Corvette C6
| Corvette | |
|---|---|
 Corvette C6 Coupe
|
|
| C6 | |
| Sales designation: | Corvette |
| Production period: | 2005-2013 |
| Class : | Sports car |
| Body versions : | Coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 6.0–7.0 liters (298–476 kW) |
| Length: | 4435-4459 mm |
| Width: | 1844-1927 mm |
| Height: | 1246 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2686 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1418-1538 kg |
| Previous model | Corvette C5 |
| successor | Corvette C7 |
The Corvette C6 is the sixth edition of the US Corvette sports car from General Motors , manufactured from January 2005 to February 2013.
Since its launch in June 1953, around 1.5 million copies of the Corvette have rolled off the production line for six generations. The sports car with the GRP body is known worldwide and an integral part of American sports car history. The Corvette has already been immortalized in many songs and films and thus developed into a sports car cult object, as well-known people from the film and music industry owned or have a "Vette".
Model history
In addition to the significantly changed appearance, for the first time since the Corvette C1 , open instead of the typical pop-up headlights are used again. In addition, the new C6 got a larger and more efficient V8 engine, the chassis was revised, the driving characteristics improved and the interior upgraded.
The newest model of the Corvette no longer officially bears the Chevrolet brand in Europe . The reason for the separation of the name is given with the distribution of Daewoo vehicles under the name Chevrolet in Europe. Officials say that they want to preserve the Corvette's sporty and sophisticated image.
The latest Corvette is technically more modern than ever, but its style is also based on design elements from earlier model generations. However, the new edition of the sports car was presented a year late; so the 50th Corvette anniversary celebrated in summer 2003 had to go ahead without the premiere of the C6. The premiere finally took place in the United States in 2004 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit . Nevertheless, it took another good year for the C6 to hit the streets: the C6 was only delivered to its first customer in 2005.
The sixth Corvette generation, available as a coupé or convertible, now comes with a heavily revised, larger and above all more powerful V8 engine. The sports car also benefits from improved driving characteristics compared to its predecessors. Numerous improvements to the body and interior, as well as the Corvette's higher build quality, are intended to strengthen the sports car's competitiveness.
"The Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owner with impeccable performance and great comfort," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet's general manager. He also said at a later point in time: “The changes and further developments to the 2008 Corvette give a picture of the continuous improvements that are typical of Chevrolet's endeavors to build the best sports car in the world - and with a proud history of almost 55 years the Corvette improves again. "
Dave Hill, the now retired chief engineer who helped develop the C5 and C6, said:
"We don't want to build collectibles like other big brands do, we want to build sports cars that any working American can afford."
These statements also confirm various driving reports and tests by car magazines around the world. As a result, the C6 was named one of the ten best cars of 2005 by the US magazine “Car and Driver's”. The US magazine “Road & Track” wrote the same thing: “The C6 has no real weak points and many strengths. It has world-class performance, a high level of comfort and is available at almost half the price of a Porsche Carrera S ”. The fact that it doesn't feel exactly like the European competitors, for example , because of the special high-torque engine with a large displacement and the chassis with transverse leaf springs instead of coil springs , is usually also seen as a distinctive character.
The current basic models are the C6 Coupé with traditionally removable roof ( Targa ) and the C6 Convertible (Cabrio). From 2005 to 2007, these were equipped with the 6.0 liter LS2 engine. The still current 6.2 liter LS3 has been in use since 2008, the most powerful engine ever built into a Corvette that can be combined with the automatic transmission. The sports version Z06 and the top version ZR1 are only available with a manual conventional gearbox. The ZR1 is the most powerful series Corvette that has ever been developed.
All of these current Corvette models also benefit from the racing technology that was successful in Le Mans . With the ZR1 , a new edition of the ZR-1 from 1989, a whole new chapter in Corvette history began in 2008, because with 476 kW (647 hp) it is the fastest and most powerful series Corvette.
With more compact external dimensions and relatively high performance, the C6 is the most successful Corvette generation to date. The successor model Corvette C7 will appear at the NAIAS 2013 and then replace its predecessor after eight years of construction.
On February 28, 2013, the last Corvette C6 rolled off the assembly line at GM's Bowling Green (Kentucky) plant . It was a "Corvette 427 Convertible" (Cabrio) in the color Arctic White, equipped with the 7.0 liter LS7 V8 engine of the Z06 and the 60th Anniversary Design package. A total of 215,100 C6 series Corvettes were built, 13,466 of which were from the 2013 model year.
development
In contrast to the “global players” Porsche 911 or Ferrari, the spread of the Corvette was strongly focused on the home market. Of the 35,000 units built annually in Bowling Green , a maximum of 1,200 have so far gone to Europe and even fewer to Japan. That should change with the C6, because GM was aiming to quadruple to quintuple sales in Europe.
At the first global launch in 2005, the new C6 was greeted with applause, but critics said it was not new enough to live up to this claim. The Corvette C6 was the first to be developed by the same team at the same time as another General Motors car. This was the Cadillac XLR , a luxury two-seater with a folding hardtop that was launched in 2004. It was only after the development of the Cadillac XLR was finished that the Corvette team was able to fully devote itself to the C6. After all, it had been in the development phase since 2000.
In the sixth generation, the Corvette is still considered the American sports car. In the meantime, its design has become significantly more European, over its 50-year history it has retained features such as the small-block V8 engine, the fiberglass body , the extremely light and durable leaf springs and extensive standard equipment. The Corvette C5 has often been criticized for being too big for a high-class sports car. If it were smaller, it would be cheaper to manufacture and more suitable for city traffic. The latter argument applied in particular to the European sales market, where GM wanted to increase its sales quota.
When the C6 finally came on the market, these intentions were confirmed; it was actually smaller than its predecessor. Overall, the body was 13 cm shorter and 2.5 cm narrower. The wheelbase increased to 269 cm, which is 3 cm more than on the C5. At the same time, the wheels were each one inch larger: 18 "wheels were installed at the front and 19" wheels at the rear. The trunk shrank from 700 l to 620 l for the Coupé / Targa variant and for the Cabriolet version from 390 l to a maximum of 290 l.
For the first time in a long time, the C6 did without a special feature: after 42 years, the pop-up headlights were replaced by conventional, permanently mounted, open headlights that had not been on a Corvette since 1962. With the aggressively styled headlights, the new C6 can be visually differentiated from the other Corvette generations . Much else has changed on the Corvette C6; Although it hasn't completely lost its American flair, it has been made suitable for Europe.
The new LS2 engine in the normal C6 coupe and convertible is still the well-known so-called small-block V8, but it has been revised. The displacement was increased compared to the predecessor LS1 from 5,666 cm³ (5.7 liters) to 5,967 cm³ (6.0 liters) and the compression ratio rose from 10.1: 1 to 10.9: 1. A polished air intake ensures 15 percent more air. The exhaust system was made from newly developed light metal and thus had thinner walls and a 20 percent improvement in airflow. The maximum output of 257 kW (350 PS) at 5200 rpm of the Corvette C5 was increased to 298 kW (405 PS) at 6000 rpm. The new LS2 weighed almost 7 kg less thanks to a new water pump and an oil pan made of aluminum. From 2008 the displacement of the engine, now known as the LS3, was increased to 6.2 liters and the output increased to 321 kW (436 PS).
