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Description
Launched in the fall of 2004, the Corvette C6 was very similar to its previous generation, with changes in technical improvements, the front and rear of the car, among other things. Its fifth generation had undergone a major redesign in all areas, from the new frame, manufactured with a new method that was hydroforming, to the new family of LS engines. The frame was modified again, offering about 13 cm (5.1 inches) less length, but with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

The transmissions continued in "transaxle" architecture, supported on the rear axle and the mechanics were increased in displacement and heavily modified. As for its suspensions, they were completely new and did not share any elements with the previous generation, also having the active "Magnetic Ride Control" system.

It debuted the new V8 LS2 engine, an evolution of the 5665 cm³ aluminum LS1 that rose to 5967 cm³ and its power to 405 HP, only 5 horses less than the LS6 of the previous C5 Z06 version. Starting in 2008, Chevrolet presented a new engine for the base model, called LS3, being an evolution of the LS2 that grew to 6,162 cm³ and up to 430 HP. It accelerated from 0 100 in 3.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

In its aesthetics it maintained the general characteristics of the C5, but with a more profiled finish, abandoning the soft edges and rounded shapes for a more robust presence, with very marked edges. The first distinguishable feature was the disappearance of the retractable type front lights, which had been present on the model since 1962, which according to the brand, was for aerodynamic reasons and inheritance of the sporting experience of the successful C5-R , which also had great sporting success in several championships and continents. It offered a much more open and complete range, with numerous mechanical versions and special editions, among which the anniversary one for the first century of the brand's life stands out. In some years it had up to seven different versions, including limited editions and versions with higher features. As for their body types, they continued to be coupe and convertible, abandoning the third Hardtop option that debuted as an access variant of the fifth generation C5.

The Z51 package could be optionally ordered, which included improvements in cooling, stiffer suspension thanks to new shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bars, larger perforated brake discs and new tires. The available transmissions were both manual and six-speed automatic, in both cases and in the latter with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, this being the first time in the history of the Corvette model. This Z51 package was available until 2010, when Chevrolet launched a new Grand Sport version that replaced it, installing all new components and the LS3 engine. Both this and the Z51 performance pack were an option, since it included many of the elements that characterized the Z06 version.

The Z06 version was born in 2006, the year after being presented, which presented the new 7011 cm³ LS7 block with dry sump. It was handcrafted, being a profound evolution of the previous LS6. With about 505 HP, this new Z06 added profound changes with respect to the base model, to which are added a larger front grille and extensive lightening work, which included the front and front fender made of carbon fiber, lightweight 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear, as well as a disc brake with six-piston calipers on the front axle and four at the rear.

In 2009, the arrival of the Corvette C6 ZR1 was announced, the most improved version of the Corvette that reached 620 HP. Various elements of the ZR-1 were also included in the Z06, starting in 2011, such as carbon-ceramic brakes, active suspension and various elements made of carbon fiber.

Until 2013, 215,125 units were produced in all its versions, including its special versions, fewer units than the Corvette C5. For example: In 2009, the limited edition GT1 Championship Edition was presented, which celebrated the debut of the Corvette C6.R in the GT1 class of the 2009 American Le Mans Series championship, which was available in both coupe and goat bodies, in addition to the Z06 features. The base versions had the Z51 package and a special exhaust system. Another example would be in 2012, when the 100 years of the founding of the brand were celebrated, so it had a special anniversary edition called "Centennial Edition" that featured a Carbon Flash Metallic paint finish, Magnetic Control Ride adaptive suspension and various matte finishes, like the wheels, which also sported a red line.

The sixth generation C6 said goodbye with the 60th Anniversary version, which was marketed in the form of an optional package for the entire range for the anniversary in the 2013 model, which included the special Arctic White paint with silver racing stripes. and the interior in blue leather, with anagrams alluding to the 60th anniversary. In January 2013, its successor was presented: a very renewed C7 that resumed the name Stingray. The technological leap of this was important, bringing it even closer to the tastes of European sports car customers.

Both this one, as well as the Corvette C5, especially its racing editions, are my all-time favorites. This photo is the first one where I appear, dressed as a runner, and I had planned to do a story about it. But as time goes by, I forgot until now, when I saw my things saved in the Stash. And this, like a few other photos I took of Gran Turismo, was taken last year. You just have to see the information on what date and what time I took it out in the country where I live (Chile). If you're wondering about the history of the C6-R , there it is.

And it's good that I discovered Stash, since it saves the photos I take so I don't forget them like others that I have saved on a Pendrive.

Anyway, I hope you liked the story of one of my favorite American sports cars. Its production may continue for sale, since its eighth generation, the C8, came out in 2020, so it will continue to sell on the streets until this publication date. But the only thing that was sad is that his racing team, which began to debut in 1999, retired last year. But at least video games save it, like Gran Turismo for example, where we can modify it or drive it to our liking, both its street and racing versions, listen to that great sound and feel the handling of that V8, which in its day It was the best American sports car of the mid-2000s.

