Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Corvette"

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[[General Motors]] hired designer [[Harley Earl]] in 1927.  Earl loved sports cars, and GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home [[MG (car)|MGs]], [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguars]], [[Alfa Romeo]]s, and the like. In 1951, [[Nash Motors]] began selling a two-seat sports car, the [[Nash-Healey]], that was made in partnership with the Italian designer [[Pinin Farina]] and British auto engineer [[Donald Healey]]. Earl convinced GM that they also needed to build a two-seat sports car. Earl and his Special Projects crew began working on the new car later that year, which was code named "Opel." The result was the 1953 Corvette, unveiled to the public at that year's [[Motorama]] car show. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was [[United States Flag Code|frowned upon]].
[[General Motors]] hired designer [[Harley Earl]] in 1927.  Earl loved sports cars, and GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home [[MG (car)|MGs]], [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguars]], [[Alfa Romeo]]s, and the like. In 1951, [[Nash Motors]] began selling a two-seat sports car, the [[Nash-Healey]], that was made in partnership with the Italian designer [[Pinin Farina]] and British auto engineer [[Donald Healey]]. Earl convinced GM that they also needed to build a two-seat sports car. Earl and his Special Projects crew began working on the new car later that year, which was code named "Opel." The result was the 1953 Corvette, unveiled to the public at that year's [[Motorama]] car show. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was [[United States Flag Code|frowned upon]].


Taking its name from the [[corvette]], a small, maneuverable fighting [[frigate]] (the credit for the naming goes to [[Myron Scott]]), the first Corvettes were virtually hand-built in [[Flint, Michigan]] in Chevrolet's Customer Delivery Center, now an academic building at [[Kettering University]]. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary [[fiberglass]], selected in part because of steel quotas left over from the war. Underneath the new body material were standard Chevrolet components, including the "Blue Flame" [[Straight-6|inline six-cylinder]] truck [[engine]], two-speed [[Powerglide]] [[automatic transmission]], and [[drum brake]]s from Chevrolet's regular car line. Though the engine's output was increased somewhat, thanks to a triple-carburetor intake exclusive to the Corvette, performance of the car was decidedly lackluster. Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette was underpowered, required a great deal of effort as well as clear roadway to bring to a stop, and even lacked a "proper" [[manual transmission]]. Up until that time, the Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque, known for excellent but no-nonsense cars.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Nowhere was that more evident than in the Corvette.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} A Paxton [[supercharger]] became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline.
Taking its name from the [[corvette]], a small, maneuverable fighting [[frigate]] (the credit for the naming goes to [[Myron Scott]]), the first Corvettes were virtually hand-built in [[Flint, Michigan]] in Chevrolet's Customer Delivery Center, now an academic building at [[Kettering University]]. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary [[fiberglass]], selected in part because of steel quotas left over from the war. Underneath the new body material were standard Chevrolet components, including the "Blue Flame" [[Straight-6|inline six-cylinder]] truck [[engine]], two-speed [[Powerglide]] [[automatic transmission]], and [[drum brake]]s from Chevrolet's regular car line. Though the engine's output was increased somewhat, thanks to a triple-carburetor intake exclusive to the Corvette, performance of the car was decidedly lackluster. Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette was underpowered, required a great deal of effort as well as clear roadway to bring to a stop, and even lacked a "proper" [[manual transmission]]. Up until that time, the Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque, known for excellent but no-nonsense cars. Nowhere was that more evident than in the Corvette. A Paxton [[supercharger]] became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline.


GM was seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for two important events. The first was the introduction in 1955 of Chevrolet's first V8 engine (a 265 [[Cubic inch|CID]] [4.3 L]) since 1919, and the second was the influence of a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[émigré]] in GM's engineering department, [[Zora Arkus-Duntov]]. Arkus-Duntov simply took the new V8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That modification, probably the single most important in the car's history{{Fact|date=June 2008}}, helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer. It also earned Arkus-Duntov the rather inaccurate nickname "Father of the Corvette."
GM was seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for two important events. The first was the introduction in 1955 of Chevrolet's first V8 engine (a 265 [[Cubic inch|CID]] [4.3 L]) since 1919, and the second was the influence of a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[émigré]] in GM's engineering department, [[Zora Arkus-Duntov]]. Arkus-Duntov simply took the new V8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That modification, probably the single most important in the car's history, helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer. It also earned Arkus-Duntov the rather inaccurate nickname "Father of the Corvette."