The C6 has a gearbox mounted at the rear with the differential in a housing (so-called transaxle design) for better weight distribution in the vehicle, as well as an aluminum cockpit structure, just like the C5. The front and rear independent wheel suspensions in the so-called SALA version (Short Arm / Long Arm = one short and one long wishbone) were also adopted; this design reflects the chassis change most influenced by racing in Corvette history. The suspension, wishbones , shock absorbers , bushings, stabilizers and steering gear were also taken over from the C5, but revised compared to its predecessor. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) utilize the latest in design, sidewall and compound techniques for run- flat tires . The new model is optionally available with a manually shifted six- speed gearbox, a four-speed automatic or a six-speed paddle shift gearbox with automatic mode from 2006. In contrast to the C5, the manual gearbox, which can be ordered on request, is available at no extra charge.
In general, the chassis and the running gear were taken over from the C5 and partly provided with new parts. The car is considered to be more maneuverable. The Corvette C6 brings many new features and improvements over its predecessor and has increased performance.
Model upgrade / innovations
C6 from model year 2006
Here is a brief overview of the changes and new features of the Corvette C6 for the versions from model year 2006:
Performance improvements were made for the coupe and convertible; Among other things, with the optional availability of a new, electronically controlled 6-speed gearbox with paddle shift function including automatic mode. The transmission has three drive programs: While the automatic shifts more gently and normally in Drive , the shift torques are set shorter in Sport mode. The paddle shift function allows manual selection of the gears to be shifted using paddles on the steering wheel. A wide spread of the transmission enables a good balance between acceleration and economy.
In the interior, a new sporty three-spoke steering wheel is also one of the innovations from 2006. The new steering wheel with a diameter of 370 mm is smaller than the previous four-spoke model. It is characteristic of a sporty design that is also implemented in other performance-oriented Chevrolet vehicles.
From 2006, the previously manually controlled airbag switch was also replaced. All Corvettes now come with advanced two-stage front airbags using General Motors' new Passenger Sensing System (PSS) . PSS uses sensors to automatically switch the function of the front passenger airbag on or off.
Z06
With its 512 hp (377 kW) 7.0-liter LS7 engine, the racing chassis , the aluminum frame made by hydroforming and the body with CFRP elements, the Z06 was the fastest, technically most advanced model in the 53-year-old Corvette -History.
From model year 2008 / LS3 engine
The Corvette C6 was revised for the 2008 model year; these modifications are discussed in more detail in the individual sections. Among other things, the engine, transmission, chassis and driving characteristics have been improved. The interior design has been modernized and upgraded. The body, however, was not touched, so that the models from 2008 do not differ optically from the previous ones. Probably the most important upgrade is the new LS3 engine, whose displacement and output have been increased. Many details have been improved since 2008, but these changes are not noticeable to a layperson at first glance. Only the Corvette Z06 and the later ZR1 remain exempt from this facelift.
body
Coupe
While the trunk lid , which tapers towards the rear, and the sporty wedge shape illustrate “high-speed performance”, the slim design of the redesigned rear area is equipped with the typical four round taillights and four centrally centered tailpipes. The new fixed xenon headlights offer better light output than the often criticized C5 lights. With a c w value of 0.286 which are Coupé models the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.
However, the new design of the C6 has sparked controversy among car fans. While some welcome the modern look, others miss classic Corvette elements, such as the extravagant body shapes and pop-up headlights . These were replaced by open headlights. From the front, the Corvette C6 no longer looks dissimilar to a Dodge Viper . The body shrank in length by about 140 mm and in width by about 30 mm compared to the previous C5 . With these dimensions, the new Corvette has roughly the format of a current Porsche 911 , although the body of the C6 is wider and lower than that of the Porsche. Despite its compactness, the C6 has about the same weight as the C5. The wheelbase grew by 20 mm to 2680 mm. Thus, the sweeping forms of the C5, which still embodied the typical design of the US sports car, were replaced by the modernized design with short body overhangs of the C6. Corvette fans complain that the new design is too European and no longer has any independence. The rigidity of the body and the processing quality have been significantly improved compared to the C5.
The design of the c w value of 0.29 to 0.28 improved body is a synthesis of modern and historic elements. The front section with the small individual headlights (xenon for low beam, halogen for high beam) under a clear plastic cover is more of a modern era, while the characteristic hip bend in the flank and above all the boat-like stern with the strongly curved rear window tapering towards the rear and the four large round taillights are strongly reminiscent of the Coca-Cola bottle look of the third and most successful Corvette generation, the Corvette C3 (1967 to 1982), which was therefore also called the "Coke Bottle Vette" at the time.
In the world of the Corvette, driving with the roof open has never been an option. The Corvette C6 also has the traditional removable Targa roof . The roof can be removed and stowed in the specially constructed upper part of the trunk, leaving space for other luggage underneath.
From the 2006 model year, there will be new exterior colors: Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat will join the Corvette color palette and replace Millennium Yellow and Magnetic Red Metallic . Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat is not available for the Z06. The colors were already changed on late 2005 models.
Two new colors are used for the metallic paintwork for model year 2008: Jetstream Blue Tintcoat and Red Crystal Tintcoat . They replace the colors Le Mans Blue and Monterey Red Tintcoat .
Convertible
In contrast to the C5, the convertible version Convertible now has a standard fully electric, five-layer fabric hood . This new top uses a five-layer fabric that hides the underlying structure in order to achieve a harmonious appearance when the top is closed. It also contributes to the excellent aerodynamics and reduces driving noise.
The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 16 to 18 seconds using a button in the interior. The aerodynamic design of the Corvette C6 ensures good air resistance even when the soft top, which is made of lightweight, durable materials is open. The convertible top is now electric as standard in Europe, but can also be supplied manually in the United States on request.
The Corvette Cabrio's tight soft top with glass rear window disappears completely under a solid cover behind the seats. Underneath there are two small storage compartments accessible from the driver's area. The covering Speedster cover with its two air domes fits seamlessly into the headrests and the side line of the Vette, which remains untouched compared to the Coupé.
From the 2006 model year, there was a new soft top color: Storm Gray replaced gray as the choice of color for convertible roofs.
Two new premium colors are available for the exterior paintwork of the 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat ; they replace the colors Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat .
Interior / equipment
The C6 experienced numerous technical innovations, but equipment features from the C5 were also adopted and revised. An attractive innovation in the Corvette C6 is the standard automatic interior unlocking with a proximity-sensitive “keyless entry” and “keyless go” system. This keyless vehicle unlocking and engine start system allows the vehicle engine to be switched on and off in the cockpit with a start-stop button. The electronic door openers inside and outside are just as new; a gentle press of a button is all it takes to unlock the door.
