The 2005 Debut of the Chevrolet Corvette C6

   Chevrolet Corvette C6 coupe. The new Corvette gets an overhaul of the suspension geometry, all new body work with exposed headlamps, for the first time since 1962, a larger passenger compartment, and a larger 6.0 L, 366 cu in, engine. Overall, shorter and narrower than the C5, to gain wider appeal to the European market. The 6.0 L LS2 V8 produces 400 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 ft•lb of torque at 4400 rpm. Its redline is increased to 6500 rpm. With a 0 to 60 time of less than 4.2 seconds, it places this sixth generation Corvette into a true supercar status.

  The C6 retains the relatively good fuel economy of the C5, due in part to its relatively low drag coefficient and low curb weight, achieving 18 to 27 mpg city and highway when equipped with an automatic transmission. The manual version is slightly better at 18 to 28, like all manual transmission Corvettes since 1989, it is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Selection to improve fuel economy by requiring drivers to shift from 1st gear directly to 4th in low-speed and or low-throttle conditions. This feature is what helps the C6 avoid the gas guzzler tax while achieving better fuel economy.

   2005 C6 LS2 Convertible. For 2008, the Corvette received a mild freshening: a new LS3 engine with displacement increased to 6.2 L, 378 cu in, resulting in 430 hp and 424 lb•ft of torque, 436 HP and 428 lb per ft torque if ordered with the optional performance exhaust. The 6 speed manual transmission also has improved shift linkage and a 0 to 60 time of 4.0 seconds, while the automatic is set up for quicker shifts giving the C6 Automatic a 0 to 60 time of 4.3 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette. The interior was slightly updated and a new 4LT leather-wrap interior package was added. The wheels were also updated to a new five-spoke design.