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Corvette decided not to do anything crazy going into the new millennium. They stuck with the recently new Hardtop Corvette and made some new improvements to it as well. The Z51 Performance Handling Package was upgraded with the addition of larger front and rear stabilizer bars to help improve Corvette's handling characteristics. This suspension pack was standard on the Hardtop, and optional on the Coupe and Convertible.
There were also a few additions to the exterior and interior design of the Corvette. For example, the 2000 Corvette came standard with new 5-spoked forged aluminum wheels, available with an optional high-polish finish. The two new exterior colors for the Coupe and Convertible were Millennium Yellow and Dark Bowling Green Metallic. As for the interior, Torch Red was a new option.
The largest part of the Corvette story for 2001 is the introduction of the new Z06 Corvette. The 2001 Z06 Corvette was the quickest, best handling Corvette of its time, setting new standards in high-performance. 2001 was the first year that Corvette introduced the LS6 engine, delivering 385 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque. The Z06 also had a new 6-speed transmission with more aggressive gearing to increase torque multiplication in every gear, ultimately increasing acceleration.
The Z06 was not the only Corvette with power during 2001. The coupe and convertible models got a healthy injection of power as well. Their standard LS1 V-8 350 HP engine was up from 345 HP but the real story lies in the boost of low-end torque. Low in the torque curve is where Coupe and Convertible owners would really feel the difference in power.
The 2002 series came with power in the Z06 model, containing a LS6 engine. It received a 20 horsepower increase and 15 lb-ft of torque increase. The upgrade to the LS6 engine's output was due to the new hollow stern valves, a higher-lift camshaft, a low restriction mass air flow sensor and a new low restriction air cleaner design.
The Z06 also came with a high-performance suspension system that features a larger front stabilizer bar, a stiffer leaf spring and specific camber settings, all of which were calibrated for maximum control during high-speed operation. The 2002 model Z06 also had new rear shock valving for a more controlled ride.
Other upgrades in the 2002 series Z06 Corvette include aluminum front and rear stabilizer bar links, aluminum automatic transmission cooler case, and cast aluminum wheels. Magnesium wheels were no longer available on the coupe and convertible. The new exterior color was Electron Blue.
Since its inception in 1997, the fifth generation Corvette has achieved many things both on the road and on the racetrack. The tradition continues into 2003, the final chapter of the C5 era, with the Commemorative Edition Corvette. This Corvette was produced to share all the Le Mans victories with Corvette enthusiasts. The 2003 Commemorative edition Z06 features a new carbon fiber hood and a graphic and color design that makes it look like the C5-R. Commemorative coupes and convertibles were also available in 2003.
The Z06 has been improving drastically over the last couple years and that does not stop in 2003. There were two major performance upgrades to the Z06. One of the major upgrades is the lightweight, race-inspired carbon fiber hood. The other is the revised chassis that allows for quicker turns and better overall handling. The C5 era ends on a great note with the Z06 at its highest performance of all-time.
Since its inception in 1997, the fifth generation Corvette has achieved many things both on the road and on the racetrack. The tradition continues into 2004, the final chapter of the C5 era, with the Commemorative Edition Corvette. This Corvette was produced to share all the Le Mans victories with Corvette enthusiasts. The 2004 Commemorative edition Z06 features a new carbon fiber hood and a graphic and color design that makes it look like the C5-R. Commemorative coupes and convertibles were also available in 2004.
The Z06 has been improving drastically over the last couple years and that does not stop in 2004. There were two major performance upgrades to the Z06. One of the major upgrades is the lightweight, race-inspired carbon fiber hood. The other is the revised chassis that allows for quicker turns and better overall handling. The C5 era ends on a great note with the Z06 at its highest performance of all-time.