Chevrolet Corvette Model History

Receiving a revolutionary fifth-generation redesign for the 1997 model year, the Chevrolet Corvette was considered reborn. Presented initially as a coupe, the convertible version came in 1998. In 1999, a notchback hardtop body option was added. Powered by a 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 engine producing 345 horsepower, the fifth-generation Corvette incorporated advanced construction materials and better handling thanks to better weight distribution.

A rear axle mounted transmission was a first for the production Chevrolet Corvette. While the stock Corvette received a mild five horsepower engine power increase for 2001, the year also introduced the 385-horsepower Z06 model (increased to 405 horsepower the following year). The Chevrolet Corvette Z06’s power was complemented by several weight-saving attributes making it a strong track performer. For 2005, the Chevrolet Corvette replaced the sports car’s concealed headlights in favor of body-conforming front lamps. Standard engine power was bumped to 400 horsepower with a 6-liter V-8 powerplant added for the 2005 model year (increased once again to 430 in 2008).

A new Corvette Z06 came the following year with a 7-liter eight-cylinder engine generating 505 horsepower. Becoming the most power production Chevrolet Corvette ever built, the ZR1 model arrived in 2009. A supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 generated 638 horsepower and allowed the sports car to reach a 205-mile per hour top speed. For 2010, a Grand Sport version of the Chevrolet Corvette offered a series of performance enhancements for the base engine vehicle. For 2014, the Chevrolet Corvette matures into a brand-new shape powered by a 455-horsepower, high technology LT1 V-8 engine.