The all-new fourth-generation (C4) Corvette was a late-1983 introduction as a 1984 model. The long-running third-generation 'Shark' or C3 models, which debuted for 1968, were quietly retired after 1982. The development of the new Corvette was overseen by GM Chief Engineer Dave McLellan, which began with concept drawings in 1976. The new C4 retained its identify as a Corvette, but significantly improved upon the design, becoming more aerodynamic, purposeful, and modern. It was fitted with an all new, leading-edge chassis design utilized monoleaf springs, precise rack-and-pinion steering gear, and the independent rear suspension with five locating links. Disc brakes were located at all four corners and were mounted with Goodyear's all-new 'Gatorback' unidirectional radial tires. Power was from a 350 CID small-block V8 with Cross-Fire throttle-body fuel injection carried over from the 1982 model. Transmission options included GM's 700-R4 overdrive automatic and the Doug Nash '4+3' manual unit, essentially the Borg-Warner T-10 with computer-controlled overdrives for the top three gears. In 1985, the L98 Tuned-Port Injected 350 engine received an additional 25 horsepower and 40 pounds-feet of torque, along with better fuel economy. Further improvements followed in 1987 with roll valve lifters added to the engine, increased output to 240 horsepower. 1989 was a highly anticipated year for the Corvette, as Chevrolet promised the introduction of the ZR-1, which laid claim to being the world's fastest production automobile. Unfortunately, the ZR-1 was delayed until the 1990 model year. The Corvette received a new ZF six-speed manual gearbox with two overdrive ratios. A FX3 Delco-Bilstein Selective Ride Control system was added to the list of available options. The system came with a switch to select the desired degree of shock absorber damping for Touring, Sport or Competition driving. This option was available only on coupes with manual shift and the Z51 Sport Performance Handling Package. All Corvettes were upgraded to Z52 standard by 1989 with large Goodyear ZR40 tires on 9.5-inch alloy wheels. Another new addition for the Corvette was a removable fiberglass hardtop available on the convertible. The Hatchback Coupe sold for $31,550 and Chevrolet produced 16,663 examples. 9,749 examples were Convertibles and sold for $36,780.Powering the Corvette was a 5.7 liter V8 which produced 245 horsepower. A four-speed overdrive manual was standard with an automatic available as optional equipment.
by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
Related Reading : Chevrolet Corvette History
Very few vehicles elicit the same kind of satisfaction as the Chevrolet Corvette. The Vette is a symbol of childhood dreams and grown-up triumph. The only true American Sports car, this car stands for excellence and became an icon as a high-performance and dynamic sports vehicle. First introduced in January of 1953, the Corvette has only become more renowned as the years drift by. Undergoing many....
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Chevrolet Corvette Roars Into Its 60th Year
On June 30, 1953, the first of a new kind of Chevrolet – indeed, a new kind of American car – rolled off an assembly line in Flint, Mich. The car had only two seats. There were no roll-up windows, or exterior door handles, for that matter. Its body wasnt stamped from steel but, rather, molded from reinforced fiberglass. While the postwar Baby Boom was in full swing, this was definitely not....
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Corvette's Chassis Innovations Refined on the Race Track
Its been said that racing improves the breed, and when it comes to the Chevrolet Corvette, nearly six decades of checkered flags are the proof. As Corvette marks its 60th anniversary in 2013, the design of the chassis, suspension and other drivetrain features are rooted in the rigors of competition. Candidly, Corvette was not a high-performance car until Zora Arkus-Duntov fitted it with a V-8,....
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Chevrolet puts a groove into your ride
Hot summer day… roof top down… wind in your hair … smile in your face… and Little Red Corvette cranked up to its loudest setting. Theres nothing like music in the car to make a journey really fly by. But, did you know that, aside from Princes classic hit, more than 600 songs across all genres and multiple generations mention Chevrolet, Chevy or the name of a Chevrolet vehicle in their....
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Chevrolet
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1989
Chevrolet Monthly Sales Volume
March 2023
398,141
1989 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$7,400 - $16,700
$11,500 - $19,000
$14,450 - $16,835
Corvette C4 Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
23,646
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
$31,970 - $58,995
20,639
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 349.85 CID., 245.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
$32,455 - $64,140
20,479
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 375.00hp
$33,600 - $65,320
21,590
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
$34,595 - $66,280
23,330
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
$36,180 - $67,449
17,190
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 405.00hp
$36,185 - $68,000
22,000
96.20 in.
8 cyl., 347.84 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 349.85 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 349.85 CID., 330.00hp
$37,200 - $45,000
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