Category: C6 Corvettes

Type: Coupe, Convertible, Z06 Coupe, 427 Collector Edition Convertible, Grand Sport Coupe, Grand Sport Convertible, ZR1 Coupe

Pricing: $44,995.00 (Coupe), $52,910.00 (Convertible), $66,955.00 (Indy. Conv.), $70,000.00 (Z06), $77,500.00 (Ron Fellows ZO6)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06), 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS9 Engine (ZR1)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 205mph

Available colors: Arctic White, Blade Silver Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Torch Red, Supersonic Blue Metallic, Cyber Gray, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Black and Night Race Blue Metallic.

Highlights of the year:

As with other anniversary years before it, the sixtieth-anniversary Corvettes marked another milestone year for the car, and Chevrolet certainly took a moment to recognize the Corvette with a special edition package available on all variants of the 2013 Corvette.  Available to consumers are Regular Production Option (RPO) Z25, the 60th Anniversary Design Package featured a Corvette finished in an Arctic White exterior, a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with blue stitching, specific interior and exterior identifiers – including the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat head restraints, suede accents for the steering wheel shifter, parking brake, armrests and doors, a ZR1-style spoiler, a blue top for the convertible models, and gray-painted brake calipers.  For those looking to add even more dynamic elements to the car, the optional RPO Z30 could also be integrated into the sixtieth-anniversary Corvettes which added full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue and tonal convertible top stripes stitched into the convertible top, thereby extending the graphic theme over the roof.

All 2013 Corvettes, even those purchased without the 60th Anniversary Design Package, received special “60th Anniversary” badges on the front and rear fascias and on the “waterfall” panel on convertible models.  On the interior of the car, the “60th” logos were also added to the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.   Additionally, the 2013 Corvette also featured some optional upgrades including available black-painted five-spoke aluminum wheels, designed specifically to both the base Corvette coupe/convertible and Grand Sport models, as well as an optional ZR-1 style rear spoiler that could be integrated into the coupe/convertible and Grand Sport models.  For 2013, the only new paint color was Night Race Blue Metallic.

As with previous model years, the 2013 Corvette was available to consumers in five distinct body styles. The standard coupe and convertible models, which were powered by the 430-horsepower LS3 V-8 engine (436-horsepower when equipped with the optional exhaust. The Grand Sport models – also offered in both a couple and convertible – which combined the Corvette’s powertrain with wide-body styling, a wider track and a racking-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivered greater handling performance than the base coupe/convertible. The Grand Sport also comes equipped with wider wheels and tires, revised shocks, stabilizer bar and spring specifications, and specific gearing intended for performance driving.

The 427 Convertible Collector Edition which included a hand-built, 505-horsepower LS7 engine, which was the first time an LS7 engine was offered in a convertible.

The Corvette 427 Convertible blended elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Photos of the 2013 Corvette:

Sources:

https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/2013/pictures/
https://www.corvsport.com/2013-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/corvette-specs/2013-corvette-specs/
https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/corvette/2013.html#:~:text=Exterior%20colors%20include%20Arctic%20White,%2C%20yellow%2C%20silver%20and%20gray.

Type: Two Door Coupe, Two Door Convertible, Grand Sport Coupe, Grand Sport Convertible, Z06 Coupe, ZR1 Coupe

Pricing: $50,500.00 (Coupe), $55,500.00 (Convertible), $56,900.00 (Grand Sport Coupe), $60,500.00 (Grand Sport Convertible), $76,500.00 (Z06 Coupe), $112,500.00 (ZR1 Coupe)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06), 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS9 Engine (ZR1)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 198mph (Z06), 205mph (ZR1)

Units Produced: 11,647

Available Colors: Arctic White, Blade Silver, Inferno Orange, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Gray, Carbon Flash, Torch Red, Crystal Red, Supersonic Blue, Carlisle Blue

Highlights of the year:

Chevrolet unveiled several new racing variants of the beloved Corvette, including both a newer GT contender as well as a Daytona Prototype class Corvette.  These cars, developed in conjunction with their production model counterparts, would further demonstrate the fusion between the engineers designing these cars and the people operating them – both on the road and the racetrack.

