A classic American sports car made since 1953 by the Chevrolet division of GM. Always two doors, always two seats, always popular and cool.
Small block V8s since 55, IRS since 63, 4-wheel disc brakes since 65,
fuel injection since 57 (and again in 82), and high performance since day one. Okay, so maybe the original I6 auto model wasn't too fast, but hey, what the hell.
Anyway, the Corvette (or 'Vette') is currently in its 6th generation bodystyle, and features a 6.
0l (366ci)
OHV V8 constructed from aluminum and featuring
EFI, a large
dual exhaust system, among other things. The suspension is fully independent and has thick sway bars at both ends. For brakes, big vented discs clamped by multi-piston calipers, along with standard 4-channel ABS. Transmission choices include the standard 6-speed manual (which gets the
T-top 28mpg) or (new for 06) and 6-speed automatic. Performance is just great, with 60mph coming the under 4.5 seconds, and capable of reaching 186mph. .95g is normal for a
C6, and the brakes can stop this car from near freeway speeds in 120ft. or less. All of this for a lil over $40k. Almost half the price of a new 911. And less than half the price of the poorly-performing Acura
NSX (290hp for $
90k, Jesus Christ!)
General Corvette Info:
C1: 1953-1962
C2: 1963-1967
C3: 1968-1982
C4: 1984-1996
C5: 1997-2004
C6: 2005-now
Top/bottom engine options-
C1: 360hp 327ci fuel-injected, 150hp I6 3x1-bbl carbs
C2: 435hp 427ci 3x2-bbl carbs, 250hp 327ci 1x4-bbl carb
C3: 435hp 427ci 3x2-bbl carbs, 155hp 350ci 1x4-bbl carb
C4: 405hp 350ci
EFI, 205hp 350ci
TBI
C5: 405hp 346ci EFI, 345hp 346ci EFI
C6: 505hp 428ci EFI, 400hp 366ci EFI
Performance-
1953: 0-60 in ~11s, top speed ~110mph
1957: 0-60 in ~6s, top speed ~135mph
1967: 0-60 in ~5s, top speed ~150mph
1977: 0-60 in ~7s, top speed ~135mph
1996: 0-60 in ~5s, top speed ~170mph
2006: 0-60 in ~4s, top speed ~200mph
I have determined that the following facts are appropriate for the general public to view:
Horsepower per dollar-
Acura
NSX: 290hp for $89k- $307hp/hp
C6 Corvette: 400hp for $44k- $110/hp
Dodge Viper: 510hp for $83k- $162/hp
Ferrari F430: 483hp for $182k- $377/hp
Just the facts- no bull.