Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Corvette C1"

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{|border=0 align=right
{{Infobox Automobile
|-
| image          = [[Image:Chevrolet Corvette C1 (Orange Julep).JPG|250px|Chevrolet Corvette C1]]
|{{Infobox Automobile
| name          = Chevrolet Corvette C1
|name          = Chevrolet Corvette (sixth generation)
| layout        = [[FR layout]]
|image          = [[Image:CorvetteC6's silver.jpg|250px|C6 Corvette]]
| manufacturer  = [[Chevrolet]]
|manufacturer  = [[Chevrolet]]
| parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|parent_company = [[General Motors]]
| production    = 1953–1962
|production    = 2005–
| successor     = [[Chevrolet Corvette C2]]
|predecessor    = [[Chevrolet Corvette C5]]
| class          = [[Sports car]]
|processor     = [[Chevrolet Corvette C6]]
| body_style    = 2-door [[convertible]]
|class          = [[Sports car]]
}}
|transmission  = 4-speed automatic (2005)<Br>6-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] (2006&ndash;present)<Br>6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|assembly      = [[Bowling Green, Kentucky]], [[USA]]
| name          = Six-cylinder
|layout        = [[FR layout]]  
| production    = 1953&ndash;1955
|wheelbase      = {{Auto in|105.7|0}}
| assembly      = [[Flint, Michigan]]<br>[[St. Louis, Missouri]]
|platform       = [[GM Y platform|Y-body]]
| engine        = 235&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#235|Blue Flame]]'' [[Straight-6|I6]]
|similar        = [[Dodge Viper]]<br>[[Porsche 911]]
| transmission  = 2-speed ''[[Powerglide]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Six-cylinder and Eight-cylinder
| production    = 1955
| assembly       = [[St. Louis, Missouri]]
| engine        = 235&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#235|Blue Flame]]'' [[Straight-6|I6]]<br>265&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#265|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]
| transmission  = 2-speed ''[[Powerglide]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
}}
}}
|-
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Eight-cylinder
|name          = Base model
| assembly      = [[St. Louis, Missouri]]
|image          = [[Image:Chevrolet Corvette C6 coupe.jpg|250px|Chevrolet Corvette C6 coupe]]
| image          = [[Image:'58 Chevrolet Corvette (Auto classique).JPG|250px|1958 Chevrolet Corvette]]
|production    = 2005–
| production    = 1956&ndash;1962
|length        = {{Auto in|174.6|0}}
| engine        = 265&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#265|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]<br>283&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#283|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]<br>327&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|Small-transmblock]]'' [[V8]]
|width          = {{Auto in|72.6|0}}
| transmission  = 2-speed ''[[Powerglide]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br>4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
|height        = Coupe: {{Auto in|49|0}}<Br>2005-06 Convertible: {{Auto in|49.2|0}}<br>2007&ndash;present Convertible: {{Auto in|49.1|0}}
|engine        = 6.0&nbsp;[[Liter|L]] ''[[GM LS engine#LS2|LS2]]'' [[V8]] (2005&ndash;2007)<br>6.2&nbsp;L ''[[GM LS engine#LS3|LS3]]'' [[V8]] (2008&ndash;present)
|body_style    = 2-door [[coupe]]<br>2-door [[convertible]]
}}
}}
|-
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Fuel-Injection
|name          = Z06
| assembly      = [[St. Louis, Missouri]]
|image          = [[Image:CorvetteC6Z06yellow.jpg|250px|2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06]]
| image          = [[Image:1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible.jpg|250px|1961 Chevrolet Corvette with fuel injection]]
|production    = 2006–
| production    = 1957&ndash;1962
|predecessor    = [[Chevrolet Corvette C5#Z06|C5 Z06]]
| engine        = 283&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#283|Small-block]]'' [[Fuel injection|FI]] [[V8]]<br>327&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|Small-block]]'' [[Fuel injection|FI]] [[V8]]
|engine        = 7.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM LS engine#LS7|LS7]]'' [[V8]]
| transmission  = 2-speed ''[[Powerglide]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br>4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
