The Improved 2001 Evolution Corvette
Finally, with all the Z06 hoopla settling down, we can get down to the business of talking about another great car, and one with its own improvements the 2001 Vette. Available in coupe and convertible body styles, the new Vettes get more horsepower, a Second Generation Active Handling System, and more refinement, right down to the much needed chrome tipped tailpipes. It's all another step in the 48 year evolution of the Vette, America's favorite sportscar According to Chevrolet, the most common answer from current Vette owners when asked what they'd like to see in future Corvettes is, "More power" For the 2001 Corvette coupes and convertibles, the LS1 5.7 liter V8 gets five more horsepower, up from last year's 345 hp at 5,600 rpm to 350 hp at 5,600 rpm for 2001. Torque also increases from a maximum of 350 lb./ft. at 4,400 rpm to 360 lb./ft. at 4,400 for automatics and 375 lb./ft. for manuals. What doesn't show up in the maximum numbers is the boost in low end torque, where most Corvette drivers can feel it when accelerating from a stop light or passing another vehicle. For example, 340 lb./ft. is reached at 2,500 rpm, a full 1,400 rpm sooner than last year. This helps the "slowest" Corvette an automatic equipped with the standard rear axle ratio accelerate from 0 to 60 a full quarter second faster.
To obtain the five additional horsepower and the torque increases, Chevrolet engineers designed a new composite intake manifold with increased plenum volume and smoother flowing runners. The increased air flow, combined with less turbulence, also allows moderated camshaft lift and overlap, resulting in the power and torque improvements. For durability, thin wall, cast iron exhaust manifolds replace the previous stainless steel manifolds.
For 2001, a Second Generation Active Handling System, enhanced over the original, becomes standard equipment on all Corvettes. With a new Bosch brake pressure modulator and revised calibrations, the new system provides even more assistance to the Corvette driver without intruding during "enthusiastic" driving. The enhanced system includes dynamic rear brake proportioning capability, electronically balancing rear brake pressure to prevent lockup. The addition of sideslip angle rate control to the Active Handling's software senses whether the driver has been too slow or fast to react to changing vehicle dynamics during evasive maneuvers, then dials in just the right amount of control to maintain balance. Another software upgrade assists the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high lateral acceleration conditions by releasing brake pressure on the inside rear wheel during lateral acceleration maneuvers.
The new Second Generation Active Handling System has been refined where it works in conjunction with the traction control system, resulting in fewer engine sags and better acceleration when compared to the 2000 system. The new calibration allows drivers to experience the 2001 Corvette's power and handling while still maintaining control over excessive wheelspin. This allows average drivers to leave the traction control system on when competing in autocross style competitions.
For more skilled drivers, the Second Generation Active Handling System has a Competitive Mode, which allows the driver to disengage the traction control without giving up other Active Handling benefits. Holding down the Active Handling button on the console for five seconds activates the Competitive Mode, which can now be enabled without bringing the car to a complete stop as in the previous year.
In addition to the welcomed chrome tipped tailpipes, the 2001 Corvette also gets expandable foam and/or seals in strategic areas for improved interior sound isolation, a new convertible top for better sealing and a smoother appearance, and slimmer remote key fobs. Also worth noting is the 2001 Corvette's new Absorbent Glass Mat AGM battery. Lighter and more durable than previous Corvette batteries, the AGM battery uses fiberglass mats that are impregnated with electrolyte, then compressed along with the lead plates into a sealed case. The result is a more compact battery that is capable of being run down and recharged more often than a common lead acid battery. It's also 5.7 pounds lighter.
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