A History Of The Chevrolet Corvette Through The Eyes Of 0-60 Times
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The Chevrolet Corvette has gone down as one of the world’s most iconic cars, no matter if you’re a fan or not. For decades, the Corvette has brought performance, speed and exotic looks for a fraction of the price compared to more exotic rivals.
Speaking of speed, though, Car and Driver has compiled a history lesson surrounding the Corvette, specifically through the eyes of 0-60 times. Starting way back in 1953 and moving to present day, each model year is accounted for with a speed trap time.
However, it was humble beginnings for the 1953 Corvette, especially since a V8 engine wouldn’t surface for a couple more years. The 1953 Corvette would scoot to 60 mph in 11 seconds. The 1955 model year would introduce the aforementioned V8 engine and quicken its 0-60 pace to 8.7 seconds.
Moving into the C2 Corvette, by 1967, the Corvette was quick even by today’s standards. With the 435 hp L89 engine, it would clock 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
The C3 Corvette saw its impressive times slide due to emission regulations. The slowest time clocked through the C3’s glory days was a 7.8 second run in 1978.
Ah, but then things came alive once again in 1990 when the C4 Corvette ZR-1 arrived on the scene with an LT5 V8 engine. The ZR-1 would hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, the first to outdo the 1967 Corvette with the L89 engine.
And in 2002, Chevrolet would introduce the C5 Z06, which would cut the 0-60 time down to just 4 seconds. The C6 Corvette Z06, with its 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine, would move to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, only to be matched by a reborn ZR1 and a 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 engine.
Then, the C7 Corvette happened. The C7 Corvette Z06 would cut the time down to a brisk 3 seconds with its 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 engine. Not to mention, the entry level Corvette Stingray would clock a 3.7 second time.
The Corvette’s front engine times may soon be over, though, as we anticipate some revolutionary changes in store from a mid-engine Corvette. Should it come to fruition, we’d imagine those times may drop even lower.
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Plenty fast for street and track days and at a bargain price. Thanks Chevrolet and Engineers. Zora is proud.
My first Corvette was a 63′ Stingray Roadster that I got before I was twenty one, Sixteen since then. A Grand Sport is in my future, but the V6-1LE is on its way for trips/touring. Order went in today.
Seriously people! What GM needs to do is to incorporate SIDI Technology into their current line of OHV V-8s. Listen up folks, the LTI V-8 gets 17mpg city and 29mpg highway vs the BMW 3.0TT M3/4 17-18pmg city and24-26 highway ratings. So who the hell are we fooling about DOHC being so superior to OHV engines in terms of mpg ratings? Further, none of the DOHC V-8s though smaller in displacement than GM 6.2 found in the SUV/Truck segment, can beat the 6.2 in mpg ratings. Additionally, not even Fords 3.5TT V-6 with its 10-speed can’t even shame GM’s OHV when it comes to fuel efficiency.
I can further emphasize that the Hennessy Venom 1244 BHP OHV 7.0 V-8 in mid-engine form, actually has mpg ratings of 15mpg city and 24mpg highway, which trumps the Ferrari 688 BHP DOHC 3.9 liter V-8. Of course I might be wrong, but anyone who has other stats can put me in my placed. So what GM needs to do is to incorporate that SIDI Twin Turbo technology in its latest OHV with better transmissions to give its trucks, SUVs and cars a performance advantage.
Don’t know ’bout y’all, but I didn’t buy a C7 to brag about the gas mileage!
Good to great MPG is important to some of us.
Respect for our planet and the future of our grandkids is one of them. And, the future of performance cars being offered and available in the future is another one. Both depend on using as little fuel as possible. For every Gallon of gas burned, 18 pounds of pollutants are produced and enter our atmosphere and ground and surface waters. Less fuel consumption, means cleaner air and water. GM has nearly always led the field in fuel mileage.
Variance I think you set the wrong year on your time machine. In 6 days it will be 2017. SIDI has been in gm v8 back in model year 2014. Reset your time machine and go back five more years then your post will make a lot more sense.
I’m with Valiance…To go for a design difference only to appease and persuade the BMW (Bowel Movement Wagon) and Porsche crowds crowd is feudal. They’ll always be turning up their noses at anything but their own choice of conceit. If GM added twin-turbos, compounded aftercoolers, and enhanced (much more is available) exhaust systems – with the money they’re imprisoned to spend on twin overhead cams and the like, they’d AGAIN come up with more profitable, less expensive and yes, more durable engines (simplicity always pays – check NASCAR engine designs)……… GM PUSH RODS FOREVER!!
I own both engines in a 14 vette and a 335i tt 3l. No way does the V8 outdo the Beemer(daily driver) for mpg. There is a whole difference reason for driving the vette and getting the best mileage is last on the list.
I’ve read that the mid-rear engined cars usually have a front/rear weight distribution of 40/60 and front engines 50/50 or worse. And one manufacturer (don’t recall who?) I heard said 45/55 was ideal (road racing). Is C7 the longest wheelbase generation? Either way they go, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next gen options some type of electric front drive along the way.
WHAT IS THE 0 TO 60 TIMES