|body_style    = 2-door [[coupe]]
|length        = {{Auto in|175.6|0}}
|width          = {{Auto in|75.9|0}}
|height        = Coupe: {{Auto in|49.0|0}}
}}
}}
|}
{{main|Chevrolet Corvette}}
The '''Chevrolet Corvette C6''' is the sixth and current generation of [[Chevrolet Corvette]]s.  It was introduced in 2005,  and according to several issues of ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine, will be superseded by the C7 Corvette in the 2012 calendar year.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
== Model details ==
Compared to the fifth generation, the "C6" gets an overhaul of the suspension geometry, all new bodywork with exposed headlamps (for the first time since 1962), a larger passenger compartment, a larger 6.0&nbsp;L (364&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in; 5967&nbsp;cc) [[Internal combustion engine|engine]], and a much higher level of refinement.<ref name="2006specs">http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_corvette/06index.html#specs</ref>  Overall, it is 5.1 inches (13 cm) shorter than the [[Chevrolet Corvette C5|C5]], but its wheelbase has increased by 1.2 inches (3 cm). It is also one inch (2.5 cm) narrower. The 6.0&nbsp;L LS2 [[V8]] produces 400&nbsp;hp (298&nbsp;kW) at 6000&nbsp;rpm and 400 [[lb·ft]] (542&nbsp;[[N·m]]) of [[torque]] at 4400&nbsp;rpm.
With an [[automatic transmission]], the Corvette achieves 15/25 [[Miles per gallon|mpg]] (city/highway); the [[manual transmission|manual-transmission]] model gets 16/26 mpg.<ref>[http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2009&make=Chevrolet&model=Corvette&hiddenField=Findacar EPA estimate]</ref> The Corvette's manual transmission is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Shifting (CAGS), obligating the driver to shift from 1st directly to 4th when operating at lower RPMs.  This boosts the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]]'s derived fuel economy thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax.
For the 2008 model, the Corvette receives a new engine, the [[LS3]].  With displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in; 6162&nbsp;cc)<ref name="2009specs">http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_corvette/09index.html#specs</ref> , power is increased to {{Convert|430|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|424|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque, or {{Convert|436|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|428|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} with the optional vacuum actuated valve exhaust.<ref>{{cite web
| title = LS3 Overview - GM Powertrain
| url = http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Whats%20New/Gen%20IV/Gen%20IV%20Car/08%20LS3.doc
| publisher = GM
| format = {{DOClink}}
}}</ref>  The previous [[Transmission Technologies Corporation|Tremec]] T56 transmission on manual Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in model year 2008.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Six-Speed Manual Tremec T56 (MM6/M12) Car Transmission
| url = http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Whats%20New/Transmissions/2008%20Manual%20Transmission/08_MM6_MZ6.doc
| publisher = GM
| format = {{DOClink}}
| accessdate = 2008-11-27
}}</ref>  Manual Corvettes have improved shift linkage; the automatic model is set up for quicker shifts, and (according to Chevrolet) goes from [[0 to 60 mph]] in 4.3 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette.<ref name="edmunds1">[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=120575 First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>  According to automotive review website ''New Car Test Drive'', the Corvette's 0 to 60 time is actually 4.2 seconds, faster than both the [[Porsche 911|Porsche 911 Carrera]] and the [[Jaguar XK|Jaguar XK8]].<ref name="nctd-corvette2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2008_Chevrolet_Corvette&ReviewID=3652<!-- reprinted at e.g. http://autos.nytimes.com/2008/Chevrolet/Corvette/238/2661/290201/NCTD/researchReviews.aspx but no publication date there either --> |title=2008 Chevrolet Corvette |last=McCullough |first=Mitch |publisher=New Car Test Drive |accessdate=2008-11-22 }}</ref><!-- see "Driving Impressions" section -->  The steering has also been tightened up for much improved feel. The wheels were also updated to a new five-spoke design.<ref name="edmunds1" />