Another key factor in the Corvette's survival was [[Ford]]'s introduction, in 1955, of the two-seat [[Ford Thunderbird|Thunderbird]]{{Fact|date=June 2008}}, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded that GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The "T-Bird" was changed to a four-seater in 1958.
Another key factor in the Corvette's survival was [[Ford]]'s introduction, in 1955, of the two-seat [[Ford Thunderbird|Thunderbird]], which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded that GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The "T-Bird" was changed to a four-seater in 1958.


==C1 (1953–1962)==
==C1 (1953–1962)==
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The second generation, or ''mid-year'', was designed by [[Larry Shinoda]] with major inspiration from a previous unproduced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, and under the styling direction of [[Bill Mitchell]], started in 1963 and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, '''Corvette Sting Ray''',  the 1963 model year Corvette was the first year for a [[coupé]] with its distinctive split rear window and non-functioning [[hood vents]] as well as an [[independent rear suspension]]. The split rear window was discontinued in 1964 due to safety concerns. Because they made the design too busy, the hood vents were also cut. Power for 1963 was at {{Convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} hitting {{Convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1964.
The second generation, or ''mid-year'', was designed by [[Larry Shinoda]] with major inspiration from a previous unproduced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, and under the styling direction of [[Bill Mitchell]], started in 1963 and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, '''Corvette Sting Ray''',  the 1963 model year Corvette was the first year for a [[coupé]] with its distinctive split rear window and non-functioning [[hood vents]] as well as an [[independent rear suspension]]. The split rear window was discontinued in 1964 due to safety concerns. Because they made the design too busy, the hood vents were also cut. Power for 1963 was at {{Convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} hitting {{Convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1964.


Four-wheel [[disc brake]]s were introduced in 1965, as was a "[[big-block|big block]]" engine option (the [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#Generation 2: Mark IV Series|396 CID]] [6.5 L] V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional on the 1965 Sting Ray and persisted through 1967, then again for 1969. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|427 CID]] (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. 1967 saw an L-88 version of the 427 introduced, which was rated at {{Convert|430|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but unofficial estimates{{Fact|date=November 2008}} place the actual output at {{Convert|550|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or more. Only twenty such engines were placed in the 1967 Corvette, and the cars can fetch US$1,000,000 or more in auction today. From 1967 to 1969, the 1282 [[cubic foot|cu ft]]/min [[Holley (carburetor)|Holley]] triple two-barrel carburetor, or [[Tri-Power]], was available on the 427. The 1967 Corvette originally was going to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to delays the C3 had to be put off until 1968. This was also the first year to introduce the L-88  motor option with {{convert|560|bhp|abbr=on}}. Other early options available on the C2 included an AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests, presumably to prevent whiplash (1966).
Four-wheel [[disc brake]]s were introduced in 1965, as was a "[[big-block|big block]]" engine option (the [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#Generation 2: Mark IV Series|396 CID]] [6.5 L] V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional on the 1965 Sting Ray and persisted through 1967, then again for 1969. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|427 CID]] (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. 1967 saw an L-88 version of the 427 introduced, which was rated at {{Convert|430|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but unofficial estimates place the actual output at {{Convert|550|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or more. Only twenty such engines were placed in the 1967 Corvette, and the cars can fetch US$1,000,000 or more in auction today. From 1967 to 1969, the 1282 [[cubic foot|cu ft]]/min [[Holley (carburetor)|Holley]] triple two-barrel carburetor, or [[Tri-Power]], was available on the 427. The 1967 Corvette originally was going to be the first of the C3 generation; however, due to delays the C3 had to be put off until 1968. This was also the first year to introduce the L-88  motor option with {{convert|560|bhp|abbr=on}}. Other early options available on the C2 included an AM-FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (1963), a telescopic steering wheel (1965) and headrests, presumably to prevent whiplash (1966).
[[Image:65Fuelie.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1965 Corvette 327/375 hp Fuel Injected Roadster]]
[[Image:65Fuelie.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1965 Corvette 327/375 hp Fuel Injected Roadster]]
The 1965 introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block was ultimately the harbinger of doom for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00. Few people could justify spending $245 more for {{convert|50|hp|abbr=on}} less. When only 771 fuel-injected cars were built in 1965, Chevrolet stopped the program.
The 1965 introduction of the 425 hp 396 CID big block was ultimately the harbinger of doom for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396 CID option cost $292.70 while the fuel injected 327 CID engine cost $538.00. Few people could justify spending $245 more for {{convert|50|hp|abbr=on}} less. When only 771 fuel-injected cars were built in 1965, Chevrolet stopped the program.
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Between 1984 and 1988, the Corvette utilized an unusual "4+3" transmission—a 4-speed manual coupled to an automatic overdrive on the top three gears. It was designed to help the Corvette meet U.S. fuel economy standards. The transmission was problematic and was eventually replaced by a much more modern and satisfactory [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] 6-speed manual gearbox in 1989. This new transmission was also the first to feature Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS), which used a solenoid to lock out 2nd gear during certain driving conditions. This allowed the Corvette to maintain EPA fuel economy ratings high enough to avoid the "gas guzzler" tax. Beginning in 1985, the {{convert|230|hp}} L98 engine with tuned port fuel injection was the standard engine.
Between 1984 and 1988, the Corvette utilized an unusual "4+3" transmission—a 4-speed manual coupled to an automatic overdrive on the top three gears. It was designed to help the Corvette meet U.S. fuel economy standards. The transmission was problematic and was eventually replaced by a much more modern and satisfactory [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] 6-speed manual gearbox in 1989. This new transmission was also the first to feature Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS), which used a solenoid to lock out 2nd gear during certain driving conditions. This allowed the Corvette to maintain EPA fuel economy ratings high enough to avoid the "gas guzzler" tax. Beginning in 1985, the {{convert|230|hp}} L98 engine with tuned port fuel injection was the standard engine.


