2001 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, based on the C5 road car, won eight victories in ten races during the 2001 season, including an overall victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona, plus a one-two finish in the GTS class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 'C5' fifth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette was introduced in 1997 and continued through 2004. Unveiling on January 6th, 1997, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it missed its intended introduction of 1994 in celebration of the Corvette's 40th anniversary. The delay was due to staff changes within General Motors coupled with financial troubles. Its arrival in 1997 marked the first all-new Corvette in 13 years and the sixth major redesign in the car's forty-four-year history.

Compared to the C4 Corvette, the C5 Corvette was drastically improved with a hydroformed box frame that improved structural rigidity and reduced squeaks and rattles. The handling was enhanced by relocating the transmission to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube. This engine/transmission arrangement resulted in an ideal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. The 4L60-E automatic transmission carried over from previous models, but the manual was replaced by a Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed.

Body Style and Design
The aerodynamic C5 Corvette had a sleek overall design with popup headlights (the last Corvette generation to use pop-up headlamps), small air intakes at the front, a blunt tail section, and an overall coefficient of drag of 0.29. The modular body panels were comprised of a lightweight composite material known as Sheet Molded Composite (SMC), a fiberglass material that is bonded with resins. The floorboards of the C5 were SMC with balsa wood in the middle.

The fastback coupe was the only available body style when introduced in 1997, joined in August of 1997 (for the 1998 model year) by a convertible. A hardtop (a.k.a. fixed-roof coupe) arrived in the summer of 1998 for the 1999 model year.

Engine
The all-new LS1 5.7-liter V8 was more compact than its predecessors and initially produced 345 horsepower, increasing in 2001 to 350 hp. It had a cast aluminum block and head, overhead valves, a 346 cubic-inch (5.7 liter) displacement, hydraulic valve lifters, and sequential fuel injection. A limitless range of throttle progression was afforded via the Electronic Throttle Control system. This was the first Corvette to incorporate a drive-by-wire throttle.

Specification
The C5 Corvette had a 104.5-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 179.7 inches, was 73.6 inches wide, and stood 47.7 inches tall. At the front were P24/45ZR17 tires, while the rear used P275/40ZR18 tires. Brakes were via anti-lock, four-wheel discs.

The standard RPO FE1 suspension system was independent at the front with SLA-forged aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse monoleaf springs, and a steel stabilizer bar. The rear setup was also independent with five-link design wtih tow and camber adjustment, cast-aluminum control arms (upper and lower), transverse monoleaf springs, and steel tie rods and stabilizer bar. The composite leaf springs were lighter than traditional coil springs, allowing the car to rest much lower and improving its ride characteristics. The FE3 Sport Suspension was optional (standard on the Z51 Performance & Handling Package and standard on the 1999 and 2000 Fixed Roof Coupe)). Additionally, the optional F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension allowed 'on-the-fly' driver selection for 'sport' or 'touring' driving modes.

The C5 was the first Corvette to receive variable-effort steering, where the level of power steering assistance varied according to the vehicle's speed. It was also the first model to adopt the parallel or 'tandem' windshield wiper configuration.

The Interior
The interior of the all-new Corvette featured a twin-pod design, similar to that of the original 1953 Corvette. The backlit instrumentation housed analog gauges and a digital Driver Information Center with 12 individual readouts. The driver could select one of four different languages.

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Series YY

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette coupe had a base price of $41,650, and the convertible at $47,995. A total of 15,861 examples were hardtop coupes, and 14,173 were convertibles.

The 2001 Corvette came standard with 17 x 8.5 front and 18 x 9.5 rear alloy wheel rims wrapped with P245/45ZR17 run-flat tires. The suspension was independent and brakes were via ventilated discs with ABS (anti-lock braking system). There were daytime running lights, front fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, automatic-delay on/off headlights, a rear window defogger, and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

The interior had an AM/FM stereo cassette, four Bose premium-brand radio speakers, an element antenna, remote power door locks, one-touch power windows, heated power mirrors, leather bucket seats, a six-way power height-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, and a passenger airbag de-activation switch. It had speed-proportional power steering, reading lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual illuminating visor-vanity mirrors, air conditioning, and a cargo area light. Instrumentation and gauges included a tachometer, a clock, a trip computer, and a low-fuel indicator.

