Chevrolet Corvette C5

With a presence on the US scene for nearly 50 years, the Corvette has the longest production run of any supercar, the 1997 C5 being the fifth generation. An all-new small-block V8 engine called the LSI was designed for the C5, and it returned to pushrods. With new cylinder heads, a composite induction system, electronic fuel injection plus electronic throttle control, the motor revved in an instant like a race car and was strong throughout the range. Having a glass-fibre body and magnesium wheels, the Corvette stayed relatively lightweight. The floor was balsa wood sandwiched between steel sheets to help stiffen the structure, while the steel chassis had a few tricks up its sleeve, with alloy suspension arms and a composite monoleaf rear spring. The gearbox was part of the transaxle at the rear, thus distributing the weight evenly and making the handling superb.

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Specifications