For the 2012 model year, Chevrolet decided to listen to the public before making changes to the car, even with the certainty that the C6 model was going to be replaced by a seventh-generation Corvette within the next couple of years.  Many of the changes made to the 2012 Corvette were in response to the criticisms that GM had received from owners of earlier model-year C6 Corvettes, and almost all of the changes were made to the car’s interior.

Inside the lightly revised two-person cabin, the steering wheel has been enhanced with model-specific badges, the center console and armrests further padded and there is now contrasting stitching (red, blue or yellow) offered with the custom leather-wrapped interior. Chevrolet has also directed some much-needed attention to the seats, which have been upgraded with larger bolsters on the back and side cushion areas. This technology package also included a refined heads-up display, navigation system with voice recognition, the Bose premium audio package (included standard with the 2LT package), a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, USB iPod connection and input jacks and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Last year, the Corvette ZR1 was delivered with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. With a “maximum performance summer” classification (treadwear rating of 220), the well-respected rubber delivered impressive handling. For 2012, Chevrolet has cranked things up several notches by offering the optional High-Performance package (PDE ZR1) featuring new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires. The “track and competition” classified compound (with a treadwear rating of just 80!)  was optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability. They are “… essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire,” says the automaker. The insanely wide tires (285/30R19 and 335/25R20) came wrapped around all-new staggered-size alloy wheels that were each about five pounds lighter than last year’s 20-spoke wheel.

The changes made to the 2012MY were minimal once you take into consideration that everything under the hood remained completely untouched. The Z06 version still gets a 7.0 Liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 505 hp at 6300 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The ZR1 version will use the same 6.2 Liter LS9 aluminum-block V8 engine with a total of 638 hp at 6500 rpm and 604 lb.- ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. The Z06 version will hit 198 mph, while the ZR1 will go up to 205 mph.

Rounding out the changes for the 2012 Corvette was a newly available racing-style full-width rear spoiler for the Z06 and ZR1 as part of the Z07 and PDE packages, respectively. The Z06 also was available with a new carbon-fiber hood.

Even with the refinements that had been introduced for the model year, critics of the car continued to identify the 2012 Corvette’s interior as being a “low-rent” option (when compared to similarly priced sports car in its class), but this shortcoming was more than compensated for by the car’s overall drivability, an incredible grip in tight corners, and its strong braking system.  Additionally, the car was noted as having a comfortable ride, though some critics of the car wish the steering provided more feedback.

Photos of the 2o12 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/2012-c6-corvette/
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2012-Chevrolet-Corvette/
https://www.topspeed.com/cars/chevrolet/2012-chevrolet-corvette-ar108515.html
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15125683/2012-chevrolet-corvette-z06-and-zr1-news/
https://www.corvsport.com/2012-c6-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

 

The Chevrolet Corvette, America’s sports car, celebrated its 58^th year in 2011 by again enticing consumers with a broad lineup of returning models, and introducing a new special edition Z06 for the discerning Corvette collector  – the base Corvette coupe and convertible, the Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible, the Corvette Z06 coupe, including the introduction of the all-new Carbon Edition Z06 coupe, and the crowned jewel of the entire paddock, the return of the ultra-powerful Corvette ZR1.  While Corvette had offered a limited number of model choices just a few years before, Corvette now offered a model to meet every consumer’s needs – from the casual cruiser to the weekend track warrior, and beyond.

Type: 2 Door Coupe/Convertible, Grand Sport Coupe/Convertible, Z06 Coupe, Z06 Carbon Ed. Coupe, ZR1 Coupe

Pricing: $49,900 (Coupe), $54,550.00 (Convertible), $55,740.00 (Grand Sport Coupe), $59,950 (Grand Sport Convertible), $75,255 (Z06 Corvette), $90,960.00 (Z06 Carbon Fiber Edition), $110,750.00 (ZR1 Corvette)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe & Convertible, Grand Sport Coupe & Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06 & Z06 Carbon Edition), 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS9 Engine (ZR1 Coupe)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 196mph (Z06)

Units Produced: 13,596

Available Colors: Arctic White, Blade Silver, Inferno Orange, Black, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Gray, Torch Red, Jetstream Blue, Crystal Red, Supersonic Blue

Highlights of the year: 

The Grand Sport Coupe ($54,790) and Convertible ($58,600) were equipped the same as the base models but with wider-body styling to cover their wider track, racing-tuned suspension, and Z06-sized tires and brakes.

