2005 Chevrolet Corvette Review Summary & Specs
Base Coupe
Redesigned, America's sports car is better than ever.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
If you've always wanted a Corvette, this is the one to get. Extensively redesigned, the C6 is the best Corvette ever. It's easier to live with, easier to drive and more fun than past models. Of course, it should be. More to the point, it offers an excellent performance value when measured against other sports cars, and generates many grins per mile.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Detroit.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sports Cars |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup |
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe ($43,445); Convertible ($51,445) |
| Engines (standard) |
6.0-liter ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
6.0-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic; 6-speed manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual-stage front airbags; passenger-side airbag shut-off switch, child-seat lower anchor system; ABS, all-speed traction control w/active handling and vehicle stability enhancement (electronic stability control) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
side-impact airbags; OnStar |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-950-2438 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.chevrolet.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$43,445 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe ($43,445) |
| Standard Equipment |
automatic dual zone climate control w/outside temperature display, air filtration w/pollen filter; AM/FM/CD/MP3 w/digital clock, auto-tone control, auto-volume, 7-speakers; defogger, electric rear window; instrument panel, electronic analog w/driver information center & 2-line display; interior courtesy, cargo console & glove box lights; manual day/night interior rearview mirror w/dual reading lights; floor mats, carpeted; cupholders (2); storage, rear covered compartments (2), center console & lockable glove box; cruise control; power programmable door locks w/lockout protection; power windows w/dual express-down; 12-volt auxiliary outlet; dual 6-way power adjustable bucket seats w/leather surfaces & back angle adjustment; leather-wrapped steering wheel w/manual tilt column; theft deterrent system w/push button start, immobilizer & alarm; fog lamps; bi-functional xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps w/auto control; hidden antenna; push-button hatch release w/power pull-down; body-color one-piece removable roof panel; daytime running lights; intermittent wipers |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Z51 Performance Package ($1,495) includes larger cross-drilled brake rotors, performance-tuned suspension w/tires, stabilizer bars, springs, shocks, gear ratios; Preferred Equipment Group 1SB ($4,360) includes dual side-impact airbags, rear area cargo convenience net, luggage shade, dual front sport buckets w/perforated leather seating surfaces, back angle/lumbar adjustment & side bolsters, head-up display, Homelink transmitter w/garage door opener & 3-channel programming, interior rearview mirror w/compass, driver-side auto-dimming exterior rearview mirror, dual front heated seats, AM/FM stereo w/6-disc in-dash CD, MP3 playback, Radio Data System (RDS), seek-scan, digital clock, auto-tone control, auto volume, TheftLock & 7-speaker Bose premium sound system, power telescopic steering column w/manual tilt & Memory Package w/2-driver presets for seat, exterior mirrors, climate control, radio & steering column; DVD navigation with Bose 7-speaker AM/FM/CD system ($1,400); polished aluminum wheels ($1,295); special paint ($750); OnStar ($695) |
| Destination Charge |
800 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$54,240 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
400 @ 6000 |
| Torque |
400 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/25 |
| Wheelbase |
105.7 |
| Length/Width/Height |
174.6/72.6/49.1 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
39 |
| Seating Capacity |
2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.9/53.7/43 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Trunk Volume |
22.4 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent, short/long arm double-wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, traverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, short/long arm double-wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, traverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3179 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/40ZR18 front, P285/35ZR19 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 SC run-flat |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.0 |