Difference between revisions of "National Corvette Homecoming"

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{{Infobox Automobile
{{Multipleissues|primarysources=November 2008|tone=November 2008}}
|name          = Chevrolet Corvette C5
|image          = [[Image:2003corvette50th-2.jpg|250px|C5 2003 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Corvette Convertible]]
|manufacturer  = [[Chevrolet]]
|parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|production    = 1997–2004
|predecessor    = [[Chevrolet Corvette C4]]
|successor      = [[Chevrolet Corvette C6]]
|class          = [[Sports car]]
|assembly      = [[Bowling Green, Kentucky]]
|layout        = [[FR layout]]
|platform      = [[GM Y platform|Y-body]]
|wheelbase      = {{Auto in|104.5|0}}
|length        = {{Auto in|179.7|0}}
|width          = {{Auto in|73.6|0}}
|height        = {{Auto in|47.7|0}}<br>Convertible: {{Auto in|47.8|0}}
|similar        = [[Dodge Viper]]<br>[[Porsche 996]]<br>[[TVR Chimaera]]<br>[[TVR Cerbera]]<br>[[Acura NSX]]
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name          = Base model
|image          = [[Image:CorvetteC5Coupéyellow.jpg|250px]]
|production    = 1997–2004
|engine        = 5.7&nbsp;L [[GM LS engine#LS1|LS1]] [[V8]]
|transmission  = 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
|body_style    = 2-door [[hatchback]] [[coupé]] (1997-2004)<br>2-door [[convertible]]<br>(1998-2004)<br>2-door [[hardtop]] [[coupé]] (1999-2000)
}}


:{{main|Chevrolet Corvette}}
The '''National Corvette Homecoming''' is an annual event held in [[Bowling Green, Kentucky]] celebrating America's only production sports car,{{Fact|date=November 2008}} the [[Chevrolet Corvette]].  First held in 1981,<ref name="dailynews-harvey">{{cite web |url=http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2008/07/17/features/feat1.txt |title=National Corvette Homecoming: Enthusiasts from across the country hopping in, starting up and heading back to the birthplace of America’s sports car |last=Harvey |first=Alyssa |publisher=[[The Daily News (Kentucky)|Bowling Green Daily News]] |date=2008-07-17 |accessdate=2008-11-26 }}</ref> it was created by two Corvette enthusiasts, Tom Hill and Sam Hall, in response to the assembly of Corvettes moving from St. Louis, MO to the [[Bowling Green Assembly Plant]], which is currently the sole assembler of the car.  The event takes place for three days in July,<ref name="dailynews-harvey" /> and offers Corvette owners and specialty vendors opportunities to [[Social network|network]].  All Corvette production years and custom variations are welcome.
The '''Chevrolet Corvette C5''' is a [[sports car]] which went on sale in 1997 and ended with the 2004 model year. It is the fifth generation of [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvette]]s built and marketed by [[Chevrolet]] and was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Corvette C6|C6]] model.


== Summary ==
The event features competitions in numerous judged shows, along with informative seminars to expand on Corvette knowledge.<ref name="dailynews-harvey" /> The event features a unique opportunity to find parts and products that will enhance Corvette ownership. There is a Corvette parade, car corral, cruise-in, live music and an exclusive show called ''Sans Pareil'' (without equal) that is the pinnacle of achievement{{Fact|date=November 2008}} on the Corvette show circuit.
The C5 was a major change from the previous generation. Designed from the outset as a sturdy [[convertible]] (as opposed to a [[coupé]] that was subsequently weakened by the removal of the roof structure in order to accommodate demand for a convertible model), the car now had a [[Hydroforming|hydroformed]] box frame.  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 [[GM LS1 engine|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 {{Convert|345|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but that was increased slightly in 2001 to {{Convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.  The [[GM 4L60-E transmission|4L60-E]] [[automatic transmission]] carried on from previous models, but the [[Manual transmission|manual]] was replaced by a [[Borg-Warner T-56 transmission|Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed]]. Gone were the squeaks and rattles of the [[Chevrolet Corvette C4|C4]],<ref name="The Immortal Corvette: 1997-2003">The Immortal Corvette: 1997-2003[http://www.automedia.com/The_Immortal_Corvette_19972003/res20031201c5/1/]</ref> replaced by a stronger frame that would last for at least two more generations.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} By all measures, the new C5 was better in every aspect than the C4 it replaced.