==Z06==
:For an outline of all the Chevrolet Corvette generations see {{main|Chevrolet Corvette}}
The Corvette Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005. It has a 7.0&nbsp;[[Liter|L]] (7,008&nbsp;cc/427.6&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in) version of the Small-Block engine codenamed ''[[GM LS engine#LS7|LS7]]''. The Z06 achieves a fuel economy of {{convert|15|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} in the city and {{convert|24|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} on the [[highway]],<ref>[http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?column=1&id=25387 EPA estimate]</ref> and the output is 505&nbsp;hp (376&nbsp;kW). [[Car and Driver]] recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds in their March 2007 comparison test.[http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/download/0703_hc_and_os_powertrain_ss.pdf]


In addition to the larger engine, the Corvette Z06 has a [[dry sump]] oiling system, and [[Connecting rod]]s made out of [[titanium]] alloy.
The '''Chevrolet Corvette C1''' is a [[sports car]] produced from 1953 through 1962. It is the first generation of [[Chevrolet Corvette]]s built and marketed by [[Chevrolet]].


The Z06 officially weighs 3132&nbsp;lb (1421&nbsp;kg), giving it a weight to power ratio of 6.2&nbsp;[[Pound (mass)|lb]]/hp (3.8&nbsp;[[Kilogram|kg]]/kW).{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
==Design==
[[General Motors]] hired designer [[Harley Earl]] in 1927. Earl loved sports cars, and [[GI (term)|GIs]] returning after serving in Europe during [[World War II]] were bringing home [[MG (car)|MG]]s, [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguars]], [[Alfa Romeo]]s, and the like. Even the small independent automaker, [[Nash Motors]], began selling a two-seat sports car in 1951. The [[Nash-Healey]] was made in partnership with the Italian designer [[Pinin Farina]] and British auto engineer [[Donald Healey]] using [[Nash Ambassador]] engines and manual transmissions with [[Overdrive (mechanics)|overdrive]]. 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]].


===ZR1===
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 handbuilt in [[Flint, Michigan]] in Chevrolet's Customer Delivery Center, now an academic building at [[Kettering University]]. The outer body was made out of a revolutionary new composite material called [[fiberglass]], selected in part because of limiting steel quotas left over from the [[Korean War]]. Underneath that radical new body were standard Chevrolet components, including the "Blue Flame" 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 [[General Motors Corporation|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.
{{main|Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at 2008 NAIAS.JPG|thumb|left|Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at 2008 [[NAIAS]]]] -->
A Corvette variant was first reported by several print and online publications, based on rumor from General Motors was developing a production version of the Corvette above the Z06 level, under the internal code name ''Blue Devil'' (named after GM CEO [[Rick Wagoner]]'s alma mater, [[Duke University]]).{{Fact|date=July 2008}}  The car was originally rumored to feature a [[supercharger|supercharged]] [[GM LS engine|LS9]] engine producing more than {{Convert|650|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} with prices reported to exceed $100,000 USD.<ref>[http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060208/FREE/60208005&SearchID=73242362597113 Is Blue Devil Alive? Chevy Performance Might Be Heating Up] article from AutoWeek</ref>


The October 12, 2006 issue of ''[[AutoWeek]]'' published photos by photographer Chris Doane of a C6 with special auto-manufacturer-issued license plates on a Z06 with a hood bulge, widely thought to confirm the presence of a supercharger on the ''Blue Devil''.  Other names attached to the project included ''Corvette SS''<ref name="OctBlueDevil">[http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061016/FREE/310160002&SearchID=73265024805840 Auto Week prototype Blue Devil photos]</ref> or ''Corvette Z07''.<ref name="MotorTrendZ07">[http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_0704_chevrolet_corvette_z07/  Z07 coming in late 2008] article by Motor Trend</ref>  In February 2007, a worker at a Michigan shipping company posted pictures online of a powertrain [[development mule]] that was being shipped to Germany, believed to be part of the ''Blue Devil'' program.  The car had manufacturer's license plates, [[carbon-ceramic]] [[Disc brake#Discs|brakes]], enlarged fender vents, a hood bulge, and an engine with a positive-displacement supercharger in the valley between the cylinder banks and a [[Intercooler#Charge Cooling|water-to-air intercooler]] atop it. The photographer was fired and may face civil or criminal legal action, pending a GM investigation.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}
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&nbsp;in³ {4.3 L}) since 1919, and the second was the influence of a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] emigre 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".


