Supercars - Chevrolet Corvette C5

Chevrolet Corvette C5



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While the Corvette has always offered an excellent price-to-performance ratio, polish and sophistication could never truly be counted among its strengths. As detailed in the book All Corvettes Are Red, newly appointed chief engineer Dave Hill meant to address that lack for the fifth generation, internally dubbed C5. The new ‘Vette certainly lacks neither power (345 hp) nor handling prowess (.90 lateral g, per Car and Driver), but it achieves its’ remarkable performance without the stiff ride, darty steering, or creaks and rattles of previous models. Much of C5’s composure can be attributed to the rigidity of its new backbone frame. This design concentrates strength in the center tunnel, so the large side rails (and the high stepover they required) of the previous generation are gone. Though the Corvette retains its fiberglass body-on-frame construction, it now boasts structural rigidity on par with steel unit body vehicles such as the Mercedes SL500. While the Corvette is no longer quite the bargain it once was (at about $40,000 U.S.), it is at last fully competitive with the likes of Porsche’s Boxster and Mercedes’ SLK.

Written by Todd Kewley for Supercars - Past and Present
Copyright 1997

Specifications
Figures may not be accurate
Production Start1997 ManufacturerChevrolet
Powertrain LayoutFront Engine / RWD Wheelbase2654 mm / 104 in
Length4572 mm / 180 in Width1869 mm / 74 in
Height12123 mm / 48 in Front Track1575 mm / 62 in
Rear Track1577 mm / 62 in Engine Type16-valve V8 OHV
Displacment5680 cc Transmission6-Speed Manual
BrakesVentilated Discs ABS Weight1463 kgs / 3218 lbs
Performance
Top Speed275.2 kph / 172 mph 0-60 (mph)4.8 sec
Horsepower345 BHP @ 5600 rpm Torque475 Nm/350 ft lb @ 4400 rpm


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