To commemorate both the milestone anniversary of the company as well as the incredible evolution of the small-block V-8 engine, Chevrolet offered a new option to Corvette owners for the 2011 model year.  Designated by Regular Production Option (RPO) PBC, future Corvette owners could now purchase the Engine Plant Build Experience when purchasing either a Z06 or a ZR1 Corvette.

Refinements to the Corvette base model coupe and convertible were very limited for 2011.  Both the coupe, convertible and Grand Sport models came equipped with the 430 horsepower LS3 engine, and came standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, AM/FM/XM stereo with CD, a three-month trial subscription to XM radio, an MP3 jack, OnStar, leather seats, a power driver’s seat, active handling, traction control, tire pressure monitors, and driver, passenger and side airbags.

For 2011, the Corvette Grand Sport received the same refinements as the coupe and convertible with one notable addition –  the Corvette Grand Sport could be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control as an option.  When equipped with both Magnetic Ride Control and a manual transmission, the car also came equipped with four Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires.   The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension featured magneto-rheological dampers that can detect road surfaces, and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control.  It included larger, cross-drilled brake rotors

Corvette Z06 ($74,305) came with a 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower, with dry-sump lubrication and coolers for the power steering pump, gearbox, and rear differential. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package included a host of high-performance components. The Z06 hardtop was fixed in place. Its brakes were upgraded, its tires are huge (Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar P275/35ZR18 fronts and P325/30ZR19 rears), and it was offered only with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Options included the Z07 Ultimate Performance package ($9,495) with ceramic brakes with dark gray calipers, Competition Gray aluminum spider wheels, Michelin PS2 tires (P285/30ZR19 front, P335/25ZR20 rear), Magnetic Selective Ride Control and enhanced cooling. The CFZ Carbon Fiber package ($3,995) features a black-painted carbon-fiber roof, rocker panels, and splitter, plus a body-color ZR1-style spoiler. The 2LZ package ($2,665) included a power telescoping steering column, heated seats, memory for the seats, mirrors and steering wheel, Bose audio, universal garage door opener, cargo net, and cargo cover. The 3LZ package ($7,170) had the 2LZ equipment plus power sport seats and a premium leather package similar to the 4LT. There was also a variety of wheel choices, including painted aluminum and chrome finishes.

Corvette ZR1 ($109,800) had a supercharged 6.2-liter version of the Z06 V8, utilizing an Eaton four-lobe supercharger. To deal with the additional stresses and loads, every appropriate piece of the engine was upgraded. The ZR1 was available only as a coupe, and only with a heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission. The ZR1 came with huge Brembo brakes, 15.5 inches in front and 15.0 inches in the rear, and made of special heat-resistant carbon-ceramic material. The tires were Michelin Pilot Sport 2 ZP run-flats, sized 285/30ZR19 in front and 335/25ZR20 in the rear; the rims are 10 inches wide in front and 12 inches in the rear. The ZR1 also had the lighter-weight aluminum chassis components of the Z06, and carbon fiber for the roof, hood and front fenders. In addition, the ZR1 hood came with a transparent panel.

Refinements to the Corvette base model coupe and convertible were very limited for 2011.  Both the coupe, convertible and Grand Sport models came equipped with the 430 horsepower LS3 engine, and came standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, AM/FM/XM stereo with CD, a three-month trial subscription to XM radio, an MP3 jack, OnStar, leather seats, a power driver’s seat, active handling, traction control, tire pressure monitors, and driver, passenger and side airbags.

For 2011, the Corvette Grand Sport received the same refinements as the coupe and convertible with one notable addition –  the Corvette Grand Sport could be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control as an option.  When equipped with both Magnetic Ride Control and a manual transmission, the car also came equipped with four Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires.   The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension featured magneto-rheological dampers that can detect road surfaces, and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control.  It included larger, cross-drilled brake rotors.

While sales of the C6 Corvette had seen a steady decline in the total number of units since 2008, the 2011 model year saw sales numbers begin to rise once more, though only slightly.  A total of 13,848 Corvettes were sold in 2011, and of those, the Z06 accounted for 1,156 units (coupe and convertible) while the ZR1 totaled 806 units.  While these numbers were still significantly lower than the first couple of years of the C6, where sales averaged between 38-40 thousand units, Corvette continued to forge ahead with the manufacturing of their iconic sports car, though with a growing certainty that the decline in C6 sales tied directly to the still-recovering economy and, more concernedly, the age of the C6 itself.