GM began to release details on the ''Blue Devil'' project in April 2007, and revealed the ZR1 in December.  The company confirmed the existence of the project in an interview with ''[[Car and Driver]]'' on April 13.  Power levels were confirmed to be between 600 and 700 horsepower (447 to 521&nbsp;kW), but contrary to prior rumors of a supercharged 6.2 liter engine, the engine was only confirmed to have greater displacement than the 7.0 liter LS7 in the Z06.<ref name="LutzCarAndDriverBlueDevil">[http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyautoinsider/12814/2009-corvette-blue-devil-confirmed-and-in-final-tuning-phase.html 2009 Corvette Blue Devil confirmed and in final tuning phase - Daily Auto Insider] article by Car and Driver</ref>  ''Motor Trend'' confirmed the official name for the production ''Blue Devil'', resurrecting the old ZR1 nameplate.  The ZR1 had originally been used on developmental cars in 1971, and again as ZR-1 as the top performance model on the [[Chevrolet Corvette C4|C4 Corvette]].<ref>[http://blogs.motortrend.com/6215473/car-news/corvette-blue-devil-finally-gets-a-name-zr1/index.html Corvette Blue Devil (finally) gets a name - ZR1]</ref>  General Motors officially revealed the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on December 19, giving a press release and photographs of the car.  GM confirmed a supercharged 6.2&nbsp;L LS9 V8 producing {{convert|620|hp|abbr=on}}.  Performance figures were not released, but GM acknowledged that the car was capable of {{convert|200|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, making it the fastest production Corvette ever.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
The first generation is commonly referred to as a solid-axle, based on the fact that independent rear suspension (IRS) was not available until 1963.


[[Carbon fiber]] is used on the roof, hood, fenders, front splitter, and rocker moldings; the hood and fenders are painted over, while the roof and splitter are merely covered in a clear-coat, retaining their black color.  A [[polycarbonate]] window is placed in the center of the hood, allowing the engine intercooler to be seen from the exterior. The wheels are the largest ever placed on a production Corvette, with both front and rear wheels increasing in size and diameter over the Corvette Z06.  Carbon-ceramic brakes are included. The brake calipers are painted blue, as are the engine intercooler trim and the ZR1 logo. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is also included on the car, with sensors to automatically adjust stiffness levels based on road conditions and vehicle movement.<ref>{{citenews | url = http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette-zr1.html#more-5673 | title = 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 unveiled | publisher = Leftlanenews.com | date = 2007-12-19 | accessdate = 2007-12-19}}</ref>
==Fuel injection==
The first generation started in 1953 and ended in 1962, with the noteworthy addition of optional [[fuel injection]] in 1957. This new induction system first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the [[Mercedes-Benz 300SL]] "Gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester [[fuel injection]] system used a constant flow style fuel injection system as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes' [[Straight-6|six cylinders]], the system nevertheless produced about {{convert|290|hp|abbr=on}}. The number was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283HP/[[GM Small-Block engine#283|283&nbsp;in³]] (4.6&nbsp;L) [[V8 engine|V8]] one&nbsp;hp per&nbsp;in³ slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1&nbsp;hp/in³. In 1962, the GM Small-Block was enlarged to 327&nbsp;in³ (5.4&nbsp;L) and produced a maximum of 360&nbsp;hp (268&nbsp;kW). Other early options included Power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (mid 1957), and heavy duty brake and suspension options (1957).


==C6.R==
==CERV I==
{{main|Chevrolet Corvette C6.R}}
:{{main|Chevrolet Corvette CERV}}
[[Image:Le Mans 2005 CorvetteC6R.jpg|thumb|right|C6.R]]
The C6.R was a replacement for the C5-R, built by [[Pratt & Miller]], and unveiled for its first competition at the [[2005 12 Hours of Sebring]] endurance race of the [[American Le Mans Series]]. It came in second and third in its class, just behind the new [[Aston Martin DBR9]] racecar. It was put on display a week later at the [[New York International Auto Show]] next to the Z06.


In 2006, the Corvette C6.R won both American Le Mans GT1 Championships: Teams and Manufacturers. On March 17, 2007 it won the GT1 class in the [[2007 12 Hours of Sebring|12 Hours of Sebring]].
[[Zora Arkus-Duntov]] started development of CERV I (Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle) on 1959, which was later unveiled in public at Riverside International Raceway in November 1960, under the name CERV I (Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle).


For Le Mans 2007, four C6.R's were on the entry list, the two Corvette Racing entries joined by single entries from the Luc Alphand Aventures and PSI-Motorsport teams.
==Oldest unit ==
The oldest Corvette in existence is believed to be the EX-122.[http://www.kerbeck.com/kerbeck/kerbeck.nsf/Worlds_Oldest_Corvette]  The EX-122 was a pre-production prototype that was hand built and first shown to the public at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldor Astoria in [[New York City]] on [[January 17]], [[1953]].  That car can now be seen at the [[Atlantic City]] Showroom and Museum of Kerbeck Corvette.