The styling of the C5 was also a departure from the trend set by the previous-generation Corvette.  Whereas the styling of the C4 had largely been a simplification of the [[Chevrolet Corvette C3|C3]] [[hatchback]] design, straightening out the complex curves of the car to give it sleeker lines, the C5 reversed that somewhat.  The vehicle now had a more rounded and graceful appearance that helped to recapture some of the aggressive looks of the C3 without compromising [[Automotive aerodynamics|aerodynamics]].
The Homecoming also welcomes other classic vehicles including muscle cars and antiques.<ref name="dailynews-harvey" /> NCH has partnered with [[American Red Cross]] promoting ''Vettetastic 2008'', a public art project and fundraiser. In 2008, NCH announced its first Grand Marshal, [[Bloomington Gold]] CEO [[David Burroughs]].


In the inaugural model year (1997), only the hatchback coupé was offered, with the convertible — the first to offer a trunk since 1962 — following in 1998.  1998 also saw the C5 convertible [[Pace (speed)|pacing]] the [[Indianapolis 500]], and a replica [[pace car#Indianapolis_500|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" 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 hatchback coupé) with a roofline shape and trunk space similar to that of the convertible.  The hardtop became the top-performance [[Chevrolet Corvette C5#Z06|Z06]] in 2001, but for two model years was offered as a variant of the base-model Corvette.
The [[National Corvette Museum]] is located a few miles from the event.


Aside from cosmetic differences (new wheel styles, paint colors, pace car/commemorative editions in 1998, 2003, and 2004, etc.), horsepower boosts, 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#Automotive_applications|head-up display]] or HUD, while another innovation was the [[Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06#Active Handling|Active Handling System]] (first available as an option in 1998, then standard on all models in 2001).
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}


In contrast to the (largely deserved) reputation of high-performance vehicles for poor [[Fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]], the 2004 C5 achieves comparatively high [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] ratings of 18/25 [[Fuel economy in automobiles|mpg]] (city/highway) with the automatic transmission<ref>http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySidePopUp.jsp?column=1&id=19344</ref> and 19/28 with the manual transmission,<ref>http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySidePopUp.jsp?column=1&id=19345</ref><ref name="note-epa2008">Both manual and automatic figures are the original ratings given on stickers at the time, before the EPA's rating changes in 2008.  See [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ratings2008.shtml "2008 Fuel Economy Tests" at fueleconomy.gov] for details.</ref> allowing it to avoid the "[[Energy Tax Act#Gas_guzzler_tax|gas guzzler]]" tax that is levied against most other vehicles in the Corvette's class.  A number of factors are responsible for this: the relatively light weight of the C5 (a [[curb weight]] under {{convert|3300|lb|abbr=on}}; Chevrolet went so far as to omit the spare tire as a weight-saving measure, relying upon [[run-flat tire]]s instead); the C5's low [[Automobile drag coefficients|drag coefficient]]; and the vehicle's tendency to upshift into the higher gears as soon as possible.  The manual transmission's Computer-Aided Gear Shifting results in an obligatory shift from 1<sup>st</sup> gear directly into 4<sup>th</sup> gear under certain driving conditions; the system can be inhibited through the use of an aftermarket device.
==External links==
* [http://corvettehomecoming.com/ National Corvette Homecoming]
* [http://vettetastic.org/ Vettetastic 2008]


Suspension choices for the base model C5 were limited to the standard suspension ([[Regular Production Option|RPO]] FE1), with options for either the [[autocross]]-inspired FE3 Sport Suspension (included with the Z51 Performance & Handling Package and standard on the 1999-2000 FRC); or the F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension, which permitted "on-the-fly" driver selection of different ride characteristics (sport or touring).  Late in the production run (starting with the 2003 model year), the F55 [[Magneto rheological damper|Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension]] replaced the F45 as the third suspension choice.  The racing-inspired FE4 suspension used for the Z06 is stiffer again than any offered on the base model C5, and is unique to that model with no optional suspensions offered.
[[Category:Bowling Green, Kentucky]]
 
