the milestone it represented, but because the thirtieth anniversary of Corvette had passed with barely a whisper.

After all, the Corvette had turned thirty years old in 1983, and, because of engineering decisions that were made to support increasingly high emissions standards, Chevrolet had opted not to build an ’83 Corvette at all.  The result was that Corvette had gone a decade without any type of anniversary special edition model to celebrate its ongoing successes.

Pricing: $29,489.00 (Coupe), $34,820.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI 240/245 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 

Units Produced: 22,789

Available Colors: Silver Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Yellow, White, Black, Dark Red Metallic, Bright Red, Gray Metallic, Charcoal Metallic,  White/Black

Highlights of the year:

The arrival of the 1988 model year brought with it the 35th anniversary of the Chevy Corvette.  So, for its 35th anniversary year, the Corvette was treated to a number of important engine and chassis upgrades. For 1988, the L98 received another 5 horsepower bump in power thanks to the addition of freer-breathing cylinder heads and a re-profiled camshaft. Additionally, Chevrolet introduced a new, less restrictive muffler package for the 1988 model. However, the increased resonance from the mufflers was deemed too loud for the convertible models.

Advances in chassis design included the introduction of larger, 17 x 9.5 inch “Cuisinart” rims that were mated to hefty P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT tires. The new rims featured a freshly designed twelve-slot pattern.  Still, side specific (meaning that four-way tire rotation was not possible), this new design was a considerable improvement over the original C4 wheels.

The new tires were classified as “Z-rated” tires, meaning that they could maintain sustained driving speeds in excess of 149 miles per hour, which was a significant advancement in Corvette’s tire/wheel program.  While this new tire/rim assembly was only offered as part of the Z51 and Z52 suspension package upgrades in 1988, the standard 16 x 8.5-inch rims were similarly updated, featuring a new six-slot pattern that was mated to P255/50ZR-16 Z-rated tires.

The interior of the 1988 Corvette received few upgrades from the previous model year, such as the modification of the interior air extractors within all Corvette coupes.  This was done to increase the flow rate of air through the climate control system, which was now offered with the extra-cost automatic-temperature control that was phased in toward the tail end of the 1987 Corvette’s production run.

For its 35th anniversary, Chevrolet announced that a limited production of 2,000 Special Anniversary Edition Corvettes would be manufactured.  The anniversary model would only be available as a coupe.  Officially offered under option code Z01, the car featured a bright white lower body (which included color-matched door handles, mirrors, bodyside moldings, and 17-inch wheels) which was set off by a black roof hoop and a transparent black acrylic roof panel. As with every model year since 1985, total Corvette sales continued to decline.  With just under 23,000 units sold, the 1988 Corvette was the lowest selling model-year since 1972.

Photos of the 1988 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1988-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1988-c4-corvette-image-gallery/