Unbeknownst to most, a seventh-generation Corvette was already in the works. While working in conjunction with data created by, and collected from, the C6.R Corvette Race Car each race day, the engineers behind the next generation Corvette were looking to the race track in an effort to better design (and eventually manufacture) the most capable, track-ready Corvette ever created.

Photos of the 2011 Corvette:

    

 

 

Sources:

https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2011-Chevrolet-Corvette/expert-review/
https://www.corvsport.com/2011-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/2011-c6-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

Type: Two Door Coupe, Two Door Convertible, Competition Sport Special Edition, GT1 Championship Edition Coupe, GT1 Championship Edition Convertible, Z06 Coupe, Competition Sport Edition Z06, GT1 Championship Edition Z06, ZR1 Coupe

Pricing: $49,880.00 (Coupe), $54,530.00 (Convertible), $55,720.00 (Grand Sport Coupe), $59,530.00 (Grand Sport Convertible), $75,235.00, (Z06 Coupe), $107,830.00 (ZR1 Coupe)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe and Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06), 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS9 Engine (ZR1)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Units Produced: 12,194

Available Colors: Arctic White, Blade Silver, Black, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Gray, Torch Red, Jetstream Blue, Crystal Red

Highlights of the year:

While the restructure of General Motors had taken its toll on the company, resulting in the discontinuation of Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, it had also allowed the company to refocus their efforts on the remaining brands, giving them the bandwidth to develop new strategies to help them excel once more as an innovator in the automotive marketplace. For Corvette, this innovation meant that Chevrolet would not only continue production of their beloved sports car in all of its current forms – namely, the coupe, convertible, Z06, and ZR1 models – but they’d also be introducing another variant to this already impressive lineup.

This new model would be dubbed “Grand Sport”, a name that has long been synonymous with Corvette performance.  The original Grand Sport Corvette, as envisioned by Zora Arkus-Duntov, was to be a factory-built, lightweight, and race-ready production model that could outperform both domestic and foreign road-racing competitors.

The new Grand Sport combined the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with wide-body styling, a wider track, and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivered a great balance of road and race track performance. It offered either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevated the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Grand Sport replaced the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brought a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. A combination of 0-60 performance of four seconds, skidpad adhesion of 1 g, and EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway made it a very well-rounded sports car.

The Grand Sport borrowed from its big brother, the Z06, to offer Vette drivers something a bit less hardcore but with similar visual appeal. The front fascia with the center-mounted scoop and wider rear fenders were common to the Z06. The front fenders, however, got a new side scoop design unique to the GS with a chrome badge along the top edge. Unlike the Z06, the GS retained the standard steel frame of the base model, meaning it was available in both removable roof coupe and retractable roof convertible body styles.

All of Corvette’s exterior colors were offered on the Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package added iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim packages, too.

Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes did spend a considerable amount of time competing on race tracks across the United States, and around the world.  These five cars would continue to race throughout the 1960s, driven by “private” racers who had strong contacts within Duntov’s engineering circle.  All five of these original Grand Sport Corvettes are accounted for today and are considered among the most valuable Corvettes in the collector market.

While the Grand Sport Corvette was certainly the major highlight of the 2010 model year, all of the Corvette models that year received at least some minor refinements, though outwardly, those changes were limited to the re-introduction of exterior color choices, including Torch Red.  The convertible models, regardless of trim level, now included the tall, rear spoiler previously introduced on the Z06 model.

Of course, no model year of Corvette would be complete with the introduction of at least one special edition Corvette, and 2010 was certainly no exception.  To commemorate Corvette’s involvement in the 24 Hours of LeMans since it made its first appearance there in 1960, Chevrolet offered a custom “one-off” Z06 Corvette finished in white with blue stripes, the traditional American racing color scheme.  The car’s look matches that of the original 1960 Corvette, which won its class in Le Mans in 1960.

