Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06

Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Chevrolet Corvette C5 Convertible
Overview
Manufacturer	Chevrolet (General Motors)
Production	1996–2004
Model years	1997–2004
Assembly	United States: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Designer	John Cafaro
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé (1997–2004) 2-door convertible (1998–2004) 2-door hardtop (1999–2004)
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	Y-body
Related	Callaway C12 IVM C12
Powertrain
Engine	5.7L LS1 V8 5.7L LS6 V8 (Z06: 2001–04)
Transmission	6-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)
Chronology
Predecessor	Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Successor	Chevrolet Corvette (C6)

The Chevrolet Corvette (C5) was the fifth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car, produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1997 through 2004 model years.

A major change from its predecessor the C4, the C5 featured a hydroformed box frame, a design that offered an improved structural platform, especially for a convertible body style. To improve handling, the transmission was relocated to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly. Connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube, the engine/transmission arrangement enabled a 50-50% front-rear weight distribution. The LS1 engine initially produced 345 hp (257 kW), subsequently increased in 2001 to 350 hp (261 kW). The 4L60-E automatic transmission carried over from previous models, but the manual was replaced by a Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed capable of a 175 mph (282 km/h) top speed. Relative to the C4, the new platform and structural design substantially reduced squeaks and rattles.

In the inaugural model year (1997), only the fastback coupé (more like a hatchback coupé) was offered, with the convertible – the first to offer a trunk since 1962 – following in 1998. 1998 also saw the C5 convertible pacing the Indianapolis 500, and a replica pace car edition was sold and the 1998 Corvette was named "Motor Trend Car of The Year"; 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" or "FRC"), was added to the lineup. This body style, as its name suggests, featured a fixed top (no removable targa top panel as with the fastback coupé) with a roofline shape and trunk space similar to that of the convertible, as well as a distinctive notchback-style rear window.