The convertible added a folding manual roof, a remote trunk release, a trunk light, and a glass convertible rear window.

The Z06
The big news for the Chevy Corvette in 2001 was the introduction of the track-bred Z06 high-performance package. The successor to the ZR-1, the Z06 paid homage to the Z06 version of the C2 Corvette of the 1960s. The tuned version of the LS1 engine (designated the LS6) offered 385 horsepower, which grew to 405 horsepower in 2002. The LS1 had 10.1:1 compression, while the LS6 had 10.5:1 compression. Along with new high-compression cylinder heads, it had improved porting allowing larger volumes of air to flow into the combustion chambers, stronger valve springs to cope with the higher RPMs, and larger fuel injectors. The less-restrictive titanium exhaust system was approximately half the weight of the stainless steel system used with the standard C5.

The increase in power for 2002 was due to stiffer valve springs, a larger air intake, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, and lighter sodium-filled valves. The only transmission offered with the Z06 was the six-speed manual.

To cope with the output of the LS6, the Z06 hardtop gained an uprated FE4 suspension, revised gearing ratios, functional brake cooling ducts, and larger wheels and tires. With a titanium exhaust system, lighter wheels, non-EMT tires, thinner glass, reduced soundproofing, a lighter battery, and a fixed rear radio aerial, the Z06 was 128 lbs lighter than the standard C5 hatchback coupe.

The front wheels measured 18 x 10.5 while the rears were 17 x 9.5 wrapped with P295/35ZR18 performance tires. Additional standard amenities included on the Z06 were an AM/FM stereo CD, a trunk light, dual-zone climate controls, and LS6 designation.

In 2001, the Z06 hardtop coupe had a base price of $50,350, and a total of 5,773 examples were built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023

The 47-year history of the Corvette is packed with stories and legends, and the Z06 and LS6 designations that today's Corvette Team has chosen to identify the hottest Corvette to-date and its 385-hp engine are not new. They are terms from Corvette's glorious past, and it was precisely for that reason that these designations were chosen - to recognize and pay homage to the significant accomplishments of past Corvette Teams.


Zora Duntov's Z06

Today's Z06 is the evolution of a concept first put forward by the legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov.

In 1962, GM was observing the Automobile Manufacturers Association's ban on all forms of competitive activity, a ban that had been in effect since 1957, and Zora was chafing under its restrictions. As every student of Corvette history knows, Zora delighted in finding ways to circumvent authority and go fast at the same time. In 1963 this rebellious streak manifested itself in the form of the Z06 RPO (Regular Production Option) ... a package specifically designed for competition-minded Corvette buyers who could order a race-ready model with just one check of an option box.

The Z06 RPO debuted on what was then a startling new Corvette, the 1963 'split-window' Sting Ray coupe, a car that would go down in Corvette annals as a defining moment in more ways than one.

The Z06 package was not a cheap date in those days. It added $1,818.45 to the Sting Ray's $4,257.00 base price. In addition, Z06 required $661.75 in forced content, including the optional fuel injection ($430.40), four-speed manual transmission ($188.03) and Positraction rear axle ($43.05). All together it resulted in additional option costs of $2,480.20, or 58-percent of the Sting Ray's base price.

Included in the Z06 package were Al-Fin power drum brakes with sintered-metallic linings (four-wheel disc brakes would not be offered until the 1965 model year), heavy-duty front and rear stabilizer bars, stronger shocks, much stiffer-than-stock springs, a dual master brake cylinder, and a long-distance 36.5 gallon gas tank for endurance racing.

As a reflection of Zora's determination that the Sting Ray coupes be GT-class or SCCA contenders, the Z06's debut was particularly auspicious. In the fall of 1962, a group of Z06-equipped Sting Rays headed west from the St. Louis factory to California. They were driven by Bob Bondurant, Dave McDonald, Jerry Grant and Doug Hooper. The destination was the Riverside Raceway and the Los Angeles Times Three-Hour Invitational Race scheduled for October 13, 1962. The drive served as the break-in period for the powertrains, and upon arrival the cars were race-prepped for the event. Bondurant, McDonald, Grant and Hooper would also do the on-track driving honors.

As luck would have it, that race also marked the debut of Carroll Shelby's soon-to-be-legendary Ford-powered British sports car known as the Cobra. The gauntlet was well and truly thrown.

