The Chevrolet Corvette C5 is a sports car which started in 1997 and ended with the 2004 model year. It is the fifth generation of Chevrolet Corvettes built and marketed by Chevrolet. The C5 was a drastic change from the previous generation. 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, but that was increased a little in 2001 to 350 hp. The new C5 was much better, in many aspects than the C4 it replaced.
The styling of the C5 was also a departure from the trend set by the previous-generation Corvette. Now, the vehicle had a more rounded and graceful appearance that helped to recapture some of the aggressive looks of the C3 without compromising the aerodynamics. In the first model year (1997) of the C5, only the hatchback coupé was offered, with the convertible — the first to offer a trunk since 1962 — following in 1998. In 1998 we saw the C5 convertible pacing the Indianapolis 500, and a replica pace car edition was sold; C5 Corvettes subsequently paced the 2002 and 2004 Indianapolis 500 races, but no replica pace car versions were offered during those model years. In 1999, a third body style, the hardtop (also referred to as the "fixed-roof coupé"), was added to the Corvette lineup. This body style featured a fixed top (no removable targa top panel as with the hatchback coupé) with a roofline shape and trunk space similar to that of the convertible. The hardtop became the top-performance Z06 in 2001, but for two model years was offered as a variant of the base-model Corvette.
Aside from cosmetic differences including new rim styles, paint colors, pace car/commemorative editions in 1998, 2003, and 2004, etc. and new offerings for optional equipment, there were few fundamental changes from one model year to the next within the production run of the C5. One of the more popular "high-tech" options introduced to the Corvette line was a head-up display. Another innovation was the Active Handling System which first became available as an option in 1998 and then became standard on all models in 2001 In contrast to the (largely deserved) reputation of high-performance vehicles for poor fuel economy, the C5 achieves comparatively high EPA ratings of 18/26 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic transmission, and 18/28 with the manual transmission, A number of factors are responsible for this: first is the relatively light weight of the C5 (a curb weight under 3,300 lb); second is the C5's low drag coefficient; and third is the vehicle's tendency to upshift into the higher gears as soon as possible.
Factory performance figures give a 0-60 mph acceleration time for the C5 convertible (2004 model year with a 6-speed manual transmission) of 4.46 seconds; a standing quarter mile is quoted by Chevrolet as 12.68 seconds at 124 mph. With the automatic transmission, the performance figures are slightly less: 0-60 mph in 4.66 seconds, with a standing quarter mile in 12.93 seconds at 118 mph.
The Z06 made its debut in 2001, giving a nod to the high-performance Z06 version of the C2 Corvette of the 1960s. Instead of a heavy, double-overhead cam engine like the ZR-1, the Z06 used a high-output, tuned version (designated LS6) of the standard LS1 Corvette engine, which initially produced 385 hp.Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 1997-2004
Passengers: 2
Fuel Mileage: 17-28 MPG
Horsepower: 340-405 BHP
Torque: 350-400LB-FT
List of some of the standard features:
A/C, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Cruise Control, AM/FM Audio, Tilt Wheel, Cassette, Power Seat, Leather, ABS, Alloy Wheels, & Dual Front Airbags
List of some of the optional features:
Dual Power Seats, Single CD, Multiple CD, Bose Sound, & Navigation