Photos of the 2010 Corvette:

     

 

Sources:

https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2010-Chevrolet-Corvette/editors-review/
https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/corvette-specs/2010-corvette-specs/
https://www.corvsport.com/2010-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/2010-corvette-zr1-image-gallery/

 

 

Despite the financial hardships faced by General Motors at that time, the company announced that the 2009 model year would not only bring changes to the current Corvette model line-up, but that it would also introduce the world to one of the most powerful – and, ironically, most expensive – production-model Corvettes of all time – the 638 horsepower ZR1 Corvette Coupe (see 2009 ZR1 Corvette Overview).

Type: Two Door Coupe, Two Door Convertible, Competition Sport Special Edition, GT1 Championship Edition Coupe, GT1 Championship Edition Convertible, Z06 Coupe, Competition Sport Edition Z06, GT1 Championship Edition Z06, ZR1 Coupe

Pricing: $47,895.00 (Coupe), $53,550.00 (Convertible), $55,765.00 (Competition Sport), $65,410.00 (GT1 C.E. Coupe), $71,915,00 (GT1 C.E. Conv.), $73,255.00 (Z06 Coupe), $77,600.00 (Comp. Sport Z06), $86,486.00 (GT1 C.E. Z06), $103,300.00 (ZR1 Coupe)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe and Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06), 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS9 Engine (ZR1)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 205mph

Units Produced: 16,956

Available Colors: Arctic White, Blade Silver, LeMans Blue, Black, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Atomic Orange, Jetstream Blue, Crystal Red

Highlights of the year:

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helped the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carried it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tended to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enabled the engine’s confident high-rpm performance.

The LS9 engine was backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed was achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

The ZR1 was built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and featured similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differed was the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

While the 2008 model year saw a number of notable improvements to the C6 coupe and convertible, including the introduction of the LS3 6.2L V-8 as the new standard engine for the base model Corvettes, the focus of the 2009 model year would be centered on refining those improvements while simultaneously ushering in a new era of Corvette performance unparalleled in the production car’s impressive history.

The 2009 Corvette was also the first to be equipped with Bluetooth capability, which provided owners with the convenience and safety of utilizing Bluetooth hands-free phone service

There were also improvements to the exterior. This Corvette blended elements from earlier Corvettes, (such as a rear split-window reminiscent of the 1963 Stingray,) with futuristic visual cues unlike anything seen on any Corvette before it. Although a vision of what future Corvettes could very well look like, this design was actually developed in conjunction with Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures for the movie “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” which hit movie theaters later that same year.

To commemorate the successes of the C6.R Corvette Race Car, GM also introduced a limited production GT1 Championship Edition Corvette.

The exteriors of this special edition Corvette came in one of two unique color schemes: titanium-colored graphics set against a vibrant yellow paint, or black paint with yellow-and-titanium accent to match the C6.R’s 2009 livery.

Despite the introduction of the ZR1, the special edition/commemorative editions, and the continual improvement in quality represented in every coupe and convertible built, Corvette’s sales numbers saw a dramatic drop from 2008 to 2009.

Where 2008 saw over 35,000 Corvettes sold during its production run, the 2009 model year saw less than half that, with a total of just 16,956 cars being sold that year.  Understandably, the U.S. economy was in the middle of a fairly dramatic recession, and purchasing a Corvette was a luxury that fewer consumers could – or would be willing to – afford given the financial hardships experienced the world over.

Photos of the 2009 Corvette:

             

 

Sources:

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/corvette-specs/2009-corvette-zr1-specs/
https://www.corvsport.com/2009-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/2008-c6-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

 

Type: Two Door Coupe, Two Door Convertible, Indy 500 Coupe, Indy 500 Convertible, Z06 Coupe, 427 Limited Edition Coupe

Pricing: $45,995.00 (Coupe), $54,335.00 (Convertible), $59,090.00 (Indy 500 Pace Cpe.), $68,160.00 (Indy 500 Conv.), $71,000.00 (Z06 Coupe)  $84,195.00 (427 Lim. Ed. Z06)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe and Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 190mph

Units Produced: 35,310

Available Colors: Arctic White, Black, Velocity Yellow, Machine Silver, Victory Red, Atomic Orange, Jetstream Blue, Crystal Red.

Highlights of the year:

The most notable advancement of the 2008 Corvette model year was the news that Chevrolet had developed another evolution of its legendary small-block engine.

The new engine was designated the LS3 and would become the standard engine for both the base coupe and convertible models.  The LS3 included a size increase from 364 cubic inches (6.0L) of the LS2 to 376 cubic inches (6.2L).  In addition to increased size and displacement, the engine also received a thirty-horsepower increase. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds

This new iteration of the storied small-block family featured a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.