A DVD navigation system with voice recognition is available as standard for the Corvette for the first time in Europe. It has a built-in 6.5 inch (165 mm) color touchscreen display and built-in DVD player. With the navigation system, all map data for the countries in question are supplied on a DVD. An optional improved Bose audio system with a six- disc CD changer in the dashboard and XM satellite radio now offers more options for higher sound demands. The standard AM-FM radio is equipped with a new technology for improved conventional radio reception and offers a CD player with MP3 playback capability.
The head-up display (HUD) has been adopted and improved from the C5. With this standard equipment feature, various relevant displays such as speed, engine speed, gear selection, audio settings, etc. are projected onto the windshield. Navigation data and the g values of the lateral acceleration can also be displayed in real time on the HUD. The brightness can be adjusted and it can also be switched off completely. The interior has also been upgraded compared to the Corvette C5 . The processing quality has been improved and the materials used now look higher quality and are partly set off from one another by different colors. The dashboard and door panels are made of special foamed material with a leather look. The steering wheel on the C6 can be adjusted in height and now also electrically in depth (telescope).
The C6 models are equipped with the so-called " OnStar " system. Among other things, it offers functions such as an extended hands-free function for telephone calls and digital speech recognition. OnStar with GPS and WLAN technology is the leading provider of on-board security and information services in the United States and Canada. This system does not work in Europe or only partially.
The Corvette C6 is equipped as standard with an airbag system with head and chest protection. Depending on the severity of the impact, the two front airbags are activated at one of two different speeds. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated if desired.
Behind the passengers, under the glass dome of the tailgate, there is a large compartment with space for luggage - even if the hardtop, which weighs nine kilograms, is stowed in it.
From model year 2006
For the 2006 model, the previously manually controlled airbag switch for the front passenger was replaced by an automatic, so-called Passenger Sensing System (PSS). Based on the seat position and weight, sensors of the system register whether there is a child or a smaller person in the front passenger seat. If the sensor detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, it automatically switches off the front passenger airbag for safety reasons. A status indicator on the interior mirror notifies the occupants of whether the passenger airbag is switched off or not.
Other changes for 2006 Corvettes included a new three-spoke steering wheel with a diameter of 370 mm (9.4 inches). The new steering wheel is smaller in diameter than the previous four-spoke model and improves cornering handling.
The XM satellite radio combined with a Bose audio system was now part of the standard scope of delivery. The antenna of the XM radio is invisible so as not to disturb the body design.
New color for the interior from 2006: Titanium Gray replaces Steel Gray as one of the interior colors available for the Corvette.
From model year 2008
All models now have a newly upholstered dashboard center console panel with bright bezels for the gear lever and cup holder. The new metallic sill trims and the new, illuminated control button for the optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control are striking . There is also an audio input plug for MP3 players on all audio systems with the exception of the navigation system and a new hand-held transmitter for central locking and the keyless go system, which combines key and remote control functions in one unit. Many fittings and control buttons now have chrome surrounds, which give the interior a high-quality and modern look.
The custom leather interior package available for Coupe, Cabrio and Z06 models contains a new two-tone leather interior, which is available in the colors Linen or Sienna . The seats, upper and lower dashboard and door panels are made of leather. The dashboard on the passenger side shows a Corvette emblem, the headrests are, however, with the Corvette crossed flags logo ( Crossing Flags embroidered), joins a special center console trim panel with Bias pattern.
The DVD navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and integrated satellite radio and the automatically dimming rearview mirror are now installed as standard. These options were previously either not installed in the United States and in special models such as "Competition" or only available with the luxury package at an additional cost. In addition, these cheaper competition versions are not equipped with the head-up display .
engine
Model year 2005 / LS2 engine
The V8 engine of the C6 is a further development of the LS1 engine of the Corvette C5 . The new name is therefore "LS2". It is still the so-called “small block” engine that has been used in the Corvette and other vehicles for years and has been continuously modernized and improved. The displacement in the new engine of the C6 was increased by 0.3 liters to 6.0 liters, the engine output is now 298 kW (405 hp) at 6000 rpm, the torque 546 Nm at 4400 rpm. The LS2 engine of the C6 thus offers an increase in output of exactly 44 kW (55 PS) and 63 Nm more maximum torque than the old LS1 in the C5.
The aluminum engine is controlled by a central camshaft and has two valves per cylinder. The valves are of the camshaft via hydraulic tappets , so tappet with hydraulic lash adjuster, bumpers and rocker arm actuated. The valves are closed by simple helical springs. The pistons in the 6.0-liter engine have a diameter of 101.6 millimeters and the piston stroke is 92.0 millimeters. The previous engine of the C5 with 5.7 liters had pistons of 99.0 millimeters with an identical stroke.
The characteristics of the LS2 are typical of large-displacement V8 engines: it delivers high torque from idling speed and the power output is very flexible. While the previous engine had an output per liter of 60.7 hp / l, the 6.0-liter engine achieved 67.9 hp / l. In comparison, modern engines with high-speed concepts of z. B. BMW or Ferrari values of more than 100 HP per liter displacement, such engines, however, due to their design, require high speeds to develop power and torque, which is not the case with the Corvette because of the larger displacement.
The power-to-weight ratio of the C6 is nominally a very favorable 3.7 kilograms per hp. This is not only the result of the relatively high engine power, but also the relatively moderate weight of the C6 due to the built-in GRP body.
Model year 2008 / LS3 engine
The new LS3 V8 engine has been used under the revised engine cover since 2008, with a displacement that has been increased from 6.0 to 6.2 liters. The power increased by 23 kW (32 PS) and the engine now delivers 321 kW (436 PS) at 5900 rpm, the maximum torque increased by 29 to 575 Nm at 4600 rpm. A flap exhaust, code designation NPP, could be ordered as an option in connection with the LS3 motor. These flaps open from a certain speed and increase the performance again. With this extra equipment, the engine has an output of 325 kW (442 hp) and 586 Nm. In the sports version Z06, this special exhaust is fitted as standard in both the United States and Europe.
This new edition of the small block family features a revised aluminum engine block with cylinder liners made of cast iron . The cylinder bores have been enlarged from 101.62 mm to 103.25 mm, the piston stroke remains unchanged at 92 mm. Flow-optimized LS7 / L92-type cylinder heads of the Corvette Z06, a revised camshaft and modified valve timing, a more dynamic valve train with offset intake rocker arms and a revised intake manifold for better air supply to the unit are further performance features of the LS3 engine. The injectors also come from the LS7 engine of the Z06 model.
The valve sizes were adapted to the larger cylinder head bores, the diameter of the inlet valves increased from 50.8 mm to 55 mm - an increase of over 8 percent (area increase of over 17%). The intake valves have lightweight and hollow valve stems that allow a maximum engine speed of 6600 rpm. The exhaust valves have also become larger and are now 40.4 mm in diameter.