Description
Launched in the fall of 2004, the Corvette C6 was very similar to its previous generation, with changes in technical improvements, the front and rear of the car, among other things. Its fifth generation had undergone a major redesign in all areas, from the new frame, manufactured with a new method that was hydroforming, to the new family of LS engines. The frame was modified again, offering about 13 cm (5.1 inches) less length, but with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

The transmissions continued in "transaxle" architecture, supported on the rear axle and the mechanics were increased in displacement and heavily modified. As for its suspensions, they were completely new and did not share any elements with the previous generation, also having the active "Magnetic Ride Control" system.

It debuted the new V8 LS2 engine, an evolution of the 5665 cm³ aluminum LS1 that rose to 5967 cm³ and its power to 405 HP, only 5 horses less than the LS6 of the previous C5 Z06 version. Starting in 2008, Chevrolet presented a new engine for the base model, called LS3, being an evolution of the LS2 that grew to 6,162 cm³ and up to 430 HP. It accelerated from 0 100 in 3.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

In its aesthetics it maintained the general characteristics of the C5, but with a more profiled finish, abandoning the soft edges and rounded shapes for a more robust presence, with very marked edges. The first distinguishable feature was the disappearance of the retractable type front lights, which had been present on the model since 1962, which according to the brand, was for aerodynamic reasons and inheritance of the sporting experience of the successful C5-R , which also had great sporting success in several championships and continents. It offered a much more open and complete range, with numerous mechanical versions and special editions, among which the anniversary one for the first century of the brand's life stands out. In some years it had up to seven different versions, including limited editions and versions with higher features. As for their body types, they continued to be coupe and convertible, abandoning the third Hardtop option that debuted as an access variant of the fifth generation C5.

The Z51 package could be optionally ordered, which included improvements in cooling, stiffer suspension thanks to new shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bars, larger perforated brake discs and new tires. The available transmissions were both manual and six-speed automatic, in both cases and in the latter with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, this being the first time in the history of the Corvette model. This Z51 package was available until 2010, when Chevrolet launched a new Grand Sport version that replaced it, installing all new components and the LS3 engine. Both this and the Z51 performance pack were an option, since it included many of the elements that characterized the Z06 version.

The Z06 version was born in 2006, the year after being presented, which presented the new 7011 cm³ LS7 block with dry sump. It was handcrafted, being a profound evolution of the previous LS6. With about 505 HP, this new Z06 added profound changes with respect to the base model, to which are added a larger front grille and extensive lightening work, which included the front and front fender made of carbon fiber, lightweight 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear, as well as a disc brake with six-piston calipers on the front axle and four at the rear.

In 2009, the arrival of the Corvette C6 ZR1 was announced, the most improved version of the Corvette that reached 620 HP. Various elements of the ZR-1 were also included in the Z06, starting in 2011, such as carbon-ceramic brakes, active suspension and various elements made of carbon fiber.

Until 2013, 215,125 units were produced in all its versions, including its special versions, fewer units than the Corvette C5. For example: In 2009, the limited edition GT1 Championship Edition was presented, which celebrated the debut of the Corvette C6.R in the GT1 class of the 2009 American Le Mans Series championship, which was available in both coupe and goat bodies, in addition to the Z06 features. The base versions had the Z51 package and a special exhaust system. Another example would be in 2012, when the 100 years of the founding of the brand were celebrated, so it had a special anniversary edition called "Centennial Edition" that featured a Carbon Flash Metallic paint finish, Magnetic Control Ride adaptive suspension and various matte finishes, like the wheels, which also sported a red line.

The sixth generation C6 said goodbye with the 60th Anniversary version, which was marketed in the form of an optional package for the entire range for the anniversary in the 2013 model, which included the special Arctic White paint with silver racing stripes. and the interior in blue leather, with anagrams alluding to the 60th anniversary. In January 2013, its successor was presented: a very renewed C7 that resumed the name Stingray. The technological leap of this was important, bringing it even closer to the tastes of European sports car customers.

Both this one, as well as the Corvette C5, especially its racing editions, are my all-time favorites. This photo is the first one where I appear, dressed as a runner, and I had planned to do a story about it. But as time goes by, I forgot until now, when I saw my things saved in the Stash. And this, like a few other photos I took of Gran Turismo, was taken last year. You just have to see the information on what date and what time I took it out in the country where I live (Chile). If you're wondering about the history of the C6-R , there it is.

And it's good that I discovered Stash, since it saves the photos I take so I don't forget them like others that I have saved on a Pendrive.

Anyway, I hope you liked the story of one of my favorite American sports cars. Its production may continue for sale, since its eighth generation, the C8, came out in 2020, so it will continue to sell on the streets until this publication date. But the only thing that was sad is that his racing team, which began to debut in 1999, retired last year. But at least video games save it, like Gran Turismo for example, where we can modify it or drive it to our liking, both its street and racing versions, listen to that great sound and feel the handling of that V8, which in its day It was the best American sports car of the mid-2000s.