Corvette C6 is GM's latest version of Corvette and will end production in 2013. The C7 Corvette will be a 2014 model! The C6 differs quite a bit from the previous generation in several ways. Besides the obvious body change its more then just a re-skin. The steering and suspension have been redesigned for better control and feel.
Production Started in 2005 and is still the current body style. This generation is referred to as "C6" or 6th Generation. The original engine was the LS2 with a 6.0L V8 with 400hp. This engine is more closely related to the C5 Z06 engine. In 2008 the engine was upgraded to the 6.2L 425hp LS3 or 436hp and 428 lb·ft if ordered with the optional performance exhaust.
The Z06 was reintroduced on the C 6 Corvette in the third quarter of 2005. The heart of the Z06 is the all new 427ci or 7.0L small block LS7 engine. Official output is 505 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. Design changes included essentially everything. While the outside of the car looks similar to the base model nothing could be further from the truth. A new light weight aluminum frame, wider front fascia, carbon fiber body panels, different wheels, fixed roof, specific transmission / rear end and larger brakes list a few of the upgrades. The list of things similar is much shorter.
The ZR1 Corvette C6 was introduced in the 2009 Corvette model year. The ZR1 is distinctive from other corvettes by the use of carbon fiber roof panels, unique fender designs, brakes, hood with see through window with sight of supercharger and unique badges. This model elevates the performance of the Z06 to a new level. The LS9 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3 6.2L. Producing 638 hp and 604 ft lbs of torque. Lubrication is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts. Major performance increase is achieved by adding an Eaton TVS R2300 roots style 4-lobe supercharger. The supercharger's four-lobe design blows through an air-to-water, dual-brick design intercooler. The ZR1 flywheel is improved over the 2008 Z06 design. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. To cut weight the chassis is similar to the 2008 Z06 and is made of aluminum. The brake rotors are carbon ceramic design. Front: Brembo 6-piston units. Rear: Brembo 4-piston units. Both front and rear pads have twice the contact area of the Z06's. They have the addition of brake pad wear sensors.
The Grand Sport badge returned in 2010 Corvette C6 Model Year. It included the use of the base LS3 engine with 436 hp. Base steel C 6 Corvette frame wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges. Z06 front splitter and rear spoiler. Functional brake ducts and extra cooling. Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional. Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. Z06 brakes, including 355 mm (14.0 in) front rotors with 6-piston calipers and 340 mm (13 in) rear rotors with 4-piston calipersDry-sump oil system (Coupes equipped with manual transmissions only). Specific manual transmission gear ratios. Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models.
The engine in the Corvette C 6 is now a 6.2L 430 Hp 428 lbft of torque. The difference from 5.7L 350 Hp in the C5 is 80 Hp more! It's 5.1 inches shorter than the C5 but its wheelbase has increased by 1.2 inches. It is also one inch narrower. The manual transmission also has improved shift linkage along with the replacement of the previous T56 transmission with a new TR6060. The automatic is set up for quicker shifts giving the C6 Automatic a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds making it faster then any other automatic corvette ever.
New for 2009 on the C6
• New 1LT convertible model • 2LT convertible now with standard power top • Two new custom interiors: Dark Titanium and Ebony • Two new exterior colors: Cyber Gray Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic • Bluetooth phone connection available • Steering wheel audio controls standard on all models • Variable steering ratio standard on all models • “Crossed flags” emblem has new, bright surround • Power hatch pull-down standard on coupe