In order to enable a more direct flow into the inlets, the inlet rocker arms are offset by 6 mm between the valve tip and the bumper. The valves are driven by a new camshaft, the lift of which at the inlet cam has been increased from 13.25 mm to 14 mm. The lift of the exhaust valves remains unchanged compared to the LS2. The valve timing has also been changed to further optimize performance.
The new intake manifold ensures maximum cylinder filling by reducing suction losses due to intake manifolds of different lengths. It is manufactured using the fused core injection molding process . Engine noise is reduced by insulating foam that is applied between the manifold surface and an additional soundproof cover. In addition, the new decorative covers on the engine not only protect the rocker arm covers, but also ensure a more sophisticated engine noise with noise-reducing and acoustically improved inserts.
In 2010, the C6 was the fastest Corvette with automatic transmission that General Motors had built in series to date. The two more powerful models Z06 and ZR1 are only available with manual transmission.
transmission
The gearbox is either a manual or automatic 6-speed gearbox, the automatic version was still the 4- speed automatic in the 2005 model year . This 4-speed automatic, which is actually out of date in terms of its technology, came from the Corvette C5 and was modified and reinforced for the C6. The decision was made because when the C6 was released by General Motors there was no better automatic transmission available that could withstand the high torque of the new Corvette. However, it was replaced in 2006 by another, completely redeveloped version with six stages.
As with all Corvette models of the newer generations, the sixth gear is a so-called overdrive and thus designed as an economy gear. That is why the last gear has a particularly long gear ratio, in order to enable lower fuel consumption at cruising speeds with low engine speeds. While the US versions are sometimes delivered with even longer gear ratios, the European versions are equipped with a more direct and therefore sportier transmission. This comparatively long ratio also shows the theoretical range of the individual gears of the manual / manual transmission of the European version:
1st gear: 78 km / h, 2nd gear: 114 km / h, 3rd gear: 162 km / h , 4th gear: 228 km / h, 5th gear: 335 km / h, 6th gear: 402 km / h (theoretical).
This design of the transmission offers a further advantage: the speed in sixth gear at almost 160 km / h is only 2000-2500 / min, depending on the transmission version, which in addition to low consumption also means a low level of noise while driving. This information applies to all models with a manual 6-speed gearbox as well as to the automatic versions from model year 2006 with the 6-speed paddle-shift gearbox. In direct comparison to the manual European version, the automatic transmission has a longer gear ratio and thus offers the possibility of driving at even lower speeds.
6-speed automatic transmission with "paddle shift"
From model year 2006, the 4-speed automatic transmission already installed in the Corvette C5 was replaced by a new 6-speed version with so-called paddle shift (paddle shifters on the steering wheel). It allows normal automatic operation as well as a sporty manual mode with control via shift paddles.
The six forward gears now have a shorter gradation between the individual gears than the old 4-speed automatic. This increases the feeling of higher performance across the entire speed range and, because of the lower speed level, also contributes to smoother running. Compared to the previous four-speed automatic with 3.06: 1, the new transmission enables a shorter ratio of 4.02: 1 in first gear. This results in significantly improved performance when starting and accelerating from low speeds. There are two overdrive gears : a 0.85: 1 ratio in fifth gear and a 0.67: 1 ratio in sixth. The final drive ratio of Corvette models with the new automatic transmission is 2.56: 1.
The new transmission demonstrates technological sophistication using the example of two electronically controlled modes: automatic and sport plus manual driving mode with what is known as a paddle shift function. The normal drive mode D follows a certain gear selection of predetermined shift points and realizes smooth gear changes, while the sport mode S enables the so-called performance algorithm shifting (PAS). This PAS system immediately selects the optimal gear when the electronics detect a sporty driving style. In addition, the sport mode combined with PAS also enables firmer and faster gear changes in order to transmit higher power and enable higher acceleration. With the paddle shift function, which is only available in S mode, the gears are changed manually using paddles on the steering wheel. It is shifted to the next higher gear by pressing the buttons on the right or left on the steering wheel while pulling the paddles to downshift gears.
The functions of the new six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic mode are controlled by an integrated controller. The controls are located inside the transmission to reduce complexity. A new 300 mm torque converter, a new carrier for the hydraulic pump at the rear and the revised length of the drive shaft also support the better integration of the transmission into the Corvette.
From model year 2008
Starting with the 2008 Corvette models, shifting is easier than before; this applies to the six-speed manual transmission as well as the six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. In the case of the manual transmission, thanks to the improved shift lever guidance, a more direct shift feel when changing gears can be seen.
The six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for coupe and convertible has been upgraded with new hardware and a new controller calibration, which shortens the shift times. This change gives the driver a feeling of control and direct response from the transmission when operating the paddle shifters.
Also new from the 2008 models with automatic transmission is the more direct axle ratio of 2.73 instead of the previous 2.56. This measure makes the automatic look more agile because the speed level has been increased slightly by the new gear ratio.
Gear ratios
| Gear ratio | 6-speed manual (USA) | 6-speed manual (EU) | 6-stage automatic |
|---|---|---|---|
| execution | US version standard |
European version with "Z51" package (optional in USA) |
"Paddle-Shift" (rocker switches) |
| 1st gear | 2.66 | 2.97 | 4.02 |
| 2nd gear | 1.78 | 2.07 | 2.36 |
| 3rd gear | 1.30 | 1.43 | 1.53 |
| 4th gear | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.15 |
| 5th gear | 0.74 | 0.71 | 0.85 |
| 6th gear | 0.50 | 0.57 | 0.67 |
| Reverse gear | 2.90 | 3.28 | 3.06 |
| Final drive | 3.42 | 3.42 | 2.56 (2.73 from 2008) |
landing gear
To optimize the chassis, intensive tests were carried out in Germany - on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, on the motorways, but also in city traffic. In addition to an improvement in driving dynamics, criteria such as clarity and handiness were also included in the specifications for the first time. That's why the Corvette got smaller. The GRP body decreased in length by 13 and in width by 2.5 centimeters. At the same time, however, the wheelbase was stretched by 3.5 centimeters and the C6 rolls on larger wheels (front 18 instead of 17, rear 19 instead of 18 inches), the result is interesting proportions and, because the engine has been moved further back, an almost even weight distribution of 51 (front) to 49 percent (rear). More powerful brakes work behind the larger aluminum wheels in five-spoke design, plus ESP , traction control and, for Europe, an additional Z51 option package, which includes a chassis with tighter tuning. But since more and more emphasis is placed on comfort even in sports cars, the C6 has longer spring travel than its predecessor.
The ESP is called "Active Handling" on the Corvette and can be set in three different stages. In addition to the option of deactivating it, in the so-called “Sporty driving mode” it allows controllable drift when accelerating out of bends until the system intervenes. If the ESP is completely switched off, the C6 demands full concentration: with the standard sports suspension, quick changes of direction remain neutral for a very long time, but the rear is strongly pushed outwards.