In what must have been a moment of pure ecstasy for Duntov, one of the Z06 Sting Rays, owned by Mickey Thompson and piloted by Doug Hooper, took the checkered flag for an out-of-the-box win. Even Mickey Thompson seemed stunned, reportedly exclaiming, 'I don't think it's ever been done before ... a new production car winning the first time out.'

Ultimately, only 199 Z06-equipped Sting Ray coupes were produced, making it one of the rarest and most collectible Corvettes of all time. And even though the package was eventually offered for the Sting Ray convertible (with an option price of $1,293.95), records indicate that no such cars were built.

Later on Zora Duntov stated, 'Suitably equipped and set up, the new Corvette promises a potential that is hard to equal or surpass by even the world's costliest cars. To make the Corvette this kind of vehicle is the goal of Chevrolet's engineering personnel.'

Almost 40 years later, those words could be used without alteration to describe the target that today's Corvette Team aimed for in the development of the 2001 Z06.

Another Corvette Legend: The 1971 LS6

The LS6 engine RPO has been offered once before in Corvette history, but only for one model year (1971). With 454 cubic inches (7.4 liters), a cast-iron 'big-block' and aluminum heads, the first LS6 was second only to the full-blown L88 racing engine offered from 1967 through 1969 - in terms of both power and legend.

The original LS6 produced 425 bhp (gross) and was the most powerful engine offered in 1971. Only 188 cars were produced with this powerplant, less than one-percent of Corvette's 21,801-production run for the year. The option price was $1,221.00, or 22-percent of the coupe's $5,496.00 base price.

When tested by a leading automotive magazine, an LS6 with a four-speed manual and a 3.36:1 limited-slip differential produced the following numbers:

• 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 seconds
• Quarter-mile: 13.8 seconds@105 mph
• Fuel economy: 9-14 mpg

Also in 1971 a ZR2 package was offered. It was priced at $1,747.00 and included the LS6, a heavy-duty, close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, transistorized ignition, lightweight aluminum radiator, special springs, shocks, and front and rear stabilizer bars. A total of only 12 ZR2-equipped Corvettes were produced, making them even rarer than the Z06 models
referenced earlier.

Because of what they've accomplished with the new Z06 and LS6, today's Corvette Team members are sure that somewhere Zora Arkus-Duntov is smiling.

National Corvette Museum

Corvette is one of the few cars in the world to have a museum created in its honor by its customers and fans, and a spectacular creation it i.

Source - GM Corporation

NEW Z06 Model Debuts

The Chevrolet Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for 47 years, with more than one million sales and counting. During that time the Corvette has continually evolved and improved, always with an eye toward delivering a maximum amount of driving pleasure to those valuing high performance. For 2001, Corvette takes high performances and refinement to another level. 'Corvette for 2001 offers more in several dimensions ... more performance, more agility and more refinements,' said Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer. 'Corvette owners will be surprised and delighted at the result. We've expanded the envelope in every direction, especially with the new Z06.'

NEW FOR 2001

For 2001, Corvette coupe and convertible models get a healthy injection of power, especially at lower speeds where it is most noticeable. They also get more agility, with the enhanced Second-Generation Active Handling system - a system that is now standard on all Corvettes.

In the area of refinement, Corvette buyers will appreciate better noise isolation, better idle quality and many other changes made to improve the overall ownership experience - and 2001 Corvettes even offer reduced maintenance costs and better fuel economy.

Perhaps the biggest part of the Corvette story for 2001 is the introduction of the new Corvette Z06, a production vehicle that's ready for the racetrack. Based on the former hardtop model - already the lightest, stiffest and quickest Corvette - it is a car aimed directly at diehard performance enthusiasts at the upper end of the high-performance market. It is very simply the quickest, best handling production Corvette ever, setting new standards in every part of the high-performance spectrum.

The Z06 designation was chosen to honor the efforts of Zora Arkus-Duntov, Corvette's first chief engineer, who in 1963 created the original Z06 package. Zora's special package was intended to make the then-new Sting Ray race-ready right out of the showroom, and today's Z06 has been developed with the same concept in mind.

MORE PERFORMANCE

Corvette coupe and convertible models for 2001 get more horsepower from the standard LS1 V8 - 350 hp (up from 345) - but the real story is a big boost in low-end torque.