The heart of the C6.R, its LS7.R motor, was crowned as Global Motorsport Engine of the Year by a jury of 50 race engine engineers on the Professional Motorsport World Expo 2006 in Cologne, Germany.
== Production notes ==
 
==Z06-R==
Entered in the [[FIA GT3 European Championship]] series as a GT3 class car, the Z06-R is a modified production Z06. Changes were necessary to make the car endurance race ready. These include a stripped interior, full rollcage for safety, center-locking wheels, carbon fiber doors, rear deck spoiler and front splitter. The engine and drivetrain are stock but the former is mapped for 98 octane race fuel. The result is a 7200&nbsp;rpm redline,{{Fact|date=July 2008}} 200 higher than stock and 10 extra horsepower. The car is not road legal.
 
Eight Z06-R were constructed by Callaway Competition GmbH<ref>[[Callaway Cars#C15 .28FIA Corvette GT3.29]]</ref> in [[Leingarten]], Germany, for the 2006 season. The French team Riverside campaigned a three car team.<ref>[http://www.vetteweb.com/events/vemp_0701_fia_gt3_corvette_racing/index.html 2006 Oscherleben Race]</ref> In an effort to achieve parity among the disparate participants of the GT3 Series, three forms of handicapping were applied by the FIA regulators: additional vehicle weight, ride height, and tire compound selection.  The Corvettes were raced with all three handicaps employed.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} The Z06R won the FIA GT3 European Championship in its second year of entry.<ref>[http://www.corvettemotorsport.com/dubai2.htm Victory in Dubai]</ref> Z06-Rs are also campaigned in national championships.
 
==Production notes==
{|class=wikitable
{|class=wikitable
!Year!!Production!!Base Price!!Notes
!Year!!Production!!Base Price!!Notes
|- align=right
|- align=right
|2005||37,372||$44,245||align=left|New C6 body is first with fixed headlights since 1962; no Z06 model and a late convertible introduction
|1953||300||$3,498||align=left|First year production starts on [[June 30]]; polo white with red interior and black top is only color combination; Options standard until 1955 for the car were interior door handles; "clip in" side curtains were a substitute for roll-up windows
|- align=right
|1954||3,640||$2,774||align=left|Production moves to [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]]; blue, red, and black are added; beige top, longer exhaust pipes
|- align=right
|1955||700||$2,774||align=left|Both [[straight-6]] and 265&nbsp;in³ [[V8]] engines produced; 3-speed manual transmission added late in the model year
|- align=right
|1956||3,467||$2,900||align=left|New body with roll-up windows; V8-only; 3-speed manual transmission becomes standard equipment and Powerglide moved to option list
|- align=right
|- align=right
|2006||34,021||$43,800||align=left|Z06 debuts; 6-speed automatic with paddle shift available on non-Z06 models
|1957||6,339||$3,176||align=left|283&nbsp;in³ V8; Optional 4-speed manual and [[fuel injection]] added
|- align=right
|1958||9,168||$3,591||align=left|Quad-headlight body and new interior. Fake louvres on hood and chrome strips on trunk lid. Number of teeth in grille reduced to 9 (from 13)
|- align=right
|1959||9,670||$3,875||align=left|First black interior and dash storage bin; only year with a turquoise top. Louvres and chrome strips from '58 removed.
|- align=right
|1960||10,261||$3,872||align=left|Very minor changes to the interior: red and blue bars on the dash logo, vertical stitching on seats
|- align=right
|1961||10,939||$3,934||align=left|New rear styling, bumpers, and round tailights. Grille now a fine mesh instead of teeth
|- align=right
|1962||14,531||$4,038||align=left|327&nbsp;in³ V8 engine; last year with a trunk until 1998. Grille blackened, chrome fender trim removed
|- align=right
!Total!!69,015!!!!
|}
 