The chassis is very similar to that of the C5, but has been optimized and improved. As in the past , there are no conventional coil springs like most other sports car manufacturers, but rather a transverse leaf spring at the front and rear. The leaf spring rear axle of the Corvette is significantly lighter than a multi-link construction in competitive vehicles. In addition, it requires less maintenance and has a longer service life. A disadvantage of this construction is the less precise wheel guidance on undulating slopes compared to a multi-link axle.
A total of three different options for the chassis enable the C6 driver to find the setup that suits his driving style . The standard chassis is installed as standard in the US versions. It is tuned for a balance between driving comfort and precise handling. Compared to its predecessor, the Corvette C6 now looks even more relaxed and is even easier to drive at a faster pace.
The Z51 sports package, which is optional in the United States, is also available again for the C6 and is standard in Europe . In contrast to the US versions, the Z51 option is installed as standard in the European models of the Corvette C6. It improves the performance of the Corvette again and brings the performance of the Coupé and Convertible (convertible) very close to that of the C5 Z06. The Z51 package offers tighter dampers and springs, larger stabilizers , improved cooling and larger perforated brake discs (340 mm front and 330 mm rear). These extras ensure, among other things, better cornering and faster deceleration for optimal performance on the racetrack while still allowing a comfortable ride.
The C6 can optionally be equipped with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control chassis. This undercarriage, available on request for an additional charge, is equipped with magneto-rheological dampers. It is able to recognize road surfaces and accordingly automatically adapt the damper characteristics to the given road situation. The system has been improved compared to the C5 to provide a more precise distinction between the "Tour" and "Sport" settings.
An ABS, traction control (ASR) and ESP work together with each of the three different chassis systems, which is called "Active Handling" in the Corvette. The "Active Handling" is normally always active, but can be switched off together with the ASR. There is also a mode for "sporty driving". Here the ESP allows smaller drifts and only intervenes later.
From model year 2008
A modified control unit has shortened the shift times of the six-speed automatic with shift paddles; the manual transmission should now enable more precise gear changes. The rack and pinion steering has also been revised and is now more direct; the steering feel has thus been further improved in all speed ranges. These optimizations are achieved through particularly precise machining of the internal system components, a new, stiffer intermediate steering spindle and a modified controller calibration.
The chassis has also been completely retuned and handled more precisely. The 2008 Corvette Coupe and Cabrio models are delivered with wheels in the new “split-spoke” look. The 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels at the front and rear are now available as standard in Sparkle Silver or optionally in dark Competition Gray or, for an additional charge, as a polished version. The forged five-spoke aluminum rims of the Corvette base models are also new. The latter are highly polished and also an extra that is subject to a surcharge.
tires
As with the C5, the tires are special "Extended Mobility Tires" (EMT) from Goodyear , ie tires with run-flat properties . The vehicle was delivered without a spare wheel .
Conventional tires from other manufacturers can also be fitted. The tire size is 245/40 ZR 18 at the front and 285/35 ZR 19 at the rear. The aluminum rims are 18 × 8.5 inches at the front and 19 × 10 inches at the rear. To check that the air pressure is always optimal, the tire monitoring system sends the current data to the “Driver Information Center” (DIC) in the cockpit.
Performance
Overall, the Corvette C6 with the new 6.0 liter LS2 engine looks more agile than its predecessor C5. According to the factory, acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 4.5 seconds with the manual 6-speed gearbox and 4.8 seconds with the automatic. The acceleration time from 0 to 200 km / h is 15.6 seconds. The maximum speed is specified as exactly 300 km / h and is electronically limited in the control unit.
The chassis and the steering have also been noticeably improved, which is also confirmed by the lap time of 1: 14.8 minutes determined in the test by the car magazine sport auto 2005 in Hockenheim . For comparison, a Ferrari 360 with a similar output of 294 kW (400 PS) needed 1: 15.1 minutes for one lap for the same exercise in Hockenheim and a Porsche 911 (standard version) also from 2005 had exactly 1:15 .9 minutes and thus even took over a second longer in the test than the Corvette C6.
From model year 2008 / LS3 engine
After the facelift in 2008 with the new, more powerful 6.2-liter LS3 engine, the performance also improved slightly. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h with the manual 6-speed gearbox now takes 4.3 seconds and with the 6- speed automatic in 4.4 seconds. The top speed increased from 300 to 306 km / h with the new engine.
A new option for the 2008 model year is the sports exhaust system, which increases the engine output by four to 325 kW (442 hp) and the maximum torque by eleven to 586 Nm. In addition, the tone and the sound is regulated by speed-dependent, vacuum-controlled exhaust valves in the exhaust.
C6 Competition
In the spring of 2008, a limited edition of the new Corvette was released: the C6 “Competition”. The look of the special model is based on the vehicles used in the ALMS championship, but is approved for the road as normal. Elements optically adopted from the Corvette C6.R racing version are the silver-colored grilles in the air inlets of the radiator grille and the honeycomb cover between the twin exhaust tailpipes. The rear spoiler corresponds to that of the Z06, which is not only aerodynamically advantageous, but also refers to the Corvette's use in motorsport.
The dynamic look of the Corvette Competition is also to be underlined by the exclusive 5-star alloy wheels (18 inches at the front, 19 inches at the rear) in the specially developed color “Competition Gray”. The Competition model is available in a limited edition and only in black. The engine is the same LS3-6.2-l-V8 as in the normal coupé or convertible, but the C6 Competition is only available as a coupé.
With the new Corvette C6, "Competition" also stands for a better price-performance ratio. The Coupe 6.2 V8 Competition received less extensive standard equipment, which means that the base price is below that of the normal Coupé; this should attract newcomers and those switching to the Corvette. The savings measures concern the head-up display and the otherwise standard navigation device; these standards of the C6 are therefore not available in this special version.
C6 Grand Sport
The revised Corvette C6 with the name "Grand Sport" appeared for the 2010/2011 model year. This designation is a reminiscence of the success of the Corvette in racing . The term appears for the first time in the 1960s with the Corvette C2 and has already been reused in the Corvette C4.
body
The body of the C6 Grand Sport has been modified compared to the normal C6. It is equipped with the wider rear Z06 fenders, the Z06 front spoiler and the Z06 air scoop in the bonnet. In addition, the air outlets in the front fenders are designed differently than on all other versions of the Corvette C6. There are also three air outlets in parallel, one behind the other, instead of, for example, a single one in a normal coupé or convertible.
Engine, transmission and chassis
In the Grand Sport (GS) the same 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8 with 321 kW (436 hp) works as in the normal C6. There is an optional racing package not for the Cabriolet, but only for the Grand Sport Coupé with manual 6-speed gearbox. This includes dry sump lubrication , differential gear cooler and a rear-mounted battery for better weight distribution. In addition, the 6-speed transmission got the launch control of the ZR1.