Torque is what most customers really mean when they ask for 'more power,' and down low in the torque curve is where 2001 Corvette drivers will really feel the difference. Corvette engineers opened up the intake system, enabling the LS1 engine to pull in more air and the camshaft profile to be moderated in lift and overlap. The results are significant.

•300 lb-ft is delivered at 1,000 rpm - 400 rpm earlier than before

•320 lb-ft is delivered at 1,400 rpm - 800 rpm earlier than before

•340 lb-ft is delivered at 2,500 rpm - an amazing 1,400 rpm earlier than before

•Maximum torque of 360 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm for automatics, 375 lb-ft for manuals, arrives at 4,400 rpm.

Coupe and convertible owners will feel this added power when starting off, and when passing other vehicles.

The most noticeable difference will be felt by the 60-percent of customers who order their Corvettes with an automatic transmission. The 'slowest' Corvette - equipped with an automatic transmission and the standard rear axle ratio - now accelerates from 0-60 a full quarter second faster. When equipped with the performance axle, the automatic is as quick as last year's manual gearbox.

NEW LS6 ENGINE FOR Z06

The new Z06 takes the term 'performance' and raises it to a whole new level. At the heart of the Z06 is a new engine, the LS6, which delivers 385-hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The LS6 is the only engine available for the Z06, and is not offered on other Corvette models.

The LS6 designation is another expression of appreciation for the accomplishments of earlier Corvette engineers. In 1971 Zora Duntov's team created a special 425-bhp (gross) big-block V8 for the Corvette - again with racing in mind. It was second only to the legendary full-blown L88 racing engine that was available from 1967 to 1969. Despite the fact that only 188 Corvettes were sold with the LS6 engine, it occupies a special niche in Corvette legend.

The new LS6 is based on the 5.7L LS1, the standard engine in Corvette coupes and convertibles. Its aluminum block has been modified for better management of crankcase pressures and speedier return of oil from the upper part of the engine during highspeed operation. The engine also has a more aggressive camshaft profile to take full advantage of the additional air that Corvette's new intake manifold provides.

New highcompression cylinder heads (10.5:1 vs. 10.1:1 on the LS1) have improved porting to get this larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger valve springs to handle higher rpms, and larger fuel injectors to provide a healthier shot of fuel.

Exhaust gas backpressure is relieved by Z06's unique less-restrictive titanium exhaust system - the first-ever use of this exotic metal in a mass-production automobile. The new titanium system is 50-percent lighter than the stainless steel system it replaces. The LS-6 engine delivers 385 hp @ 6000 rpm and 385 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.

In addition to giving both the LS1 and the LS6 more horsepower and torque, Corvette powertrain engineers also improved their environmental friendliness. EPA fuel economy labels will reflect a full mile-per-gallon improvement, city and highway, over the 2000 Corvette - whether the car is equipped with manual or automatic transmission.

All Corvettes, including the Z06, are now classified as National Low Emission Vehicles (NLEV), meeting stringent emissions requirements in all 50 states.

The recommended oil change interval has been extended for all Corvette models - from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 1-year, whichever comes first. This means less dirty oil to be recycled, fewer dirty oil filters going into landfills and less maintenance expense.

Engineering development of the Z06 package resulted in several improvements for coupe and convertible models as well. LS1 engines get the same new intake and exhaust manifolds as the LS6, and a stronger clutch that requires less pedal effort will now be used in all manual transmission-equipped Corvettes. All Corvettes get a stronger, larger diameter aluminum driveshaft.

Unique to the Z06 is a new 6-speed transmission (M12) with more aggressive gearing to increase torque multiplication in almost every gear and allow for more rapid acceleration. Z06 achieves 0-60 mph in 4 seconds flat, and quarter mile in 12 seconds.

MORE AGILITY

In mid-1998 a new feature called Active Handling was introduced on Corvette. It is a sophisticated stability control system that utilizes on-board sensors to measure yaw, lateral acceleration and steering wheel position, then brings into play the capabilities of Corvette's standard ABS brake and traction control systems to smoothly assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control in oversteer or
understeer situations.

For 2001 a Second-Generation Active Handling system, much enhanced over the original, becomes standard equipment on all Corvettes. With a new Bosch brake pressure modulator and many new or revised calibrations, Second-Generation Active Handling provides even more assistance to the Corvette driver.