==Engines==
{| class=wikitable
!Engine
!Year
!Power
|-
|rowspan=2|235&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#235|Blue Flame]]'' [[Straight-6|I6]]||1953–1954||150&nbsp;hp (112&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1955||155&nbsp;hp (116&nbsp;kW)
|-
|rowspan=3|265&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#265|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]||1955||195&nbsp;hp (145&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1956||210&nbsp;hp (157&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1956||240&nbsp;hp (179&nbsp;kW)
|-
|rowspan=4|283&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#283|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]||1957||220&nbsp;hp (164&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1958–1961||230&nbsp;hp (172&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1957–1961||245&nbsp;hp (183&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1957–1961||270&nbsp;hp (201&nbsp;kW)
|-
|rowspan=5|283&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#283|Small-block]]'' [[fuel injection|FI]] [[V8]]||1957–1959||250&nbsp;hp (186&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1960–1961||275&nbsp;hp (205&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1957||283&nbsp;hp (211&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1958–1959||290&nbsp;hp (216&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1960–1961||315&nbsp;hp (235&nbsp;kW)
|-
|-
|- align=right
|rowspan=3|327&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|Small-block]]'' [[V8]]||1962||250&nbsp;hp (186&nbsp;kW)
|2007||40,561||$44,250||align=left|6-speed automatic paddle shift delays are reduced drastically compared to 2006
|-
|1962||300&nbsp;hp (224&nbsp;kW)
|-
|-
|- align=right
|1962||340&nbsp;hp (254&nbsp;kW)
|2008||35,310||$46,950 ||align=left|Mild freshening, LS3 introduced, All leather interior added (LT4, LZ3)
|-
|-
|327&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|Small-block]]'' [[fuel injection|FI]] [[V8]]||1962||360&nbsp;hp (268&nbsp;kW)
|}
|}


==References==
== See also ==
<references />
* [[Chevrolet Corvette]]


==See also==
== Gallery ==
{{Commonscat|Chevrolet Corvette C6}}
<gallery>
* [[Chevrolet Corvette]]
Image:195X Chevrolet Corvette.jpg|Chevrolet Corvette
* [[Nordschleife fastest lap times]]
Image:1957 Chevrolet Corvette EUD883.jpg|1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Image:1958 Chevrolet Corvette NWA995.jpg|1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Image:19XX Chevrolet Corvette 2.jpg|1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Image:1959 Chevrolet Corvette.jpg|1959 Chevrolet Corvette
Image:19XX Chevrolet Corvette.jpg|Chevrolet Corvette
</gallery>


{{Corvette timeline}}
{{Corvette timeline}}
 
[[Category:Chevrolet Corvette|C1]]
[[Category:Chevrolet Corvette|C6]]
[[Category:Sports cars|Chevrolet Corvette C6]]
 
[[nl:Chevrolet Corvette C6]]
[[pt:Chevrolet Corvette C6]]
[[fi:Chevrolet Corvette C6]]

Latest revision as of 16:01, 3 February 2009

Chevrolet Corvette C1
Chevrolet Corvette C1
ManufacturerChevrolet
Parent companyGeneral Motors
Production1953–1962
SuccessorChevrolet Corvette C2
ClassSports car
Body style(s)2-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
ManualsService Manual
Six-cylinder
Production1953–1955
AssemblyFlint, Michigan
St. Louis, Missouri
Engine(s)235 in³ Blue Flame I6
Transmission(s)2-speed Powerglide automatic
Six-cylinder and Eight-cylinder
Production1955
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri
Engine(s)235 in³ Blue Flame I6
265 in³ Small-block V8
Transmission(s)2-speed Powerglide automatic
3-speed manual
Eight-cylinder
1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Production1956–1962
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri
Engine(s)265 in³ Small-block V8
283 in³ Small-block V8
327 in³ Small-transmblock V8
Transmission(s)2-speed Powerglide automatic
3-speed manual
4-speed manual
Fuel-Injection
1961 Chevrolet Corvette with fuel injection
Production1957–1962
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri
Engine(s)283 in³ Small-block FI V8
327 in³ Small-block FI V8
Transmission(s)2-speed Powerglide automatic
3-speed manual
4-speed manual
For an outline of all the Chevrolet Corvette generations see
Main article: Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette C1 is a sports car produced from 1953 through 1962. It is the first generation of Chevrolet Corvettes built and marketed by Chevrolet.

Design

General Motors hired designer Harley Earl in 1927. Earl loved sports cars, and GIs returning after serving in Europe during World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and the like. Even the small independent automaker, Nash Motors, began selling a two-seat sports car in 1951. The Nash-Healey was made in partnership with the Italian designer Pinin Farina and British auto engineer Donald Healey using Nash Ambassador engines and manual transmissions with overdrive. 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 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 handbuilt in Flint, Michigan in Chevrolet's Customer Delivery Center, now an academic building at Kettering University. The outer body was made out of a revolutionary new composite material called fiberglass, selected in part because of limiting steel quotas left over from the Korean War. Underneath that radical new body were standard Chevrolet components, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder truck engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes 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 in³ {4.3 L}) since 1919, and the second was the influence of a Soviet emigre 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".

