News: A redesign was planned for Corvette's golden jubilee, but has now been delayed to summer of '04 as an early 2005. Though Chevy is jealously guarding details, several industry sources say the new C6 won't differ radically from the current C5 design. Expect a hatchback, hardtop and convertible to reprise--though perhaps not all at once--with evolutionary and slimmed-down styling to answer charges that the C5 looks fat, especially from behind. You can also count on another fiberglass body and a steel "backbone" chassis with aluminum subframes. Suspension will remain broadly similar too, but with the new Magnetic Ride Control shock-absorber system, premiered with the 50th Anniversary '03, at least an option. An aluminum-block V8 also continues, but there's talk of bumping displacement from 5.7 liters to maybe 6.3, enough for a rumored 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions remain rear-mounted, but a 5-speed automatic should replace today's 4-speed unit. The C6 may end up a bit lighter than a comparable C5, as Chevy is known to be weight-watching for max performance. No word yet on a new Z06.
However, rumors persist of a "Super 'Vette" with unique styling, possible V12 power, lightweight construction, and a $100,000 price. Several GM execs want a challenger to big V12 Ferraris and the upcoming Mercedes SLR and Porsche Carrera GT, all high-performance limited editions with prices to match. This car is still alive as far as we know, but has apparently not gotten the green light. Assuming it does, don't expect it before 2007 at the earliest. Name? We wouldn't be surprised if it's Corvette Grand Sport.
C5s, meantime, still find plenty of takers, with calendar-2001 sales rising 7.8 percent from the previous 12-month total. Though the pace slowed by 2.6 percent--a mere 415 units--in the first half of 2002, that likely reflects recent economic jitters and an uncertain political climate.