Corvette engineers know how Corvette owners like to drive their cars, so a stability control system that would shut the car down too severely during enthusiastic driving was out of the question. Second-Generation Active Handling calibrations have been carefully developed to limit such intrusiveness. Aside from an 'Active Handling' message on the instrument panel, drivers will not even realize they've been assisted in most situations.

Average drivers will find themselves capable of producing even lower elapsed times in autocross competitions. Above-average drivers will appreciate Active Handling's Competitive Mode, which allows them to switch off the traction control part of the system.

In addition to making all Corvettes more agile, Second-Generation Active Handling adds a cushion of safety given its ability to help out in emergency situations. It deftly senses both over- and under-correction on the driver's part and adjusts to help bring the car back into balance.

As good as it is, Active Handling cannot overcome the laws of physics. It is offered only as an assist - albeit an assist that makes Corvettes a lot more agile, and even safer - but it is not a cure-all for every situation. Ultimately, drivers must still take full responsibility for control of their vehicle.

In addition to Second-Generation Active Handling, Corvette suspension systems are also key enabler of Corvette's considerable agility. Coupe and convertible buyers have three outstanding suspension systems to choose from:

•The standard FE1 suspension is designed to please the majority of Corvette drivers.

•The optional Selective Real Time Damping suspension (F45) has three selectable modes - Tour, Sport and Performance - each with its own set of calibrations. F45 senses road conditions and vehicle speed then modulates the damping efforts of the shocks to keep the car riding and handling smoothly on a variety of road surfaces.

•Also optional is the Z51 Performance suspension. It provides a level of control 'at the limit' beyond what the other two packages offer while still maintaining enjoyable ride quality.

The Z06 features a suspension system all its own - FE4. It is standard on the Z06, not available on other Corvette models. It features a larger front stabilizer bar, stiffer rear leaf spring and revised camber settings - all calibrated with a bias toward maximum control during high-speed operation.

Special Z06-specific forged-aluminum wheels are an inch wider front and rear than those used on coupes and convertible.

New wider and stickier Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were created for the Z06. They feature reduced mass, an asymmetric tread design for better grip on wet or dry surfaces, a more compliant sidewall and better wear characteristics for on-track durability. ?

The Z06's FE4 suspension and its new wheels and tires allow Z06 to take full advantage of the additional power available. During development testing Corvette engineers were able to generate racetrack speeds that improved Z06 performance by an average of 3-4 seconds per lap over last year's hardtop model on typical 2-mile closed-circuit road courses.

MORE REFINEMENT

One of the things that most delights owners of the current C5 (5th generation) Corvette is that Corvette engineers have built so much refinement into the car in addition to its world-class performance and handling. For 2001, the Corvette Team has added further refinement in many areas.

The alternator has a new clutch pulley that allows a reduction of engine idle speed on automatic-equipped Corvettes. This seemingly-small quality upgrade makes the car smoother and quieter in city driving, reduces or eliminates 'idle creep' at stoplights and helps enable the improved fuel economy ratings already mentioned.

Interior sound isolation has been improved on all Corvettes with the addition of expandable foam and/or new seals in strategic areas, and a new convertible top provides better sealing, better sound isolation and a smoother appearance. The result is an interior environment on the convertible that most buyers would expect to find only in a luxury car.

Several other enhancements such as chrome-flashed tips to improve exhaust outlet appearance, a slimmer remote function key fob and the new availability of electrochromic driver's-side and inside rear view mirrors for greater visibility demonstrate the Corvette Team's attention to detail.

Two new paint colors are available for 2001 - Speedway White replaces the former Arctic White, and Quicksilver replaces Sebring Silver.

Another enhancement, now standard on coupes and convertibles, is a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, which is lighter and more durable. The Z06 gets an even more compact lead-acid battery to reduce vehicle mass even further.

Mass-reduction efforts on the Z06 were particularly aggressive. In addition to its unique titanium exhaust and lighter wheel/tire sets, Z06 even has a thinner windshield and rear backlight. The Z06 option list is very short to maintain weight reduction gains. All told, Z06 holds the lightest test weight class position in the Corvette lineup. It is more than 36 pounds lighter than the former C5 hardtop, and 117 pounds lighter than the coupe and convertible.The Z06 receives several other refinements, inside and out, that help it to be more functional and/or serve to differentiate its appearance.

