2004 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: GM Introduces Sixth Generation Corvette

50 Years After First Corvette Roared Onto Highways, GM Introduces Sixth Generation of Sports Car

DETROIT January 5, 2004; John Porretto writing for the AP reported that a little more than 50 years after the first Corvette roared onto American highways, General Motors Corp. introduced the sixth generation of its iconic sports car.

The new Corvette, whose unveiling Sunday night came during the first of three media preview days at the North American International Auto Show, will go on sale in the third quarter of the year and replace a model introduced in 1997. Current models sell for about $50,000.

Dave Hill, the car's chief engineer, said the new C6, as it's called internally, represents a comprehensive upgrade that includes improved handling, acceleration and braking.

"Our goal was a performance car at home in virtually any environment," Hill said. "That means more than just raw performance. It calls for improved ride comfort, a precisely built and technically sophisticated interior, and a sleek new body that's fresh and contemporary, while still instantly recognized as the new Corvette."

The C6 is 5 inches shorter and 1 inch narrower than the current edition and features a new 6-liter V-8 engine. Capable of generating 400 horsepower, it's the most powerful engine ever offered in a Corvette.

One distinct new exterior feature is a return to exposed headlamps that replace the retractable beams used since 1962.

Jeff Schuster, an analyst with J.D. Power and Associates, said the challenge when revamping a car like the Corvette is keeping it true to its heritage while adding freshness.

"They took some risk by going away from the flip-up headlamps, which might be a little off-putting to some purists, but I think the rest of the vehicle will make up for it," Schuster said. "It wreaks performance."

GM has sold more than 1.4 million Corvettes since the first one rolled off the Chevrolet assembly line on June 30, 1953, in Flint, Mich. The car has starred in movies, inspired singers and endured for 50 years.

General Motors Corp., http://www.gm.com