The History of Corvette: Part 2

We hope you enjoyed the first part of the history of Corvette. There’s such a rich history regarding this iconic car that we couldn’t fit it all into one blog. In this week’s blog, we will continue to talk about the Corvette moving into the 4th generation.

The fourth-generation arrived in 1984 with improved handling, a sleek body, and had digital gauges inside. This model was redesigned from every angle. The C4 had additional ground clearance but a lower center of gravity. The only engine offered was the 205 hp 350 cubic inch V8. In 1986 the convertible model was brought back into production. With this exciting news, Chevrolet drafted the convertible Corvette to be the pace car for the 1986 Indianapolis 500. In 1989 did not sell any of the 84 Corvette ZR-1’s that were produced to the public. From 1990-1995 the ZR-1 and the Grand Sport were available to dealerships. Developed by Lotus and produced by Mercury Marine, the ZR-1 model boasted a dual overhead cam 5.7 V-8 engine. In 1996 Chevy built 1000 Grand Sport cars with 330 horsepower engines with a special paint job, admiral blue with a white stripe and dual red hash marks on the front fender. The Grand Sport was offered as both a convertible or a coupe. If the convertible was your choice it was not offered with flared rear fenders. 

C5 Corvettes came to dealers with a rigid box frame and the transmission was mounted at the rear.

This helped with the weight distribution of the rear and front. In 1997 offered a 5.7-liter V8 with 345 hp, this engine worked with a 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The fifth-generation model also changed the placement of the transmission. It was now placed at the rear of the car, right next to the rear differential. The wheelbase was almost 8 inches longer, with a 4.4 inch wider front track and 2.9 inch rear track. The car was also 80 lbs. lighter than the older models. In 2001 the ZO6 hit the market with 385 hp. With thinner front and rear glass and titanium mufflers, the ZO6 weighed in at only 3126 lbs.

With fixed headlights instead of pop-ups, the C6 arrived in 2005. The LS- series engine was brought back with the C6. The big V-8 had 400 hp and was offered with a 4 speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. This generation also reintroduced the ZR1 model in 2009. This super corvette had 638 hp with a top speed of 205 mph. In 2010 the Grand Sport model was also brought back with a 6.2-liter engine. Corvette celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013 with the Corvette 427 convertible. Flying at 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a 7.0-liter V-8 engine. 

In 2014, the seventh generation hit the roads with a lot of changes. In 2015, the 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the 6 speed offered in 2014. In 2017 the Grand Sport models joined the seventh generation Corvettes. The ZR1 followed in 2019 with a supercharged 6.2 liter with 755 hp. This model hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. This model could be purchased with a manual or automatic transmission and a coupe or convertible body style.

Now the 2020 model is considered the eighth-generation model. This new model is the first Corvette to place the engine behind the passengers. This all-new mid-engine sports car is so much more than the next generation, this one is the next level. Now is the time to order your new Corvette from the best dealership in Camdenton. Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC has a great lineup of new vehicles to fit your budget. Not everyone is a sports car lover but if you are, the 2020 Corvette is one of a kind. See our full lineup at www.ShopHulett.com. 

Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC - That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!

513 N. Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO  65020

www.ShopHulett.com

Sales: 573.317.4191

Service:  573.317.4195

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