In 1986 the 2nd Indy Pace Car version was released as a convertible only. It was the first drop top Corvette since 1975. It was also the first pace car fast enough in stock form to pace the Indianapolis 500.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} A Center High Mounted Signal Light (CHMSL, a third center brake light) was added in 1986 to comply with federal law.
In 1986 the 2nd Indy Pace Car version was released as a convertible only. It was the first drop top Corvette since 1975. It was also the first pace car fast enough in stock form to pace the Indianapolis 500. A Center High Mounted Signal Light (CHMSL, a third center brake light) was added in 1986 to comply with federal law.


1988 saw the 35th Anniversary Edition. Each of these featured a special badge with an identification number mounted next to the gear selector. These Corvettes were easily identified with their white exteriors, wheels and interiors.
1988 saw the 35th Anniversary Edition. Each of these featured a special badge with an identification number mounted next to the gear selector. These Corvettes were easily identified with their white exteriors, wheels and interiors.
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1996 was the final year of C4 production, and featured special models and options, including the Grand Sport and Collector Edition, OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics), run flat tires, and the LT4 engine. The {{Convert|335|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[GM LT engine#LT4|LT4]] [[V8]] was installed in all manual transmission equipped Corvettes. All 1996 Corvettes with automatic transmissions utilized the LT1.
1996 was the final year of C4 production, and featured special models and options, including the Grand Sport and Collector Edition, OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics), run flat tires, and the LT4 engine. The {{Convert|335|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[GM LT engine#LT4|LT4]] [[V8]] was installed in all manual transmission equipped Corvettes. All 1996 Corvettes with automatic transmissions utilized the LT1.


The C4's handling characteristics and cornering ability allowed it to dominate SCCA events and races during the 1980s and 1990s. It was undefeated in SCCA Showroom Stock competition from 1985 through 1987, despite Porsche's best efforts. Porsche reportedly even obtained a C4 Corvette for teardown and examination.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}
The C4's handling characteristics and cornering ability allowed it to dominate SCCA events and races during the 1980s and 1990s. It was undefeated in SCCA Showroom Stock competition from 1985 through 1987, despite Porsche's best efforts. Porsche reportedly even obtained a C4 Corvette for teardown and examination.


