Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Convertible
Manufacturer	Chevrolet Division of General Motors
Production	1996–2004
Model years	1997–2004
Assembly	Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Predecessor	Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Successor	Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé (1997–2004) 2-door convertible (1998–2004) 2-door hardtop (1999–2000)
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	Y-body
Engine	5.7L LS1 V8 5.7L LS6 V8 (2001–2004) (Z06)
Transmission	6-speed manual 4-speed auto.
Wheelbase	104.5 in (2,654 mm)
Length	179.7 in (4,564 mm)
Width	73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height	47.7 in (1,212 mm) Convertible: 47.8 in (1,214 mm)
Curb weight	1,472 kg (3,245 lb) Convertible: 1,473 kg (3,247 lb) Hardtop: 1,439 kg (3,172 lb)[1]
Related	Callaway C12 IVM C12

The Chevrolet Corvette (C5) is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1997 through 2004 model years.

Contents

 [hide] 

• 1 Overview
  • 1.1 Z06
• 2 Special Editions
  • 2.1 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica
  • 2.2 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 2.3 24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition
• 3 C5-R
• 4 Production notes
• 5 See also
• 6 References
• 7 External links

Overview[edit source | editbeta]

The C5 was a major change from the previous generation, the C4. Designed from the outset as a sturdy convertible, as opposed to a coupé that was subsequently weakened by the removal of the roof structure, the car now had a hydroformed box frame. The transmission was moved to the rear of the car to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly which was connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube; this engine/transmission arrangement helped facilitate a desirable 50-50 (percentage, front-rear) weight distribution for the vehicle. The LS1 engine initially produced 345 hp (257 kW), but that was increased slightly in 2001 to 350 hp (261 kW). The 4L60-E automatic transmission carried on from previous models, but the manual was replaced by a Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed that is capable of propelling the C5 to a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h). Gone were the squeaks and rattles of the C4,^[2] replaced by a stronger frame that would last for two generations.^{[citation needed]}

The styling of the C5 was also a departure from the trend set by the previous-generation Corvette. Whereas the styling of the C4 had largely been a simplification of the C3 fastback design, straightening out the complex curves of the car to give it sleeker lines, the C5 reversed that somewhat. The vehicle now had a more rounded and graceful appearance that helped to recapture some of the aggressive looks of the C3 without compromising aerodynamics.