The first generation is commonly referred to as a solid-axle, based on the fact that independent rear suspension (IRS) was not available until 1963.

Fuel injection

The first generation started in 1953 and ended in 1962, with the noteworthy addition of optional fuel injection in 1957. This new induction system first saw regular use on a gasoline engine two years prior on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette's GM-Rochester fuel injection system used a constant flow style fuel injection system as opposed to the diesel style nozzle metering system of the Mercedes' six cylinders, the system nevertheless produced about 290 hp (220 kW). The number was underrated by Chevrolet's advertising agency for the 283HP/283 in³ (4.6 L) V8 one hp per in³ slogan, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp/in³. In 1962, the GM Small-Block was enlarged to 327 in³ (5.4 L) and produced a maximum of 360 hp (268 kW). Other early options included Power windows (1956), hydraulically operated power convertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (mid 1957), and heavy duty brake and suspension options (1957).

CERV I

Main article: Chevrolet Corvette CERV

Zora Arkus-Duntov started development of CERV I (Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle) on 1959, which was later unveiled in public at Riverside International Raceway in November 1960, under the name CERV I (Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle).

Oldest unit

The oldest Corvette in existence is believed to be the EX-122.[1] The EX-122 was a pre-production prototype that was hand built and first shown to the public at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldor Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. That car can now be seen at the Atlantic City Showroom and Museum of Kerbeck Corvette.

Production notes

Year Production Base Price Notes
1953 300 $3,498 First year production starts on June 30; polo white with red interior and black top is only color combination; Options standard until 1955 for the car were interior door handles; "clip in" side curtains were a substitute for roll-up windows
1954 3,640 $2,774 Production moves to St. Louis; blue, red, and black are added; beige top, longer exhaust pipes
1955 700 $2,774 Both straight-6 and 265 in³ V8 engines produced; 3-speed manual transmission added late in the model year
1956 3,467 $2,900 New body with roll-up windows; V8-only; 3-speed manual transmission becomes standard equipment and Powerglide moved to option list
1957 6,339 $3,176 283 in³ V8; Optional 4-speed manual and fuel injection added
1958 9,168 $3,591 Quad-headlight body and new interior. Fake louvres on hood and chrome strips on trunk lid. Number of teeth in grille reduced to 9 (from 13)
1959 9,670 $3,875 First black interior and dash storage bin; only year with a turquoise top. Louvres and chrome strips from '58 removed.
1960 10,261 $3,872 Very minor changes to the interior: red and blue bars on the dash logo, vertical stitching on seats
1961 10,939 $3,934 New rear styling, bumpers, and round tailights. Grille now a fine mesh instead of teeth
1962 14,531 $4,038 327 in³ V8 engine; last year with a trunk until 1998. Grille blackened, chrome fender trim removed
Total 69,015

Engines

Engine Year Power
235 in³ Blue Flame I6 1953–1954 150 hp (112 kW)
1955 155 hp (116 kW)
265 in³ Small-block V8 1955 195 hp (145 kW)
1956 210 hp (157 kW)
1956 240 hp (179 kW)
283 in³ Small-block V8 1957 220 hp (164 kW)
1958–1961 230 hp (172 kW)
1957–1961 245 hp (183 kW)
1957–1961 270 hp (201 kW)
283 in³ Small-block FI V8 1957–1959 250 hp (186 kW)
1960–1961 275 hp (205 kW)
1957 283 hp (211 kW)
1958–1959 290 hp (216 kW)
1960–1961 315 hp (235 kW)
327 in³ Small-block V8 1962 250 hp (186 kW)
1962 300 hp (224 kW)
1962 340 hp (254 kW)
327 in³ Small-block FI V8 1962 360 hp (268 kW)

See also

Gallery

  • Chevrolet Corvette

  • 1957 Chevrolet Corvette

  • 1958 Chevrolet Corvette

  • 1958 Chevrolet Corvette

  • 1959 Chevrolet Corvette

  • Chevrolet Corvette

v • d • e
Chevrolet Corvette timeline, 1953–present
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Coupe C2 C3 C5
Hatchback Collector Edition C4 C5 C6
Convertible C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6
Performance Fuel Injection L84 Big Block Big Block ZR-1 LT4 Z06 Z06
ZR1
Motorsports: Grand Sport • GTP • C5-R • C6.R
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