On the outside, the center air inlets on the front fascia receive purposeful grilles. New air scoops on the rear rocker panels that funnel air to the rear brakes for better cooling are also unique to the Z06. New Z06-specific wheels are painted a light-gray metallic color. Z06 emblems are positioned on the front fenders, disc brake calipers are painted red, and the LS6 engine cover is red to differentiate it
from the LS1.

Inside, the Z06 includes a unique instrument cluster with stylized graphics imparting a greater sense of performance and speed, as well as signifying the car's higher 6,500 rpm redline.

The Z06's solid-black leather-trimmed seating surfaces include additional side bolstering to hold driver and passenger firmly in place during high lateral load maneuvers, and the seats have Z06 logos embroidered into the headrests. An optional interior with Torch Red accents on the seat inserts, lower instrument panel and lower door panels is also available for Z06.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

As Dave Hill points out, Corvette for 2001 offers more in several dimensions. There are many significant and measurable product enhancements that will surprise and delight Corvette buyers.

'We've enhanced Corvette's performance persona and broken new ground with the new Z06,' Hill said. 'Second-Generation Active Handling and improved comfort and convenience add luster to America's most enduring high performance sports car.'

Source - GM Corporation

The Chevrolet Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for 47 years, with more than one million sales and counting. During that time the Corvette has continually evolved and improved, always with an eye toward delivering a maximum amount of driving pleasure to those valuing high performance. For 2001, Corvette takes high performances and refinement to another level. 'Corvette for 2001 offers more in several dimensions ... more performance, more agility and more refinements,' said Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer. 'Corvette owners will be surprised and delighted at the result. We've expanded the envelope in every direction, especially with the new Z06.'

NEW FOR 2001

For 2001, Corvette coupe and convertible models get a healthy injection of power, especially at lower speeds where it is most noticeable. They also get more agility, with the enhanced Second-Generation Active Handling system - a system that is now standard on all Corvettes.

In the area of refinement, Corvette buyers will appreciate better noise isolation, better idle quality and many other changes made to improve the overall ownership experience - and 2001 Corvettes even offer reduced maintenance costs and better fuel economy.

Perhaps the biggest part of the Corvette story for 2001 is the introduction of the new Corvette Z06, a production vehicle that's ready for the racetrack. Based on the former hardtop model - already the lightest, stiffest and quickest Corvette - it is a car aimed directly at diehard performance enthusiasts at the upper end of the high-performance market. It is very simply the quickest, best handling production Corvette ever, setting new standards in every part of the high-performance spectrum.

The Z06 designation was chosen to honor the efforts of Zora Arkus-Duntov, Corvette's first chief engineer, who in 1963 created the original Z06 package. Zora's special package was intended to make the then-new Sting Ray race-ready right out of the showroom, and today's Z06 has been developed with the same concept in mind.

MORE PERFORMANCE

Corvette coupe and convertible models for 2001 get more horsepower from the standard LS1 V8 - 350 hp (up from 345) - but the real story is a big boost in low-end torque.

Torque is what most customers really mean when they ask for 'more power,' and down low in the torque curve is where 2001 Corvette drivers will really feel the difference. Corvette engineers opened up the intake system, enabling the LS1 engine to pull in more air and the camshaft profile to be moderated in lift and overlap. The results are significant.

•300 lb-ft is delivered at 1,000 rpm - 400 rpm earlier than before

•320 lb-ft is delivered at 1,400 rpm - 800 rpm earlier than before

•340 lb-ft is delivered at 2,500 rpm - an amazing 1,400 rpm earlier than before

•Maximum torque of 360 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm for automatics, 375 lb-ft for manuals, arrives at 4,400 rpm.

Coupe and convertible owners will feel this added power when starting off, and when passing other vehicles.

The most noticeable difference will be felt by the 60-percent of customers who order their Corvettes with an automatic transmission. The 'slowest' Corvette - equipped with an automatic transmission and the standard rear axle ratio - now accelerates from 0-60 a full quarter second faster. When equipped with the performance axle, the automatic is as quick as last year's manual gearbox.

NEW LS6 ENGINE FOR Z06

The new Z06 takes the term 'performance' and raises it to a whole new level. At the heart of the Z06 is a new engine, the LS6, which delivers 385-hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The LS6 is the only engine available for the Z06, and is not offered on other Corvette models.

