2005 Chevrolet Corvette

2005 is turning out to be a significant year for American icons, with both Ford Mustang (last week’s review) and Chevy’s Corvette getting major makeovers. Like the Mustang, the Corvette is already assembling an impressive list of honors. It, too, landed on CarAnd Driver’s 10 Best list as “Best Performance Car” and among BEST magazine’s best luxury car list (which I had a little something to with). All the buzz is about Corvette’s refinements both in civilities and performance and what an extraordinary value it continues to represent in its class.

The good news
Although this sixth generation Corvette relies more on prior engineering than the Mustang GT does in its new incarnation, there are some similarities in approach. In both, there are nostalgic touches.

The ’05 ‘Vette’s dimensions, which have spent years expanding, now reverse towards it origins. It loses five inches in length and about one inch in width from its predecessor. The headlamps, concealed since 1963, appear again in the form of fixed Xenon High-Intensity Discharge, giving the car a full face. Pronounced fenders hover over larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear).

Best of all, it’s an exotic without unwieldy proportions. Doors manage more easily. The front end doesn’t reach well beyond sight lines. It feels more like an extension of the driver, less like too much car.

Refinements continue inside where hints of the Corvette’s past surface again in the dual-cockpit design, but the rest reeks of current technology. Doors unlatch with the touch of a button. Windows lower slightly when doors open then raise into the roof to seal out road noise. Ignition is keyless. OnStar, DVD navigation, CD/MP3 Bose audio, it’s all here. The coupe’s removable roof affords 15 percent more blue sky with same structural stiffness as C5 Corvettes while weighing just one pound more. One thing doesn’t change: Cargo remains big enough for two golf bags and then some.

Much about the new Corvette addresses comfort and every day compatibility, but make no mistake: The power remains gratifyingly raw. The new 6.0L V-8 engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (298 kw and 542 Nm), a revised suspension and more powerful brakes. It is mated to either a Tremec six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 4L65-E automatic transmission, an upgraded version of the C5’s 4L60-E strengthened to accommodate the LS2’s torque. The manual features improved shifting characteristics including new synchronizers that reduce travel by 10 percent, and a redesigned shifter lever.

With base curb weight starting at 3,179 pounds for the Coupe and 3,199 pounds for the Convertible, this new Corvette is significantly lighter than its predecessor. That helps at the racetrack where it will reach 186 mph, faster than any production Corvette in history. Chances are most people will never have first-hand experience with that statistic, but 0 to 62 in 4.2 seconds attests to the kind of acceleration you can expect on a daily basis. The ’05 Corvette covers the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph. That’s astounding at this price.

Yet ride quality isn’t brutal thanks to revised suspension, good structure and a stretched wheelbase. That structure holds over from the C5, which is no disgrace. It was – and is --one stiff chassis. The rigidity elevates handling to complement the ‘Vette’s power. Antilock braking, traction control, Active Handling System all strive to keep you out of trouble. Good luck.

In all, this new ‘Vette feels much more manageable to the driver, much less punishing to passengers. Figure in less wieldy dimensions and the ’05 becomes even more a sports car you can drive every day.

The bad news
I’m liable to be flogged for this, but I am not totally enamored with this shorter Corvette’s profile and fixed headlamps. I love the new dimensions as a driver and the fact it looks more like a feisty sports car, less like an exaggeration. But the abbreviated line and snake-eyes lamps lose a touch of elegance the longer, streamlined ‘Vettes exuded. Perhaps I will feel differently about the convertible.

Is it worth it?
"The sixth generation represents a comprehensive upgrade to the Corvette," says Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer and GM Performance Cars vehicle line executive. "Our goal was to create a Corvette that does more things well than any other performance car." Under “more things well,” add “save you money.” The ’05 Corvette Coupe has a base price of $43,445. The Convertible starts at $51,500. Nothing else comes close to this level of performance and presence for this amount of money. Nothing.

In Chevrolet’s words, the 2005 Corvette delivers “more power, passion and precision” than ever before. In my words, it’s an instant classic.

Particulars as tested
Front-engine, 2-passenger, 2-door sports car
Price
Base: $43,445;
As tested: $53,490.
Engine
Type: 6.0L SFI 16V V8
Power: 400 hp @ 6000 rpm;
400 lb-ft torque @ 4400 rpm
Drivertrain
Transmission: Hydramatic 4-speed auto
Rear-wheel-drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 106 in.
Overall length: 175 in.
Curb weight: 3179 lbs.
Gas mileage:
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/26 hwy

Website: www.chevrolet.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.