The Grand Sport has a wider track both at the front and at the rear in order to transfer the power of the V8 engine with 321 kW even better to the road. The more aggressively tuned chassis includes stiffer springs, harder shock absorbers and larger stabilizers. The braking system has perforated brake discs and 6-piston front brake calipers. The redesigned 5-spoke alloy wheels have Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with emergency running properties (EMT / Run-Flat technology) . Wider tires on the Corvette Grand Sport provide better road grip compared to the C6 base. The front tires have a dimension of 275/35 ZR 18, the rear tires 325/30 ZR 19. The front rim size is 9.5 × 18 inches and the rear 12 × 19 inches. So the wheels have the same dimensions as those of the Z06.
The lateral acceleration of the Grand Sport is 1 g and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes only 4.3 seconds (automatic: 4.4 s) at a top speed of 306 km / h. With a lap time in the test of 1: 11.9 minutes on the short Hockenheimring, the Corvette Grand Sport proves its qualities. The lap time is pretty much in the middle between the "normal" C6 and the Z06.
C6 Z06
In 2005, the successor to the Corvette Z06 , which has been successful since model year 2001, was presented based on the sixth generation (C6) . This C6 Z06 was the fastest and most powerful Corvette model until the introduction of the new C6 ZR1 in 2008. The Corvette Z06 is parallel to the Corvette C6.R race car developed.
As a descendant of the Corvette racing car program, the new C6 Z06 is an independent vehicle with its own drive train, different body structure and chassis control, which already differs from the normal Corvette coupé or convertible on the outside. In the Z06, Chevrolet combines the features with which the sixth generation Corvettes successfully finished races and also makes this clear with their aggressive design, which is supposed to exude power and endurance.
Interior / equipment
The C6 Z06 is equipped as standard with a Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer integrated in the dashboard, a telescopic steering wheel, side airbags and a GPS navigation system. As is typical of the Corvette, neither two-zone air conditioning nor cabin air filters are missing from the equipment list, as is the head-up display (HUD) with standard track mode and g value display. The heated seats are available with leather upholstery in two colors and with an embroidered Z06 logo. They also have solid, counter-sewn side pads that keep the driver in the seat better when cornering. The sound insulation package has been revised to reduce weight and now enables, among other things, better monitoring of drive train noise.
body
Unlike the normal C6, the roof of which can be removed and stowed in the trunk (see Targa roof), the Corvette Z06 has a fixed roof (hardtop) and an aluminum frame that combines low vehicle weight with high rigidity. The frame outer beams are one-piece hydroformed beams with castings, stampings, and stampings that replace many of the welded steel components found on other Corvette models. In key areas, the aluminum structure is reinforced with bonded carbon fiber mats in composite construction.
In contrast to the normal C6, the Z06 has a front apron with a larger cooling air inlet and a separate air intake. There are also large ventilation openings behind the front wheels. There are also special side skirts, a spoiler lip at the rear and two Z06 emblems on the front fenders, on which the power of 505 hp according to US standards is also specified. So that the wider tires also find space in the wheel arches, these have been widened by a total of around 76 millimeters at the rear.
The distinctive air inlet at the front, the large forced air outlets behind the front wheels and the air inlets for cooling the brakes on the rear axle are functional features that only the Corvette Z06 has. The noticeably wider rear wheel fenders with protrusions cover the rear wheels, while the attached rear spoiler edge houses the different and larger brake light and, together with the front air divider, balances the distribution of the aerodynamic wheel load. The drag coefficient of the Corvette Z06 is 0.31. Another distinctive feature are the four large-diameter stainless steel tailpipes.
The front spoiler and the pronounced rear spoiler lip provide the necessary downforce for improved stability at high speed: the top speed of the Z06 is 320 km / h. Even the roof was specially designed to increase the rigidity of the body and improve the aerodynamic properties with low mass - the Z06 is therefore only available as a hardtop version. That means, in contrast to the normal C6, the roof of the Z06 (and also the ZR1) cannot be removed.
The wheel arches are also made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (KFK) to save weight and increase rigidity . The front subframe and the firmly bolted roof are made of magnesium, the 1400 gram fenders made of KFK. The body floor is a sandwich construction with KFK top layers on a balsa wood core .
landing gear
The Corvette Z06 has the same wheelbase of 2686 mm as the other C6 models, but new types of wheels, tires, brakes, rear wheel springs and a special stabilizer to suppress roll movements. The characteristic 9.5 × 18-inch wheels with ten spokes are cast and machined from aluminum . They have 275/35 ZR18 tires at the front; the identical 12 × 19-inch rear wheels are fitted with 325/30 ZR19 tires. Until the ZR1 was released, this was the largest rim-tire combination offered for a Corvette. The run-flat tires (they can be used for a certain distance at reduced speed when there is no more tire pressure) are supplied by Goodyear. The large wheels offer space for the 355 mm front disc brakes with transverse ventilation holes and six brake pistons and the 340 mm rear disc brakes of the same design with four pistons.
This Corvette also has leaf springs at the rear - more precisely, semi-axles that hang on transverse leaf springs. This construction requires less maintenance and has a longer service life than classic spring-damper constructions. A disadvantage of this construction is the less precise wheel guidance on undulating slopes compared to a multi-link axle.
The aluminum chassis is an in-house development for the Z06. This special chassis is not manufactured at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green , but at Dana Technologies in Maumee . Instead of steel (as in the normal Corvette), the frame is made entirely of aluminum. With even greater rigidity, the aluminum frame weighs just under 130 kg, around 62 kg less than the steel frame of the other C6 Corvettes.
The "F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension" of the normal Corvette, which is subject to a surcharge, is not available for the Z06 because a special sports suspension is installed. Despite stronger chassis components, the Z06 weighs around 40 to 50 kilos less than a normal Corvette C6. Thus, the curb weight of the Z06 is only around 1400 kg. The percentage weight distribution between the front and rear axles of the Z06 is almost balanced at 50.7 / 49.3.
Engine / gear
The hand-assembled LS7 -V8 aluminum engine has a displacement of 7.0 liters and sodium-filled exhaust valves. Connecting rods and valve springs are made of titanium and are made in Switzerland. Because of its dry sump lubrication , the engine can be installed deeper.
It develops a maximum of 376 kW (512 hp) at 6300 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 637 Newton meters at 4800 rpm. A maximum of 7000 revolutions per minute is permitted.
In contrast to the predecessor engine with a large engine block ("big block") and 6997 cm 3 (427 cubic inches) displacement, the LS7 is the largest displacement V8 engine in the "small block" series that has ever been produced by GM. It can be easily identified under the bonnet by its red covers with black lettering. This new LS7 engine is also very popular with tuning companies or is used in various racing teams in their vehicles.
Examples of the racing technology of the LS7 are the connecting rods made of titanium, the forged aluminum pistons with flat piston roof, the CNC-milled cylinder heads borrowed from racing with titanium inlet valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves, and the bumpers and valve springs made of titanium. In addition, the process of cover plate honing is used in the production of the cylinders, which is otherwise only common in racing engine production.