The LS6 designation is another expression of appreciation for the accomplishments of earlier Corvette engineers. In 1971 Zora Duntov's team created a special 425-bhp (gross) big-block V8 for the Corvette - again with racing in mind. It was second only to the legendary full-blown L88 racing engine that was available from 1967 to 1969. Despite the fact that only 188 Corvettes were sold with the LS6 engine, it occupies a special niche in Corvette legend.

The new LS6 is based on the 5.7L LS1, the standard engine in Corvette coupes and convertibles. Its aluminum block has been modified for better management of crankcase pressures and speedier return of oil from the upper part of the engine during highspeed operation. The engine also has a more aggressive camshaft profile to take full advantage of the additional air that Corvette's new intake manifold provides.

New highcompression cylinder heads (10.5:1 vs. 10.1:1 on the LS1) have improved porting to get this larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger larger volume of air smoothly into the combustion chambers. The new heads are equipped with stronger valve springs to handle higher rpms, and larger fuel injectors to provide a healthier shot of fuel.

Exhaust gas backpressure is relieved by Z06's unique less-restrictive titanium exhaust system - the first-ever use of this exotic metal in a mass-production automobile. The new titanium system is 50-percent lighter than the stainless steel system it replaces. The LS-6 engine delivers 385 hp @ 6000 rpm and 385 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.

In addition to giving both the LS1 and the LS6 more horsepower and torque, Corvette powertrain engineers also improved their environmental friendliness. EPA fuel economy labels will reflect a full mile-per-gallon improvement, city and highway, over the 2000 Corvette - whether the car is equipped with manual or automatic transmission.

All Corvettes, including the Z06, are now classified as National Low Emission Vehicles (NLEV), meeting stringent emissions requirements in all 50 states.

The recommended oil change interval has been extended for all Corvette models - from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 1-year, whichever comes first. This means less dirty oil to be recycled, fewer dirty oil filters going into landfills and less maintenance expense.

Engineering development of the Z06 package resulted in several improvements for coupe and convertible models as well. LS1 engines get the same new intake and exhaust manifolds as the LS6, and a stronger clutch that requires less pedal effort will now be used in all manual transmission-equipped Corvettes. All Corvettes get a stronger, larger diameter aluminum driveshaft.

Unique to the Z06 is a new 6-speed transmission (M12) with more aggressive gearing to increase torque multiplication in almost every gear and allow for more rapid acceleration. Z06 achieves 0-60 mph in 4 seconds flat, and quarter mile in 12 seconds.

MORE AGILITY

In mid-1998 a new feature called Active Handling was introduced on Corvette. It is a sophisticated stability control system that utilizes on-board sensors to measure yaw, lateral acceleration and steering wheel position, then brings into play the capabilities of Corvette's standard ABS brake and traction control systems to smoothly assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control in oversteer or
understeer situations.

For 2001 a Second-Generation Active Handling system, much enhanced over the original, becomes standard equipment on all Corvettes. With a new Bosch brake pressure modulator and many new or revised calibrations, Second-Generation Active Handling provides even more assistance to the Corvette driver.

Corvette engineers know how Corvette owners like to drive their cars, so a stability control system that would shut the car down too severely during enthusiastic driving was out of the question. Second-Generation Active Handling calibrations have been carefully developed to limit such intrusiveness. Aside from an 'Active Handling' message on the instrument panel, drivers will not even realize they've been assisted in most situations.

Average drivers will find themselves capable of producing even lower elapsed times in autocross competitions. Above-average drivers will appreciate Active Handling's Competitive Mode, which allows them to switch off the traction control part of the system.

In addition to making all Corvettes more agile, Second-Generation Active Handling adds a cushion of safety given its ability to help out in emergency situations. It deftly senses both over- and under-correction on the driver's part and adjusts to help bring the car back into balance.

As good as it is, Active Handling cannot overcome the laws of physics. It is offered only as an assist - albeit an assist that makes Corvettes a lot more agile, and even safer - but it is not a cure-all for every situation. Ultimately, drivers must still take full responsibility for control of their vehicle.

In addition to Second-Generation Active Handling, Corvette suspension systems are also key enabler of Corvette's considerable agility. Coupe and convertible buyers have three outstanding suspension systems to choose from:

•The standard FE1 suspension is designed to please the majority of Corvette drivers.

