2002 Chevrolet Corvette

CHEVROLET BUILDS THE QUICKEST Z06 CORVETTE EVER AT 405 HP, AND REFINES COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE

For nearly 50 years, the Corvette has had a special place in America's garage. Crafted from a precise blend of power, performance, style and comfort, Corvette's success has been based on a willingness to embrace advancing technology while remaining true to its heritage. Today's Corvette exemplifies this philosophy like no other.

More power

Last year's introduction of the Z06 Corvette, based on the former hardtop model and the legendary 1960s Z06 option package, is aimed at true performance enthusiasts at the upper end of the high-performance market. And now, an extra boost of 20 hp, to 405, makes Z06 the quickest production Corvette ever.

This upgrade to the LS6 engine's output is the result of new hollow stem valves, a higher-lift camshaft, a low restriction mass air flow (MAF) sensor and a new low restriction air cleaner design. Eliminating the PÚP converter from the exhaust system enables better flow of spent gasses and reduces vehicle weight, without compromising Corvette's NLEV (National Low Emission Vehicle) status.

Suspension upgrades

The Z06-specific FE4 High-Performance suspension system features a larger front stabilizer bar, a stiffer rear leaf spring and specific camber settings – all calibrated for maximum control during high-speed operation. The 2002 Z06 also has new rear shock valving for a more controlled ride.

Although retaining the same design and color finish, the unique aluminum Z06 wheels are now produced using a cast rather than a forged process. The magnesium wheel option for Coupes and Convertibles is no longer available.

Maximum agility

The foundation of Corvette's agile handling is hydroformed frame rails. Its four-wheel independent front suspension features cast aluminum upper and lower A-arms. The Z06 and models equipped with the available Z51 package now have aluminum front stabilizer bar links for lighter weight. The rear suspension has a transverse leaf spring system.

All Corvettes have the second-generation Active Handling system as standard equipment. The system features dynamic rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel lockup, and rear brake stability control to assist the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high acceleration conditions. It also has integral traction control calibrated to allow drivers to experience the Corvette's power and handling while controlling excessive wheelspin. The system's on/off switch and 'Competitive Mode' enables drivers to disengage the traction control feature without giving up Active Handling's other benefits. For more information on Active Handling, see the 'Applied Technology' section of the Corporate press kit.

Additional refinements

Now standard on Z06, the Corvette's Head-Úp Display (HÚD) projects vehicle speed and many other gauges digitally on the windshield ahead of the steering wheel, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road. HÚD remains an option on Coupes and Convertibles.

For 2002, the automatic transmission cooler case is constructed of lightweight cast aluminum, replacing the previous stainless steel design.

New high performance front brake pads on Z06 provide improved lining durability and fade resistance in high performance situations.

Coupes and Convertibles receive an AM/FM/In-dash CD system as the new standard entertainment system. An AM/FM/Cassette system is available when buyers order the remote 12-disc CD changer. The 12-disc CD changer is also available with the CD radio.

Corvette's exterior color palette adds Electron Blue, replacing Navy Blue Metallic previously offered on Coupes and Convertibles. Electron Blue also takes the place of Speedway White as one of five choices on the Z06.

Source - GM Corporation

Chevrolet Releases 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette, Adds Magnetic Selective Ride Control To Lineup

For 50 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been carefully crafted from a precise blend of power, performance, style and comfort. As it celebrates five colorful decades in the automotive business in 2003, Chevrolet's flagship continues its reign as one of GM's technology and style bellwethers.

For 2003, Corvette unveils a 50th Anniversary Special Edition, more standard equipment on the coupe and convertible models, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the industry's fastest and most powerful real time damping suspension.

'Few vehicles have had the staying power of Corvette,' said Rick Baldick, Corvette brand manager. 'We believe much of that success comes from a willingness to embrace advancing technology while remaining true to Corvette's glorious history. As we celebrate our golden anniversary in 2003, we honor our past and cast a bright eye toward the future.'

A golden tribute
The 50th Anniversary Special Edition, available only during the 2003 model year on coupe and

convertible models, is a tribute to a half-century of automotive leadership. It includes special Anniversary Red exterior paint, specific badging, Shale interior and champagne-painted anniversary wheels with special

emblems. It also features embroidered badges on the seats and floormats, padded door armrests and grips and the convertible features a Shale top. The package includes Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

Magnetic Ride Control

The system isolates and smoothes the action of each tire, resulting in less bouncing, vibration and noise. On bumpy or slick surfaces, the system integrates with traction control to assure maximum stability. It also works with ABS to keep the vehicle balanced and poised. It is the only system without electro-mechanical values and no small moving parts. It consists of MR fluid-based monotube shock absorbers, a sensor set and on-board controller.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is available on Corvette coupe and convertible models for 2003.