[[Category:Chevrolet Corvette]]
Although sometimes criticized for its arguably liberal use of light-weight materials (e.g., plastics, [[balsa wood]], etc. in areas such as interior trim components), [[overhead valve]] engine, and reliance upon [[Corvette leaf springs|leaf springs]] in its suspension, all of which were often (and perhaps unfairly) interpreted as "cheap-and-easy" substitutes for higher-quality materials or more sophisticated designs, the C5 quickly became regarded as the best performance vehicle available for the price.  In some cases, the C5 provided performance equal to, or better than, vehicles approaching 2-3 times its sticker price, which buyers of the C5 viewed as an acceptable trade-off for these "lower-cost" compromises.
[[Category:Festivals in Kentucky]]
 
==Z06==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Z06
|image          = [[Image:Z06-Blk-7.jpg|250px|A Corvette Z06. Note the distinctive black brake duct in front of the rear wheel, and the fixed-roof coupé body style.]]
|production    = 2001–2004
|predecessor    = [[Chevrolet Corvette C4#ZR-1|C4 ZR-1]]
|successor      = [[Chevrolet Corvette C6#Z06|C6 Z06]]
|engine        = 5.7&nbsp;L ''[[GM LS engine#LS6|LS6]]'' [[V8]]
|body_style    = 2-door [[hardtop]] [[coupé]]
|transmission  = 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
}}
:{{main|Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06}}
A successor to the [[Chevrolet Corvette C4#ZR-1|ZR-1]] made its debut in 2001 as the '''Z06''', giving a nod to the high-performance Z06 version of the [[Chevrolet Corvette C2|C2 Corvette]] of the 1960s. Instead of a heavy, double-[[Overhead camshaft|overhead cam]] engine like the ZR-1, the Z06 used a high-output, tuned version of the standard LS1 Corvette engine (designated [[GM LS6 engine|LS6]]), which initially produced 385&nbsp;hp (287&nbsp;[[Watt#Kilowatt|kW]]). Although its total horsepower output was less than that of the last ZR-1, the Z06 was much lighter, and could out-perform the ZR-1 in every category except top speed.  It also cost substantially less money than the ZR-1.
 
Chevrolet engineered several modifications for the Z06 to best use the increased power.  Starting with the most structurally rigid body style, the hardtop or FRC, new components included: uprated FE4 suspension, larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year, the LS6 engine output was increased to 405&nbsp;hp (302&nbsp;kW) due to a larger cfm air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised engine block.
 
The 2004 Z16 Commemorative Edition was equipped with a carbon fiber hood, saving an additional 10 pounds of weight.  Other unique characteristics of the Z16 (Commemorative Edition Z06) are the polished aluminum wheels, special paint color and striping, and commemorative-edition badging and wheel center caps.  The Z16 also received shock damping tuning for improved handling.  The Z16 option accounted for the majority of Z06 Corvettes in 2004, totaling 2025 units, with 325 units shipped overseas.
 
Factory performance figures for the {{Convert|405|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} version of the Z06 give an acceleration time from 0-60&nbsp;mph as 3.9 seconds. Owner-drivers have reportedly achieved impressive quarter-mile times of 11.7<ref name="GM High Tech Performance">Supercar Killer Chevy's '04 Z06 does 11s bone stock--and so much more[http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/features/0410htp_2004_z06_corvette_feature/]</ref> seconds. The Z06 is capable of matching or besting the 0-60 acceleration times of some of the world's premier sports cars, including the [[BMW Z8]], [[Ferrari 360]], and [[Porsche 911#996_Turbo_.282000.E2.80.932004.29|Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 996)]].
 
==Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica==
[[Image:Corvette Indy.jpg||left|thumb|150px|1998 Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica<BR>(NOTE:  rear [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] on this example is not factory equipment)]]
In 1998, the newly-introduced convertible version of the C5 was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500 race, and a '''Pace Car Replica''' (RPO Z4Z) was offered to the public.  Aside from lacking the equipment necessary for actual pace car duties ([[Emergency vehicle lighting|light bar]], special racing harnesses, etc.), there was little difference between the Pace Car Replica C5 and the vehicle that actually saw duty during the race<ref>"http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/history/press/1997/11061997_3.html"</ref>.  The Pace Car Replica package consisted of a special paint color ("Radar Blue"), unique interior colors (black and yellow), painted yellow wheels, and special pace car decals.  The Pace Car Replica package also included other optional equipment:  the newly-introduced Active Handling System (RPO JL4); an electronically-tuned AM/FM radio with CD player and a Bose speaker system; an electronic dual-zone heating & air conditioning system; and leather adjustable sport bucket seats.
 