The C4 had plenty of firsts: EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), composite transverse leaf springs, antilock brakes, airbags, traction control, an aluminum frame and suspension components, digital gauges, overhead cams and four valves per cylinder in the superb ZR1, a computer controlled, six-speed manual transmission, climate control, and a digital instrument panel. Conversely, C4 Corvettes were the last generation to utilize a centrally located fuel filler (1963), opposing windshield wipers (1953), a cast iron engine block (1953), 4 round taillights (1961), fiberglass body panels (1953), distributor ignition (1953).
The C4 had plenty of firsts: EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), composite transverse leaf springs, antilock brakes, airbags, traction control, an aluminum frame and suspension components, digital gauges, overhead cams and four valves per cylinder in the superb ZR1, a computer controlled, six-speed manual transmission, climate control, and a digital instrument panel. Conversely, C4 Corvettes were the last generation to utilize a centrally located fuel filler (1963), opposing windshield wipers (1953), a cast iron engine block (1953), 4 round taillights (1961), fiberglass body panels (1953), distributor ignition (1953).
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===Collector Edition (1996)===
===Collector Edition (1996)===
To commemorate the final year of the C4, Chevrolet reissued a Collector Edition. Also produced in low numbers, all CE's were painted Sebring Silver, a color reminiscent of the 1963 Sting Ray and later retained for the C-5 color lineup. A near mirror image of the Grand Sport, if properly equipped, it also got the 5 spoke "A mold" wheels in matching silver, bigger ZR-1 brakes, and a myriad of standard features. Like all production 1996 Corvettes, the LT-4 received the ZF 6-speed gearbox thought by many to be the strongest GM transmission ever.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} Automatics were an option, and still retained the LT-1. CE's were also available in a convertible with 3 interior color choices, red, silver and black. On all four sides of the car, a special set of "Collector Edition" flags were appointed, and also embroidered in the seat backs.
To commemorate the final year of the C4, Chevrolet reissued a Collector Edition. Also produced in low numbers, all CE's were painted Sebring Silver, a color reminiscent of the 1963 Sting Ray and later retained for the C-5 color lineup. A near mirror image of the Grand Sport, if properly equipped, it also got the 5 spoke "A mold" wheels in matching silver, bigger ZR-1 brakes, and a myriad of standard features. Like all production 1996 Corvettes, the LT-4 received the ZF 6-speed gearbox thought by many to be the strongest GM transmission ever. Automatics were an option, and still retained the LT-1. CE's were also available in a convertible with 3 interior color choices, red, silver and black. On all four sides of the car, a special set of "Collector Edition" flags were appointed, and also embroidered in the seat backs.


==C5 (1997–2004)==
==C5 (1997–2004)==
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==Corvette sedan==
==Corvette sedan==
In May 2007, Bob Lutz stated he is not at all opposed to the idea of a Corvette sedan. This would follow in the footsteps of the [[Porsche Panamera]] and [[Aston Martin Rapide]].<ref name="LutzSedanMay2007">Kranz, Rick. "Why not build a 4-door Corvette?" ''Automotive News, 14 May 2007''.</ref>  In subsequent statements however, Lutz said that this statement was made merely as an option, as an example of the way that Chevrolet considers all possibilities during the design process.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
In May 2007, Bob Lutz stated he is not at all opposed to the idea of a Corvette sedan. This would follow in the footsteps of the [[Porsche Panamera]] and [[Aston Martin Rapide]].<ref name="LutzSedanMay2007">Kranz, Rick. "Why not build a 4-door Corvette?" ''Automotive News, 14 May 2007''.</ref>  In subsequent statements however, Lutz said that this statement was made merely as an option, as an example of the way that Chevrolet considers all possibilities during the design process.


==Awards==
==Awards==
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==Corvette as marque==
==Corvette as marque==
With the move toward rebadging [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] cars as budget-priced [[Chevrolet]]s in Europe, Corvette became a [[marque]] in its own right in 2005. The brand is sold separately from Korean-built Chevrolets, usually by dealers with the premium [[Cadillac]] range. Corvette is also marketed as a separate marque in Japan. The rumor that Corvette would become its own brand has been circulating{{Fact|date=November 2008}} since the late 1980s.
With the move toward rebadging [[GM Daewoo|Daewoo]] cars as budget-priced [[Chevrolet]]s in Europe, Corvette became a [[marque]] in its own right in 2005. The brand is sold separately from Korean-built Chevrolets, usually by dealers with the premium [[Cadillac]] range. Corvette is also marketed as a separate marque in Japan. The rumor that Corvette would become its own brand has been circulating since the late 1980s.


==See also==
==See also==
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