Outwardly, there were few notable cosmetic changes to the exterior of the car.  However, the wheels offered with the 2008 Corvette received some notable improvements. Corvette Coupe and Convertible models came with a new split-spoke wheel design for ’08. The design was introduced on the limited-edition ’07 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas with a Sterling Silver finish. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional.

In addition to the 427-Limited Edition Z06 listed above, there were a couple of other special edition Corvettes that made their appearance as part of the 2008 lineup.  As with the 2007 model year, GM once again offered a special edition Indy Pace Car model, though for the first time, the car – available as both a coupe and convertible – could be ordered in one of two special paint schemes.  The first design was based on the actual 2008 Indy 500 pace car.

This special Z06 Corvette was unique in that it paced the Indianapolis 500 while running on E85 (ethanol) fuel.   The second pace car design featured a special silver/black paint scheme in commemoration of the famous 1978 Corvette Pace Car model.   Both pace car variations included special Titanium seats and Z06 spoilers.  All of the pace cars were specially numbered and signed by Emerson Fittipaldi.

Photos of the 2008 Corvette:

    

Sources:

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/corvette-specs/2008-corvette-specs/
https://www.corvsport.com/2008-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/2008-c6-corvette-image-gallery/

After the introduction of the sixth-generation coupe and convertible in 2005, and the return of the Z06 Coupe in 2006, the 2007 Corvette arrived virtually unchanged from these earlier two model years. Although GM had begun development of additional, more radical refinements for the Corvette – including an as-yet-to-be-named supercharged prototype due in early 2008 – the 2007 model carried forward the same power and technology advancements that had already become synonymous with the C6 model.

Type: 2 Door Coupe and Convertible, Indy 500 Pace Convertible, Z06 Coupe, Ron Fellows Z06 Special Edition

Pricing: $44,995.00 (Coupe), $52,910.00 (Convertible), $66,955.00 (Indy. Conv.), $70,000.00 (Z06), $77,500.00 (Ron Fellows ZO6)

Engine options: 346 C.I. (6.0L) LS2 Engine (Coupe & Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06)

Top speed: 205mph (factory-declared)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Units Produced: 40,561

Available Colors: Arctic White, LeMans Blue, Black, Velocity Yellow, Machine Silver, Victory Red, Monterey Red, Atomic Orange

 

Highlights of the year: 

Of course, a new model year without any additions, improvements, or changes was unheard of.  Even the most successful vehicle platforms  – of which Corvette was definitely one –  received minor tweaks and alterations, and the 2007 model was certainly no exception, although they were far and few between.  Further, most of the changes that were made to the 2007 model year were virtually invisible to the casual observer.  They were intended to improve upon previous design elements, and most were functional – not aesthetic – in nature

Mechanically, the only notable change that was introduced in 2007 was the introduction of larger, cross-drilled brake rotors. These brake rotors were offered to those consumers who purchased the Magnetic Selective Ride Control option (RPO F55).  For previous Corvettes, this brake package, sized between the base model and the Z06 brake systems, was included and only available when ordered as part of the Z51 performance package.

The Corvette coupe ($44,170) and Convertible ($52,085) are powered by a 6.0-liter V8 generating 400 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional six-speed Paddle Shift automatic ($1,250) can be shifted manually with levers on the steering column.

Standard features for the Corvette coupe include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter, power everything (including seats), cruise control and HID headlights. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. The sport seats are included with Preferred Package 2LT ($1,495) for the coupe, which also adds side airbags, a rear cargo net and luggage shade.

Two suspension options are offered for both the coupe and convertible. The Z51 Performance Handling Package ($1,695) is designed for track days, while Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) automatically switches from extra-firm to more comfortable touring settings with electronically controlled variable damping.

The Corvette Z06 coupe ($65,640) is considerably more expensive than the standard models and raises performance to another plane. The heart of the Z06 is a 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower, with racecar features such as dry-sump lubrication and coolers for the power steering pump, gearbox and rear differential. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package includes a host of high-performance components, starting with hydro-formed aluminum frame rails (rather than the steel rails used in the standard Corvette). Its hardtop is fixed in place. Its brakes are upgraded, its tires are huge and it’s offered only with the six-speed manual transmission.

