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Return to high performance, C5.
While the fifth generation of the Corvette is the first change in style to
still greatly resemble the prior generation, the performance numbers stand
it apart from the C4. Thanks to the new LS-1 engine, it provided 345
horsepower, making it the fastest base model Corvette in the history of the
line. Its body lines had been smoothed and rounded to optimize
aerodynamics. It sat lower to the ground to help bolster high speed
downforce, and even though it offered no convertible and no optional
drivetrain in 1997, this new Corvette was so far ahead of previous models,
optional engines were not needed. 1998 brought about few changes to the
engine or overall appearance, but it did have the release of the C5
convertible, which had been demanded by the public since the release of the
new body style. Again in 1999, no engine changes, and no great physical
changes were offered, but like 1998, a new roof setup. 1999 offered the
world the first ever plain, fixed roof on a Corvette. While the removable
hard top and ragtops were still offered, the hardtop coupe gave the buyers
an interesting new option.
2000
The year 2000 had all of he offerings of the previous year, with some available suspension packages, but again, not big
changes over the past year. However, unlike the past few years which were
devoid of change or performance increases, 2001 brought about a biggy. The
new highline Corvette, the Z06 came equipped with the all new LS6 which
built 385 horsepower and the same amount of torque and came equipped with a
new six speed manual transmission, unique to the Z06. Even the base model
got a step up in performance with a standard 350 ponies packed into every
Vette sold in 2001, and for an added cost, the Z06 transmission could be
ordered with the base model Corvette. This 2001 Z06 received "Automobile of
the Year" honors from Automobile Magazine, as well as accolades from other
publications such as Motor Trend and Car & Driver. Aside from slight option
changes such as interior and exterior colors, and audio packages, the 2002,
2003, and 2004 model years offered no change with the same performance
numbers as the 2001 model year issue, for both the Z06 and base line.
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