While regarded by many (including Corvette fans) as the most garish Corvette appearance package offered to date, the 1998 Pace Car Replicas nevertheless enjoy a strong and loyal following of owners and collectors.
<br clear="all"/>
 
==50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition==
[[Image:2004 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary.jpg|left|thumb|150px|2003 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition (coupé)]]
A '''50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition''' (RPO Z25) was offered during the 2003 model year to commemorate a half-century of Corvette production.  Available as either a hatchback coupé or convertible (no Z06 version offered), the 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition came with a special shade of red paint ("Anniversary Red Metallic") and shale two-tone leather interior; Anniversary Edition convertibles were adorned with a shale-colored soft top as well. A new option for Corvette in 2003, the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension was standard on the 1SC-equipped Anniversary Edition vehicles. Special champagne-colored painted aluminum wheels, embroidered upholstery trim, and badges completed the Anniversary Edition package. Also included were all of the convenience options offered on the upscale Corvette models.
 
A slightly modified 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition Corvette was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500 race in May 2002; then the production vehicle became a centerpiece of the subsequent 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Chevrolet. Festivities included gatherings in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], Bowling Green, and [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]]. Thousands of Corvettes and their owners arrived from all over the country to participate in the events marking the vehicle's 50<sup>th</sup> year of production.<ref name="anniversary-registry">
{{cite web
| title = 50th Anniversary Corvette Registry
| publisher = General Motors Corporation
| url = http://www.50thregistry.com/
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref>
<br clear="all"/>
 
==24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition==
During the 2004 model year, a '''24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition''' package (RPO's Z15 & Z16) was offered as an option for all three C5 models (hatchback coupé, convertible, Z06) in celebration of the C5-R "1-2" in-class finishes at [[2002 24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]].  The package consisted of a special paint color ("Le Mans Blue Metallic"); shale two-tone leather interior (coupés and convertibles only); and wide, silver-and-red stripes optionally applied down the center of the car (Z06 only). Commemorative Edition convertibles received a shale-colored soft top, and the Z06 version (dubbed the "Z16" after its RPO for the Le Mans Commemorative Edition) received a carbon fiber hood as a further weight-reduction measure.  Special commemorative badging, headrest embroidery, and brightly-polished wheel rims (a first on the Z06) with unique centercaps completed the package.
 
==C5-R==
{{Main|Chevrolet Corvette C5-R}}
The C5-R was a racecar built by [[Pratt & Miller]] for GM Racing. It was based on the C5 road car but had a longer wheelbase, wider track, an enlarged 7.0&nbsp;L [[V8]] and different bodywork with exposed headlamps. It is raced in the [[American Le Mans Series]] in the GTS Class and has been to four [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] races.
* '''2001''' The car's remarkable 2001 racing season produced eight victories in ten races, including an overall win in the [[24 Hours of Daytona]] and a one-two finish in the GTS class at Le Mans.
* '''2002''' In 2002 the C5-R repeated its one-two victory at Le Mans and also dominated the GTS class in the American Le Mans Series. A new transaxle unit replaced the previous year's separate transmission and differential. Corvette faced stiff competition from the new [[Prodrive]] [[Ferrari 550]], which led for a good number of laps but had problems late, leaving the victory to Corvette.
* '''2003''' In 2003, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest placed additional restrictions on all 24 Hours of Le Mans competitors, reducing power by 10% in an attempt to slow the cars. At the 2003 season-opening [[12 Hours of Sebring]] race, the C5-Rs remained in winning form, with one of them finishing first in class and eighth overall. Also in 2003 the yellow paint was dropped in favor of a special red, white, and blue color scheme to commemorate the Corvette's 50th anniversary. However, at Le Mans the Prodrive Ferraris spoiled the anniversary and hopes for a three-in-a-row victory in the GTS class.
* '''2004''' Corvette C5-R came back in 2004 and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in their class. The Prodrive Ferrari led most of the race, but with under 12 hours to go both the Prodrive cars had problems causing them to pit and lose laps.  The Corvettes went on to finish 1-2, with the #64 car finishing 16 laps ahead of the lead Ferrari.
* '''2005''' Although in the process of becoming superseded by the C6-R, the Corvette C5-R was not finished with its racing successes. In [[FIA GT]], the new Corvette Europe team won races at Imola and Zhuhai. The Euro team also managed a number of podium finishes. In the ALMS, the Pacific Coast Racing team achieved some podiums behind the factory C6-R.
* '''2006''' The C5-R returned to Le Mans (France) for the first time as a non-factory entry, run by Le Mans regular Luc Alphand. It finished third in the GT1 class behind the C6-R and Prodrive [[Aston Martin]].
* '''2007''' Alphand's squad will again run the C5-R at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, in pairing with a C6-R acquired from Corvette Racing.
 