The LS7 has a dry sump lubrication system that fully lubricates the engine even when cornering quickly. The oil pump delivers oil at constant pressure from an expansion tank installed in the engine compartment, even if a lateral acceleration of over 1 g (9.81 m / s²) occurs on the curve . At the rear of the LS7 engine there is a single-mass flywheel and a lightweight high-performance clutch. The six-speed manual gearbox with improved limited-slip differential is mounted in the rear. ( Transaxle ) The drive force is transmitted to the rear wheels by stronger axle half-shafts with more resilient universal joints.
The Z06 is only delivered with the manually shiftable 6-speed gearbox and is not available with the 6-speed automatic of the normal C6.
Performance
The Z06 reaches a top speed of 320 km / h. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds and from 0 to 200 km / h in 11.9 seconds. It takes less than twelve seconds for a quarter mile . The small course in Hockenheim is lapped in 1: 08.7 minutes. The Nordschleife circled Jim Mero in a 2012 model with Ultimate Performance Package in 7: 22.68 minutes. The maximum lateral acceleration with series tires is 1.3 g . The Z06 is therefore in the range of other super sports cars . Typical opponents are, for example, Ferrari 430 , Porsche 911 Turbo , Lamborghini Gallardo and Nissan GTR . The Z06 has also topped the list with the best braking performance in sports cars since 2007 , it needed 31.0 m to decelerate from 100 to 0 km / h.
C6 Z06 "Ron Fellows Edition"
The first special series of the C6 Z06 was named " Ron Fellows " - after the most successful Corvette racing driver to date. The Z06 "Ron Fellows Edition" (short: "RF Edition") was only produced in 2007, a total of 399 copies were made. 300 units were delivered in the United States, 66 in Canada and the remaining 33 vehicles in various countries. So this limited edition is a very rare version of the Corvette Z06.
body
This special edition can be recognized by the color white, because up to the facelift model of the Corvette C6 in 2008, the “Arctic White” paintwork was only available on the normal C6. In addition, red fender flags were included, with the two left shows the successes of Ron Fellows in the ALMS GT1 (2001–2006) including the Canadian maple leaf and his name. The buyer could stick these special red adhesive strips on the fenders. Thus, the RF edition can be recognized immediately from the outside.
inner space
The interior was also adapted to the Canadian champion, it is kept in the colors black and red, with red dominating. In addition, an imitation center console made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic was installed as standard for the first time. In addition, the edition number and signature of Ron Fellows can be found under each armrest.
Engine and chassis
In terms of engine technology, the Z06 "RF Edition" is still based on the LS7 engine of the normal Z06 with a displacement of 7.0 liters and an output of 376 kW (512 hp). However, some changes from the later facelift model have already been integrated in the chassis , such as the revised steering, different triangular wishbones and rear shock absorbers with a different pressure level.
C6 ZR1
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In December 2007 General Motors presented the new edition of the Corvette ZR-1 from 1989. This is the current top model of the Corvette based on the C6. The new Corvette ZR1 now has a maximum output of 476 kW (647 hp) and a maximum torque of 823 Nm. The sports car was the strongest, fastest and most powerful Corvette that GM had built up until then.
The competing model, the Dodge Viper, played a significant role in the development of the ZR1 . When the new Dodge Viper with 441 kW (600 PS) appeared in 2007, the Corvette's top model at the time, the Z06 with 376 kW (512 PS), could not hold back. “Who would like to be second?” Asked Corvette spokesman Dee Allen shortly after the premiere of the new Viper, fueling the hope that General Motors would not let this disgrace sit on them for long. When CEO Rick Wagoner announced that it was “very important” for him to have “the strongest, most powerful sports car in the United States that was best to handle”, it was clear that a new model would be added.
Exactly a year later, the Corvette ZR1 was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. “With the ZR1 we want to show what an American super sports car can do. At a price that makes European sports cars look old. They are twice, three or four times as expensive, ”says Chevrolet boss Ed Peper, who is also responsible for the Corvette.
The top model of the Corvette series appeared in Germany in summer / autumn 2008 at dealers.
body
The new Corvette ZR1 differs from the normal C6 in several features. The car is even lower on the road, has a larger radiator, thus a larger cooling air opening, a large hood on the bonnet and deeper gills in the flank, as well as a ZR1-specific front spoiler and a special full-width rear spoiler with raised external elements.
As is typical for Corvette, glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) is used for the body . However, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the redesigned front fenders, the roof, the front hood and the front and rear spoilers . A special feature of the ZR1 is a window in the CFRP engine hood, which allows a view of the engine / intercooler . As with the Z06, no Targa roof is offered for reasons of rigidity.
Thanks to the use of carbon fibers in the body, the curb weight is only 1453 kg. At 2.25 kg / hp, the most powerful Corvette has a lower power-to-weight ratio than a Lamborghini Murcielago , a Ferrari F430 or a Porsche 911 GT2 , but a worse power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 GT2 RS (power-to-weight ratio approx. 2.21 kg / hp).
engine
The LS9 engine (6.2 liter all-aluminum V8 with supercharging and integrated intercooler ) of the ZR1 is also a new development and develops 476 kW (647 hp) at 6500 rpm and achieves a maximum torque of 823 Nm at 3800 rpm . The engine of the new ZR1 is a "small block" according to GM diction and is based on the LS3 engine of the Corvette C6 6.2 with 6.2 liters and not on the LS7 engine of the Z06 with 7.0 liters.
Tom Stephens, the so-called "Group Vice President" of "GM Powertrain and Quality" said the following in a statement about the LS9 engine after the ZR1 was fully developed:
“When you experience the LS9 engine in the Corvette ZR1, the terms performance and handling take on a whole new meaning. The LS9 demonstrates an outstanding performance range with smooth drivability at low speeds and superior performance when the customer wants more power. The Small-Block V8 demonstrates once again its great performance potential, its versatile design and an architecture with high quality, durability and reliability. We have not yet exhausted the full potential of the small block. "
technology
The engine is a modified LS3 engine from the C6 with a displacement of 6.2 liters and eight cylinders. Titanium valves and forged pistons found in the ZR1 version collection, just as one Eaton - Roots - compressor , the bar provides boost pressure for a maximum of 0.72. The “R2300” compressor of the LS9 is the sixth generation from Eaton with a special housing and new rotors in which four teeth mesh, making them quieter and more efficient, while the large 2.3 liter Roots provide the necessary air volume ensure high speed. A liquid-to-air charge air cooling system lowers the temperature of the charge air by up to 60 degrees Celsius.
The compression of the engine was reduced to 9.0: 1 because of the supercharging. The upper speed limit of the ZR1 engine is 6600 rpm. The LS9 was assembled entirely by hand in GM's “Performance Build Center”, an exclusive engine production facility for small order units in Wixom . The LS7 engine of the Corvette C6 Z06 and other high-performance engines for GM series vehicles were also built here.