More notable than any of the improvements made to the 2007 Corvette were the special edition models that were offered that year.  In 1999, a driver by the name of Ron Fellows joined the Corvette Racing team.  Over nearly a decade, he would prove to be one of the most successful drivers on the team, leading Corvette racing to GT class championships in the American LeMans Series (2002, 2003and 2004) and to victory lane (GTS class) at the 24 Hours of LeMans (2001 and 2002.)  Because of his enormous success and immense popularity as a driver, Chevy decided to produce a limited edition Z06 in his honor.  The car was officially called the “2007 Ron Fellows American Le Mans Series Grand Touring Class 1 Champion Corvette Z06,” though it became more commonly known simply as the “Ron Fellows Edition.”

In addition to the Ron Fellows Z06, another special-edition Corvette was introduced in 2007.  This version was based on the Corvette Pace Car that was used at the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 driven by actor/racer Patrick Dempsey.  The significance of this car was the fact that GM had not produced a pace car replica since the 1998 model year, even though the Corvette had paced the prestigious event five times since then.

Photos of the 2007 Corvette:

   

 

Sources:

https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2007-Chevrolet-Corvette/expert-review/
https://www.corvsport.com/2007-c6-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/2007-c6-corvette-image-gallery/

 

 

While the 2006 Corvette base coupe and convertible were virtually unchanged from the previous model year, the C6’s sophomore year promised to propel the emerging supercar to even higher levels of power and performance.  The introduction of the C6 in 2005 had surpassed the expectations of even the most discriminating critics and propelled the Corvette beyond any that had come before it.

Pricing: $44,600.00 (Coupe), $52,335.00 (Convertible), $65,800.00 (Z06)

Engine options: 346 C.I. (6.0L) LS2 Engine (Coupe & Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Top speed: 200mph

Units Produced: 34,021

Available Colors: Arctic White, LeMans Blue, Black, Velocity Yellow, Machine Silver, Sunset Orange, Victory Red, Monterey Red

Higlights of the year:

Known to sports car enthusiasts as the C6 (for sixth generation), the current-generation Corvette was all-new for model year 2005. It’s much better than the C5 it replaced, which was a solid sports car in its own right. What makes the C6 better is everything: performance, refinement, ease of operation. It’s more comfortable and easier to drive, not only on the road, but also on a race track. It quickly infuses the driver with confidence. It feels like it has more grip than the C5, and it does. It’s more agile than before yet more stable. Its new brakes are excellent and, yes, it’s faster. If you believe the best time to buy a car is in its second year of production, then the 2006 Corvette is the one to buy.

The standard Corvette coupes and convertibles were powered by Chevy’s 6.0-liter LS2 V8. This engine sounds great and intoxicates with its acceleration. New for 2006 is an optional six-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission. With either the manual or automatic, the coupe was awesome, and the convertible is really wonderful. Drop the top on a nice day, turn on the stereo and you’ll likely have what psychologists call a peak experience. It was a wonderful feeling and at those moments the Corvette more than justified its price.

The headline for the 2006 model year was a new, ultra-high performance Z06 model. The Corvette Z06 was a true supercar for a price that’s merely expensive, as opposed to insanely expensive. This ultra-high-performance coupe features a new 7.0-liter LS7 V8, high-tech, weight trimming chassis features and upgraded brakes. If any $66,000 car could be called a bargain, this was the one. The Z06 Corvette accelerated faster, had better grip and stopped shorter than European sports cars that cost twice as much at that time.

Naturally, the Z06 came with a more-robust price-tag than the coupe or convertible models, but it also provided drivers an experience behind the wheel that was on par with many of the premier sports cars from around the world.  The 2006 Z06 Corvette had a base price of $65,800.00 (excluding any available options) compared to the Corvette coupe’s base price of $44,600, a price difference of over $20,000.00.  Yet, despite the dramatic price increase, the Z06 accounted for 6,272 units (nearly 20% of all Corvette sales) in 2006.  By comparison, 16,598 coupes and 11,151 convertibles were sold that same year.

Photos of the 2006 Corvette:

     

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/2006-c6-corvette/
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2006-Chevrolet-Corvette/expert-review/
https://www.corvsport.com/2006-c6-corvette-image-gallery/