1994 Chevrolet Corvette C4

The new C4 Corvette, produced by Chevrolet from 1984 to 1996, came with a modern suspension, tuned port fuel injection, a more subdued shape with aerodynamic lines, and an increase in technology. Chevrolet had partnered with the Lotus Group for assistance with developing the all-new LT-5 to power the ZR-1. The engine design was modern, powerful, and reasonably efficient with 16 injectors helping to deliver 405 horsepower to the 275/40ZR17s on the 11-inch wheels. The house those large wheels, the designers gave the ZR-1 its most distinguishing feature by widening the car. Suspension upgrades were made to cope with the additional power and to improve handling, performance, and acceleration. The MSRP for the ZR1 was nearly double the cost of a base model, and some customers were known to have paid in excess of $20,000 above MSRP to get their hands on a ZR-1.

The all-aluminum Double Overhead Cam 32-valve LT5 built by Mercury Marine was backed by an exclusive MN6 6-speed manual transmission helping the ZR1 reached a zero-to-sixty mph time in under 5 seconds. The top speed was nearly 180 mph.

In 1992, the 300 horsepower LT1 engine was introduced, an increase of 50 horsepower over the prior year's L98 engine. The engine had reverse-flow cooling (the heads were cooled before the block), which allowed for a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1.

For the 1994 Corvette model year, the interior received attention. The cockpit was given a single-piece instrument panel and new door panels. In 1990, airbags were added for the driver. Now, in 1994, airbags were not available for both the driver and the passenger. The Standard and Sport seats received styling updates. Leather seats were now standard. Two new colors were introduced this year, Admiral Blue and Copper Metallic. Just 116 examples were given the Copper Metallic, mostly due to quality problems. 1994 was also the final year for Black Rose Metallic.

The LT1 received mass airflow sequential fuel injection in 1994 which helped improved the engine's performance. The 5.7 liter LT1 V8 offered 300 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. It had hydraulic valves lifters, five main bearings, and an aluminum cylinder head. The six-speed overdrive transmission was standard with a four-speed automatic a no-cost option. The four-speed automatic transmission received improvements to include electronic controls which improved shift consistency and quality. Steering was handled by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion unit while anti-lock, power four-wheel discs provided the stopping power. The chassis was comprised of a separate ladder frame with cross members, clothed with a lightweight fiberglass body.

The production total for the 1994 model year was 23,330 which included 17,984 coupes, 5346 convertibles, and 448 ZR1s.

On September 2nd of 1994, the National Corvette Museum opened.

The first running of the Brickyard 400 in 1994 attracted the largest crowd at a NASCAR event to date and the single-largest race purse of a NASCAR event. Twenty-five special-purpose Corvettes were built by Chevrolet as official vehicles for the Inaugural NASCAR Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 6, 1994. 12 were Black and 13 were Red, with an original MSRP of $47,734. A total of 137 Chevrolet vehicles were used at the event.

The Corvette Brickyard Pace Car's had a Bose CD/Cassette Player, FX3 Selective Ride and Handling, Low Tire Pressure Warning, Extended Mobility Tires, dual power seats, an automatic transmission, and electronic air conditioning.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012