More standard equipment


Corvette adds new standard equipment on coupe and convertible models for 2003, including foglamps, sport seats, power passenger seat, dual zone auto HVAC (on coupe and convertible), and a parcel net and luggage shade on coupe.

CRAS child seat hooks, other new features


For those who bring their little ones along for the ride, the 2003 Corvette includes CRAS child seat hooks on the passenger seat to allow easier child seat connection. The Corvette's airbag-off switch must be used to disable the passenger-side airbag when using child seats in the vehicle.

During 2003 only, all Corvettes feature a special 50th anniversary emblem on the front and rear. The emblem is silver and features the number '50' with the signature cross-flag design.

New Medium Spiral Gray Metallic paint

Source - Chevrolet

New for 2003

• 50th Anniversary Special Edition

• Magnetic Selective Ride Control

• Standard foglamps, sport seats, power passenger seat, dual zone auto HVAC (coupe and convertible), parcel net and luggage shade (coupe)

• Medium Spiral Gray Metallic replaces Pewter

• Special 50th Anniversary exterior badges on production models

• CRAS child seat hooks

Source - Chevrolet

This Millennium Yellow No. 63 Corvette CR-5 competed in the 2002 24 Hours of LeMans, where it won the GTS class in the world's most demanding endurance race. The same car was victorious in the Sebring 12 hour endurance race. The winning driver of the CR-5, Oliver Gavin, is a former British Formula 3 champion and Renault Formula 1 test driver. He joined the GM Goodwrench Corvette Racing team in 2002 and had added to the Corvettes legend with victories in the Sebring 12 Hour endurance race and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Paul Newman and Steve McQueen were rebellious icons in the movie industry during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. They were also single-minded racers, whose endeavors won the admiration of their competitors as well as their fans. McQueens accomplishments included a second place finish (with co-driver Peter Revson) in 1970 at the 12 Hours of Sebring, driving a Porsche 908/02. In 1979, Newmaan, Rolf Stommelen and Dick Barbour placed second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Barbour's Porsche 935.

At the age of 70 years and 8 days, Paul Newman was the oldest driver to be part of a team in a major sanctioned race, winning his class at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona. He also ran the Baja 1000 in 2004 and the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2005. Paul Newman won his last SCCA race at Lime Rock almost exactly a year before he passed away on September 28, 2008.

Along with being a race driver, Paul Newman owned his own Can-Am racing team as well as co-founded a Champ Car team with Carl Haas in 1983. The Champ Car team was very successful, winning 97 races and seven titles. The team was second in Champ Car history with 100 pole positions and the only team in the series to win five titles with five different drivers, in 1984, 1991, 1993, 2002 and 2004-6. Newman Haas finished 1-2 in season standings in 2004 and 2005 and won at least one event on 23 of 24 seasons.

In all, Paul Newman was nominated for more than 55 mainstream acting awards, winning an Academy Award for best actor in 1986's The Color of Money, where he reprised his role of Fast Eddie Felson from his 1961 movie The Hustler. He also won three Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award and an Emmy. Newman was nominated for awards in 21 of his 65 movies.

Paul Newmans Last Race Car
The car is a Riley & Scott chassis Trans Am Corvette, originally built for Tom Glory in 2002. Butch Leitzinger drove it in 2002, scoring five poles, three wins, eight top-five finishes and nine top-10 finishes, running as yellow #88 with Tommy Bahama sponsorship. Newman and Brockman bought the Corvette in 2003 and immediately painted it red, white and blue.

This car was Newman's last race car, and used between 2003-2007. The car competed five times in 2003, with two first and three seconds. In 2004, it had two firsts and three seconds. The car continued to race, running about five times a year, with impressive finishes on most occasions. The last race was at Lime Rock, a year to the day before he died.

The car has a 346 cubic-inch V8 engine with electronic fuel injection offering 700 horsepower. It weighs only 2,680 pounds and there is a six-speed manual transmission. In 2007, the car was rebuilt and re-bodied. It was given number 83, because Paul always ran his age.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $275,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012

Thirty-three Millennium Yellow and thirty-three Quicksilver Corvette convertible decorated with the 2002 86th Indianapolis 500 logo and American Flags. These cars were used during the pre-race parade laps to honor our veterans. After the race, these cars were part of a dealer promotion and were distributed to Chevrolet dealers around the North Central region sold to the public.

This Corvette is the 38th Festival car (mark bottom right of the windshield) and was purchased from Burt Greenwald Chevrolet in Akron, Ohio.