At first glance the new Corvette doesn't look dramatically different from a 2004 except for the exposed high-intensity headlights under clear polycarbonate lenses that replace the retractable headlamps. The last Corvette to feature fixed headlights was the1962 model.
More dramatic than the headlamps, however, is a Corvette that's faster, better looking, better built, and best of all, cheaper. Base price of the coupe is $43,445, or $1,305 less than the '04 model; the convertible is $51,445, or $305 less than the '04 it replaces.
The new Corvette is five inches shorter and an inch narrower, yet interior room has thankfully grown slightly and the wheelbase has been stretched just over an inch. These dimensions result in a car that is lighter by 67pounds for the coupe and 49 pounds for the convertible. The C6 is now the same size as a Porsche 911.
The rear end has been lowered and narrowed with four oversized taillights glowing like fighter jet afterburners. Quad tail pipes and a small, black rear spoiler add to performance look.
The coupe comes with a removable body-colored top as standard or a transparent plastic top for an additional $750. If you can't decide you can get both for $1,400.
Gone, too, are door handles inside and out which have been replaced by electric solenoid buttons with keyless access. Simply have the key in your purse or pocket, and the car unlocks as you approach. You start it by pushing a button on the dash, again keeping the key in your pocket. The car automatically locks as you exit the vehicle and walk away.
The interior is all new for '05 and much improved over the previous generations; it has shed most its "Camaro" look. Interior materials are a better grade, the dash design improved and I especially liked the arch-enclosed analog gauges. Seats are incredibly comfortable and there was enough head and legroom for my too-tall body to fit comfortably in the cockpit. Still, I found the interior rather plain with an economy look especially when compared to the contemporary exterior. Also a first is the optional DVD-based navigation system and XM satellite radio.
But the big changes for '05 aren't limited to visual gratifications alone. There's more horsepower with a bump up from 350 in the '04 model to 400 horsepower and a whopping 400 pound-feet torque, unleashing G-force power effortlessly at any speed. Chevrolet says the Corvette will hit 60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds, 12.5 seconds in the quarter-mile and a top speed of 186 mph, the fastest production Corvette ever. That's quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera. Even more impressive is the EPA fuel economy, which rates the Corvette at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and while premium fuel is suggested, it isn't required. Interestingly, the Corvette is the only 400-horsepower car on the market that does not have the federal gas-guzzler tax imposed because of its favorable gas mileage.
During my week in the driver's seat, I tested the Convertible with the six-speed manual transmission. The one annoying feature of the manual transmission is the mechanism that force-shifts the transmission from first to fourth bypassing second and third gears, unless the vehicle is under heavy acceleration. This engineering was incorporated several years ago to improve the fuel-efficiency rating in return for a mileage credit from the EPA, thus eliminating the gas-guzzler tax. It's very disconcerting to think you have shifted into second gear only to release the clutch to a powerless fourth gear at 20-25 miles per hour.
While I'm whining, a word about the automatic transmission. It's available as a no-cost option but is only a four-speed, and doesn't have a manual shift option like most other sports cars and sports sedans on the market today. GM is well behind the times with their transmission product offerings and is seriously behind the competition by not offering a five-, six- or even seven-speed automatic transmission. Unless you are physically unable to operate a clutch you'll want to opt for the six-speed manual shifter.
Corvette offers three suspension packages: standard, magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) and Z51 ($1,495). Think of the three as firm, firmer and firmest. Our tester was equipped with the Z51, which includes firmer springs, shocks and stabilizer bars. It also has oil coolers for the power steering and transmission, large, cross-drilled brake rotors, larger Hi-Performance tuned Goodyear F1 "run-flat" tires (18 inches up front, 19 in the rear) and an anti-roll bar. It's available with either transmission.
Handling with the Z51 performance package was incredible with cornering like the car was on rails, flat with zero body lean and fantastic stability. Of course, if you push it too hard and fast the Corvette features an Active Handling System (AHS) that automatically kicks in reducing engine speed and applying the brakes to help rein in the power and maintain stability.
If you'd rather just sit back and enjoy the ride you can opt for the Magnetic Ride Control option ($1,695) which allows the driver to manually select the mode of suspension from touring (soft) to sport (firm).
During my test week of driving we were blessed with incredible weather for driving a convertible. I certainly had my share of top-down driving in our sunny "it's the reason we live here" spring weather. In another "first" for Corvette, the '05 is the first power top since the 1962 model. Manual operation is standard but our tester included the power top option ($1,995) and in just 18 seconds the top folds neatly below the fiberglass boot lid - all with the press of a button and without leaving the drivers seat. Nice!
For a convertible I found the Corvette to be remarkably stable with zero cowl shake and body shimmies usually associated with top-down driving.
Standard features on all Corvettes include leather upholstery, climate control, power steering, brakes, mirrors, windows, locks and drivers seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3-playback stereo, Xenon headlamps, cruise control, carpeted floor mats and cruise control.
Options on my tester included the Preferred Equipment Group ($2,995) with head up windshield display, Homelink transmitter, seat memory package, auto dimming mirror, heated seats, premium stereo and power telescoping steering. Other options are the Z51 Performance Package, and polished aluminum wheels ($1,295). The list of freestanding options includes XM Satellite Radio ($325), DVD navigation system ($1,400) and competition painted wheels ($295).
Safety features include traction control, active handling, front and side airbags (side airbags are only standard on the convertible and available as part of an option in the coupe equipment group $1,405). Side curtain airbags are not available. There are no crash test results available for the 2005 Corvette.
The new Corvette is smaller, more powerful and the best Corvette ever, having fixed most of the nagging problems from the previous generations. When compared to other performance sports cars, there is little comparison on bang for the buck. Corvette is a bargain and with all the positive changes it's easy to live with even as a daily driver. If you've ever wanted a Corvette this is the one to own.
Still not enough power? Corvette has announced plans to build a Z06 offering with 500 horsepower, which should be available within the next few months. No pricing has been announced but expect an MSRP near $70,000.
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