The 2005 Corvette is available as a hatchback coupe, sporting the traditional Corvette rounded rear glass, or as a soft-top
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| The C6 is approximately 85 percent new over the C5 version. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
convertible. The coupe's removable roof panel is the closest thing to a convertible one can experience without buying the full-meal-deal. I would be more than happy to live with this arrangement. It nicely mimics a ragtop without the baggage a ragtop can bring, such as higher insurance rates and less security against break-ins and theft. Plus, the hatchback design is, in my view, more attractive than a visible fabric roof. It also provides twice the cargo capacity, 622 litres versus 311 (22 cubic feet versus 11). The new Corvette is smaller, lighter and more powerful than the previous generation. In fact, it's approximately 85 percent new over the C5 version, thanks to the vision of the Chief Engineer for the Corvette, Dave Hill. Although all C6 Corvettes come well-stocked with convenience features, a number of options, such as DVD navigation with voice recognition, OnStar, head-up display, heated seats, side impact airbags, six-disc in-dash premium Bose audio and a
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| With 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the new Vette launches with NASA-like velocity. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
transparent removable roof panel, are available as either stand-alone options or part of several option packages. Now, as promised - acceleration. With 400 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque, six perfectly-spaced gears and a generous 6,500-rpm redline, the new Vette launches with NASA-like velocity capable of keeping spines pinned to seatbacks throughout the ride. The ferocity of the forward thrust doesn't fade as the speedo's bright red needle arcs through its circular gradient. Along the way, gear changes come and go in the blink of an eye, in time with the rise and fall of the LS2's thunderous roar, leaving little doubt that the C6 has put American muscle back on top.