In order to achieve a lower vehicle center of gravity, the LS9 engine of the ZR1 is installed even deeper than in the Z06. The power is transmitted by a manually shifted six-speed gearbox, the first gear of which reaches over 100 km / h. The new 2-disc clutch and 6-speed gearbox, drive shafts and chassis have been adapted to the higher engine and driving performance.
Internally, the LS9 machine of the ZR1 is also called the “Blue Devil”. The name comes from the name of the college basketball team that GM's CEO Rick Wagoner studied; the " Duke University - Blue Devils " .
Performance range
The LS9 engine of the ZR1 offers a high torque even at low speeds, then a straight torque curve and thus continuous power development up to the maximum speed of 6600 rpm. Test runs by “GM-Powertrain” showed that the engine already achieved an output of 224 kW (304 PS) at 3000 rpm and a torque of almost 434 Nm at just 1000 rpm. The peak torque values are around 4000 rpm, while the maximum power is reached at 6500 rpm. The engine constantly produces over 90 percent of its torque in the range from 2600 to 6000 rpm.
"The sixth-generation design of the supercharger expands the 'sweet zone' of the compressor's effectiveness, broadening it to help make power lower in the rpm band."
"The sixth generation of compressors increases the effectiveness with which performance is achieved in the lower speed range."
"Simply put, the torque in the lower range is amazing."
transmission
The Corvette ZR1 is equipped with a "Tremec TR6060" six-speed manual transmission and a special two-disc clutch system. The gearbox has been revised accordingly in order to transmit the torque of the LS9 motor of over 800 Nm and thus also offers improved shifting properties. The two-disc clutch system has clutch discs with a relatively large diameter of 260 millimeters in order to distribute the high torque of the engine over a larger area.
The top speed of the ZR1 is reached in sixth gear; this means that sixth gear can also be used as a “real driving gear”. In contrast, the normal Corvette C6 and the Z06 reach their top speed in fifth gear - the last gear is used in the so-called overdrive as a gentle or economy gear.
landing gear
The spaceframe aluminum chassis of the ZR1 as well as the spring-damper combination of the chassis is taken over from the weaker sister model Z06 and reinforced accordingly. The adjustable and electronic damper system got a special racing mode. It is a so-called magnetic selective ride control with track-level suspension . The suspension's damper map can be selected in two stages, called "Tour" and "Sport". Even in "Tour" mode, the Magnetic Ride System springs very tightly. Still, the ZR1 is a bit more comfortable than the Z06 because it has softer springs. Only the stabilizers of the ZR1 are stronger than those of the Z06.
For the first time in the Corvette, a brake system with perforated brake discs made of carbon-ceramic ( silicon carbide reinforced with carbon fibers ) for better cooling of the system and larger brake calipers with an enlarged pad surface are also installed as standard . At the front, six-piston fixed calipers work on 394 mm (15.5-inch) brake discs, while four-piston fixed calipers work on 380 mm discs at the rear. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability program (ESP) from Bosch are also new . The ESP has three stages and can be switched off. The chassis allows lateral accelerations of significantly more than 1 g - without semislicks . The Michelin tires of the ZR1 are specially made for this model.
Performance
The maximum speed is electronically limited to 330 km / h with regard to the durability of the tires. The speedometer therefore “only” reaches up to 330 km / h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is achieved in 3.4 s, from 0 to 200 km / h in 10.3 s and from 0 to 300 km / h in 32.5 s. The small course in Hockenheim is lapped in 1: 08.3 minutes.
In July 2008, GM development engineer Jim Mero lapped the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in a record time of 7: 26.4 minutes. In the summer of 2011, Jim Mero was able to improve this time to 7: 19.63 with a 2012 ZR1. This ZR1 achieved the second fastest lap time of a production car at the Nürburgring, behind the Porsche 911 GT2 RS . This makes it the fastest and most powerful vehicle to date that General Motors has produced in its 100-year history.
Technical specifications
| Model name | C6 Coupé / Convertible 2005-2007 |
C6 Coupé / Convertible 2008-2013 |
C6 Coupé / Cabrio 2008-2013 with flap exhaust (option) |
C6 Z06 | C6 ZR1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 6.0 L V8 LS2 | 6.2 L V8 LS3 | 7.0 L V8 LS7 | 6.2 L V8 LS9 compressor | |
| Displacement | 5967 cc | 6162 cc | 7012 cc | 6162 cc | |
| Bore × stroke | 101.6 x 92 mm | 103.25 x 92 mm | 104.8 x 101.6 mm | 103.25 x 92 mm | |
| Power at 1 / min | 298 kW (405 PS) / 6000 | 321 kW (436 PS) / 5900 | 325 kW (442 PS) / 5900 | 376 kW (512 PS) / 6300 | 476 kW (647 hp) / 6500 |
| Max. Torque at 1 / min | 546 Nm / 4400 | 575 Nm / 4600 | 586 Nm / 4600 | 637 Nm / 4800 | 823 Nm / 3800 |
| transmission | 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic from 2006: 6-speed automatic |
6-speed manual 6-speed automatic |
6-speed manual | ||
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h (Aut.) | 4.5 s (4.8 s) | 4.4 s (4.6 s) | 4.3 s (4.4 s) | 3.9 s | 3.2 s |
| Top speed | 300 km / h | 306 km / h | 320 km / h | 330 km / h | |
| Rims front / rear | 8.5 × 18/10 × 19 | 9.5 × 18/12 × 19 | 10 × 19/12 × 20 | ||
| Front / rear tires | 245 / 40ZR18 / 285 / 35ZR19 | 275 / 35ZR18 / 325 / 30ZR19 | 285 / 30ZR19 / 335 / 25ZR20 | ||
| Empty weight | 1460 kg | 1418 kg | 1453 kg | ||
| Tank capacity | 68 liters | ||||
Corvette C6 tuner
A small series of the VSpeed V77 sports car based on the Corvette C6 has been manufactured in Radeberg, Saxony, since 2014 . The output of the LS3 engine was increased by 40 hp to 477 hp (351 kW), while the lightweight construction reduced the curb weight of the vehicle to 1399 kg.
Web links
- Official website of Europe
- Official Homepage (Engl.)
- National Corvette Museum
- Corvette production
- LS2 motor completely dismantled , text and image for every single step
- Corvette C6 turns into a deadly prison (without reading the manual, it's life-threatening)
Individual evidence
- ↑ David Kimble: ZR 1 cutaway. (JPG) (No longer available online.) The Speed Wars by Zorly, formerly in the original ; accessed on April 30, 2013 ( sectional drawing ). ( Page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ a b c Sport Auto: US trio depends on Europe's sports car elite
- ↑ Chevrolet: 2012 Corvette Z06 Laps the Nurburgring ( Memento from June 30, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Sport Auto: The best and the worst brakes
- ↑ a b c Quote from Ron Meegan, Assistant Chief Engineer. In: Chevy LS Engine Buildups HP1567 , by Cam Bent, via Google Books; Retrieved June 4, 2014