•The optional Selective Real Time Damping suspension (F45) has three selectable modes - Tour, Sport and Performance - each with its own set of calibrations. F45 senses road conditions and vehicle speed then modulates the damping efforts of the shocks to keep the car riding and handling smoothly on a variety of road surfaces.

•Also optional is the Z51 Performance suspension. It provides a level of control 'at the limit' beyond what the other two packages offer while still maintaining enjoyable ride quality.

The Z06 features a suspension system all its own - FE4. It is standard on the Z06, not available on other Corvette models. It features a larger front stabilizer bar, stiffer rear leaf spring and revised camber settings - all calibrated with a bias toward maximum control during high-speed operation.

Special Z06-specific forged-aluminum wheels are an inch wider front and rear than those used on coupes and convertible.

New wider and stickier Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were created for the Z06. They feature reduced mass, an asymmetric tread design for better grip on wet or dry surfaces, a more compliant sidewall and better wear characteristics for on-track durability. ?

The Z06's FE4 suspension and its new wheels and tires allow Z06 to take full advantage of the additional power available. During development testing Corvette engineers were able to generate racetrack speeds that improved Z06 performance by an average of 3-4 seconds per lap over last year's hardtop model on typical 2-mile closed-circuit road courses.

MORE REFINEMENT

One of the things that most delights owners of the current C5 (5th generation) Corvette is that Corvette engineers have built so much refinement into the car in addition to its world-class performance and handling. For 2001, the Corvette Team has added further refinement in many areas.

The alternator has a new clutch pulley that allows a reduction of engine idle speed on automatic-equipped Corvettes. This seemingly-small quality upgrade makes the car smoother and quieter in city driving, reduces or eliminates 'idle creep' at stoplights and helps enable the improved fuel economy ratings already mentioned.

Interior sound isolation has been improved on all Corvettes with the addition of expandable foam and/or new seals in strategic areas, and a new convertible top provides better sealing, better sound isolation and a smoother appearance. The result is an interior environment on the convertible that most buyers would expect to find only in a luxury car.

Several other enhancements such as chrome-flashed tips to improve exhaust outlet appearance, a slimmer remote function key fob and the new availability of electrochromic driver's-side and inside rear view mirrors for greater visibility demonstrate the Corvette Team's attention to detail.

Two new paint colors are available for 2001 - Speedway White replaces the former Arctic White, and Quicksilver replaces Sebring Silver.

Another enhancement, now standard on coupes and convertibles, is a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, which is lighter and more durable. The Z06 gets an even more compact lead-acid battery to reduce vehicle mass even further.

Mass-reduction efforts on the Z06 were particularly aggressive. In addition to its unique titanium exhaust and lighter wheel/tire sets, Z06 even has a thinner windshield and rear backlight. The Z06 option list is very short to maintain weight reduction gains. All told, Z06 holds the lightest test weight class position in the Corvette lineup. It is more than 36 pounds lighter than the former C5 hardtop, and 117 pounds lighter than the coupe and convertible.The Z06 receives several other refinements, inside and out, that help it to be more functional and/or serve to differentiate its appearance.

On the outside, the center air inlets on the front fascia receive purposeful grilles. New air scoops on the rear rocker panels that funnel air to the rear brakes for better cooling are also unique to the Z06. New Z06-specific wheels are painted a light-gray metallic color. Z06 emblems are positioned on the front fenders, disc brake calipers are painted red, and the LS6 engine cover is red to differentiate it
from the LS1.

Inside, the Z06 includes a unique instrument cluster with stylized graphics imparting a greater sense of performance and speed, as well as signifying the car's higher 6,500 rpm redline.

The Z06's solid-black leather-trimmed seating surfaces include additional side bolstering to hold driver and passenger firmly in place during high lateral load maneuvers, and the seats have Z06 logos embroidered into the headrests. An optional interior with Torch Red accents on the seat inserts, lower instrument panel and lower door panels is also available for Z06.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

As Dave Hill points out, Corvette for 2001 offers more in several dimensions. There are many significant and measurable product enhancements that will surprise and delight Corvette buyers.

'We've enhanced Corvette's performance persona and broken new ground with the new Z06,' Hill said. 'Second-Generation Active Handling and improved comfort and convenience add luster to America's most enduring high performance sports car.'

Source - Chevrolet