Mods included Z06 screens and ducts, StopForce rotors, red calipers, speed bleeders, chromed Z06 rims with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, full black-outs, custom drilled airbox, and Borla Stinger quad-round exhaust.

We have have raced Road America, Gingerman, Putnam Park, Blackhawk Farms, and various Autocross events.

FROM GENERAL MOTORS:

Backbone Structure

The C5 Corvette structure, consisting of a strong perimeter frame combined with a center backbone, provides an impressive level of rigidity. This robust design allows Corvette's independent suspension to be tuned precisely for driver control and freedom from impact harshness.

The C5 Corvette was designed to be a convertible, even though the convertible didn't actually debut until a year after the coupe. As a result, the C5 convertible has received accolades for its structural integrity, great noise isolation and relatively low level of wind buffeting during top-down operation.

In 1999 a fixed roof hardtop model was added to the lineup - becoming the stiffest, lightest and quickest Corvette available. It was offered only with the 6-speed manual transmission and the Z51 Performance suspension. The Corvette Team indicated right from the beginning that the hardtop would be further developed in the performance dimension, and with the introduction of the Z06 that promise has been kept.

Double Wishbone Suspension
An SLA (Short and Long-Arm) suspension with aluminum double wishbones and knuckles is used at each corner. This suspension design contributes to a compliant ride, while providing impressive response, especially during aggressive cornering.

Control Technologies
Variable Effort Steering: All Corvettes come with Magna-Steer, a speed-sensitive, variable-effort power steering system. This computer-controlled system, combined with a rack-and-pinion steering gear, provides maximum steering assist for parking and precise steering feel at higher speeds.

ABS with Four-Wheel Discs: A premium four-wheel disc brake system with ABS is standard on all Corvette models. The brake rotors are large and well vented for powerful and robust braking performance. Premium non-metallic linings provide smooth, quiet braking.

Standard Traction Control: A full-function Traction Control system is also standard on every Corvette. It works in conjunction with ABS and electronic throttle control to optimize traction by reducing tire slip on many surfaces. An on-off switch is provided.

Active Handling: A sophisticated stability control system that utilizes special sensors to measure yaw, lateral acceleration and steering wheel position, then brings into play the combined power of Corvette's standard ABS and traction control system to smoothly assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control in oversteer or understeer situations.

For Release: July 1, 2000

2001 CORVETTE OFFERS MORE

DETROIT - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Another enhancement, now standard on coupes and convertibles, is a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, which is lighter and more durable.

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," Hill said. "Second-Generation Active Handling and improved comfort and convenience add luster to America's most enduring high performance sports car."