This week, we review the latest (but not last) generation of Corvettes, the C6 models.  The C6 was introduced in 2005, and was another all-new design, just like the preceding C5 was all-new compared to the C4.  The C6 continues the Corvette Team’s mission to improve on the previous generation in every category.  The resulting base model Corvette for 2005 boasted numbers like a 4.3 second sprint to 60 miles per hour, a 186 MPH top speed, and fuel economy ratings of 18 city/28 highway for manual equipped versions (15/25 with the 4L65-E Hydra Matic automatic).  Somehow, the team managed to undercut the cost of the base 2004 Corvette by $300.  Pretty impressive!

Since it’s 2005 introduction, the base Corvette received a new 436 HP LS3 engine, providing supercar levels of performance.  The well-sorted chassis prompted Corvette engineers to develop enhanced Corvette models, including the 505 HP Z06 (2006), 635 HP ZR1 (2009) and Grand Sport (2010) models.  Speaking of the Grand Sport, Chevrolet produced more of these in 2010 than the base model coupes and convertibles.

The C7 Corvette is currently scheduled to be introduced in 2012.  Improving on the incredible C6 is sure to be a challenge for Team Corvette, but we know they’ll deliver.

This week we’re reviewing production numbers for the C5 Corvette, produced between 1997-2004.  The development of this car and the engineers and stylists behind it are discussed in the book All Corvettes Are Red, a must-read for any C5 fan.

The C5 continued GM’s mission to constantly improve every aspect of performance, quality and functionality in its halo sports car.  The 5th generation marked the return of three distinct body styles: coupe, convertible and hard top (aka fixed roof coupe), the latter being the basis for the Z06 track terror that was introduced in 2001.  The Corvette team was given a clean slate to design the new car, resulting in innovations like a rear mounted transaxle for better weight distribution, different diameter wheels (front/rear) and, for the first time since 1962, a trunk in the convertible and hardtop that could easily accommodate a full size golf club bag.  Last but not least, the LS series of engines made their debut in the C5′s, ranging from 345HP in the base model to 405HP in the later Z06 models.

Notable C5 Corvettes include the 50th Anniversary model, the 1998 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, the Fixed Roof Coupe of 1999-2000 and 24 Hours of LeMans Commemorative Edition (pictured).

Next up in our Corvette Production Numbers series are the C4 cars.  By the time 1982 rolled around, the C3 Corvette was 14 years old and the chassis that it was based on dated back to 1963.  Needless to say, a lifetime for a chassis and body style.  The Corvette team at GM was well aware of this, and had been working feverishly on the next generation car.  Unfortunately, development and quality control issues prevented them from introducing the C4 Corvette until March of 1983, 6 months beyond the typical September new model introduction.  In short, no 1983 Corvettes were ever offered to the public; the C4 was introduced as a 1984 model.

As GM was still struggling with ever-increasing emissions regulations, the focus for early C4 Corvettes was on handling and chassis dynamics.  And they delivered, so much so that there are still many competitive C4′s at sanctioned racing events across the country.  Right out of the box, the C4 was a capable corner carver, and when the Corvette team increased power substantially in 1992 with the second-generation LT1 (300HP), the Corvette was a force to be reckoned with.

Notable C4 Corvettes are the early models with the unique Doug Nash “4+3″ overdrive manual transmissions, the 1988 35th Anniversary model (pictured), the incredible and highly anticipated ZR-1 supercars of 1989-95, and the Grand Sport and Collector Edition models from 1996, which sported a one-year only 330HP LT4.

This week we’ll continue our look at Corvette production numbers through the generations with the 1968-1982 models.  This 14-year time span was the longest for any Corvette generation to date.  Corvette team designers did a commendable job freshening the car from it’s early “chrome bumper” stage from 1968-1972 periodically until the final, lower production (in anticipation of the C4) 1982.  Notable models during this generation include the competition-ready 1968-69 L88, the well-balanced 1970-72 LT-1, the last convertible model until the introduction of the C4 (1975), the base model 1976 Corvette with only 165 emissions-controlled horses, the Silver Anniversary (pictured) and Indianapolis Pace Cars of 1978 and the hatchback-glass equipped 1982 Collector Edition.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be reviewing total factory production numbers for all generations of Corvette.  We’ll kick it off with the much-coveted straight axle cars, the C1 Corvettes.