==Production Notes==
{|class=wikitable
!Year!!Production!!Base Price!!Notes
|- align=right
|1997||9,752||$37,495||align=left|[[GM LS engine#LS1|LS1]] engine is new; the [[hatchback]] [[coupé]] is the only body style offered
|- align=right
|1998||31,084||$38,995||align=left|Convertible C5 debuts with the first trunk in a Corvette convertible since 1962;<BR>[[pace car#Indianapolis_500|Indianapolis 500 Pace Car]] Replica offered; [[Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06#Active Handling|Active Handling System]] introduced as optional equipment
|- align=right
|1999||33,270||$39,777||align=left|Less-expensive [[hardtop]] coupé is offered as a base-model body style
|- align=right
|2000||33,682||$40,900||align=left|Newly-styled alloy wheels debut
|- align=right
|2001||35,627||$41,475||align=left|Hardtop coupé body style becomes top-performance Z06, utilizing the new [[GM LS6 engine|LS6]] engine and suspension improvements;<BR>[[Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06#Active Handling|Second-Generation Active Handling System]] becomes standard equipment on all models; slight (5&nbsp;hp) increase in base model engine power
|- align=right
|2002||35,767||$42,450||align=left|20&nbsp;hp (14.9&nbsp;kW) increase for the Z06
|- align=right
|2003||35,469||$45,895||align=left|50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition package offered for base models;<BR>F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension supersedes F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension as base-model option
|- align=right
|2004||34,064||$46,535||align=left|24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition package offered for all models
|-
!Total!!248,715!!!!
|}
 
==See also==
{{commonscat|Chevrolet Corvette C5}}
* [[Chevrolet Corvette]]
 
==Notes and References==
{{reflist}}
 
{{Corvette timeline}}
 
[[Category:Chevrolet Corvette|C5]]
 
[[fi:Chevrolet Corvette C5]]

Revision as of 16:01, 3 February 2009

The National Corvette Homecoming is an annual event held in Bowling Green, Kentucky celebrating America's only production sports car,[citation needed] the Chevrolet Corvette. First held in 1981,[1] it was created by two Corvette enthusiasts, Tom Hill and Sam Hall, in response to the assembly of Corvettes moving from St. Louis, MO to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, which is currently the sole assembler of the car. The event takes place for three days in July,[1] and offers Corvette owners and specialty vendors opportunities to network. All Corvette production years and custom variations are welcome.

The event features competitions in numerous judged shows, along with informative seminars to expand on Corvette knowledge.[1] The event features a unique opportunity to find parts and products that will enhance Corvette ownership. There is a Corvette parade, car corral, cruise-in, live music and an exclusive show called Sans Pareil (without equal) that is the pinnacle of achievement[citation needed] on the Corvette show circuit.

The Homecoming also welcomes other classic vehicles including muscle cars and antiques.[1] NCH has partnered with American Red Cross promoting Vettetastic 2008, a public art project and fundraiser. In 2008, NCH announced its first Grand Marshal, Bloomington Gold CEO David Burroughs.

The National Corvette Museum is located a few miles from the event.

References

External links