The Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005-2013) carried over the C5's basic formula, a hydroformed steel perimeter frame with composite body panels and a rear transaxle, but shrank 5.1 inches in length and brought back fixed exposed headlamps for the first time since 1962. Base power came from the 400 hp LS2 through 2007, then the 430 hp LS3 from 2008 on. The Z06 (2006-2013) ran the hand-built 505 hp LS7 on its own aluminum frame, and the ZR1 (2009-2013) topped the range with the supercharged 638 hp LS9. The Grand Sport replaced the Z51 package in 2010, and 2013 closed the run with the 427 Convertible and a 60th Anniversary package.
Other Chevrolet Corvette generations
Platform and body
The 2005-2013 Corvette C6 kept the C5's basic layout, a hydroformed steel perimeter frame with composite body panels and a rear-mounted transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution. The car got 5.1 inches shorter and an inch narrower than the C5 while riding on a slightly longer wheelbase (105.7 inches), which tightened the overhangs. Fixed exposed headlamps replaced pop-ups, the first Corvette so equipped since 1962. Suspension stayed with double wishbones and transverse composite leaf springs at both ends, with Magnetic Selective Ride Control (RPO F55) optional on base and Grand Sport cars and standard on ZR1.
Engine lineup
- LS2, 6.0L V8: 400 hp and 400 lb-ft, base engine 2005-2007.
- LS3, 6.2L V8: 430 hp (436 hp with the NPP dual-mode exhaust option), base engine 2008-2013, also fitted to the Grand Sport.
- LS7, 7.0L V8: 505 hp and 470 lb-ft, dry-sump, hand-built. Z06 from 2006, and the 427 Convertible in 2013.
- LS9, supercharged 6.2L V8: 638 hp and 604 lb-ft with an Eaton TVS supercharger, ZR1 2009-2013.
Drivetrain and transmissions
All C6s are front-engine, rear-drive with the transmission mounted at the rear axle. Base 2005 cars offered a Tremec T56 6-speed manual or the 4L65-E 4-speed automatic. For 2006 the automatic became the 6L80 6-speed with paddle shift, a real improvement for the torque converter cars. The manual moved to the stronger Tremec TR6060 for 2008, in both the base car and the Z06. Z06 and ZR1 were manual only, T56 in the 2006-2007 Z06 and TR6060 after. Grand Sport coupes ordered with the manual got a dry-sump LS3, a differential cooler, and a rear-mounted battery, a detail worth checking when buying.
Year-by-year changes
- 2005: C6 debuts as coupe and convertible, LS2 at 400 hp.
- 2006: Z06 arrives with the 505 hp LS7, aluminum frame, wider body, fixed roof. 6L80 6-speed automatic replaces the 4-speed.
- 2008: LS3 replaces LS2, 430/436 hp. TR6060 manual, revised interior trim and steering.
- 2009: ZR1 launches, 638 hp LS9, carbon fiber roof, hood, fenders, and splitter, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.
- 2010: Grand Sport replaces the Z51 package, Z06-style wide body on the steel frame with the LS3. Launch control added on manuals.
- 2011: Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, a short run with the ZR1's carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the first Z06 offered with either.
- 2012: Z06 gains the available Z07 package and ZR1 the PDE package, both with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup ZP tires and lighter Cup wheels. New seats with larger bolsters and a new steering wheel across the line.
- 2013: Final year. 427 Convertible pairs the 505 hp LS7 with the convertible body for the first time. 60th Anniversary package available on all models.
Trims and variants
The lineup ran base coupe and convertible, Z51 performance package (through 2009), Grand Sport (2010-2013), Z06 (2006-2013), and ZR1 (2009-2013). The Z06 sat on its own aluminum frame with a magnesium engine cradle and came only as a fixed-roof coupe. The ZR1 used that aluminum structure plus extensive carbon fiber and a polycarbonate hood window showing the supercharger cover. The 2013 427 Convertible was effectively a Z06 convertible in all but name, LS7 power in the standard steel-frame drop-top with Grand Sport width and carbon fiber hood, fenders, and floor panels. For buyers today, 2008-up cars get the LS3 and the better TR6060 gearbox, and any LS7 car deserves a valve-guide wear check before purchase, a known issue owners test with a leak-down and wiggle inspection.
Asked all the time
What engines did the C6 Corvette come with?
The 2005-2007 Corvette C6 used the 6.0-liter LS2 V8 at 400 hp. From 2008 the base engine was the 6.2-liter LS3 at 430 hp, or 436 hp with the optional dual-mode exhaust. The Z06 (2006-2013) ran the 7.0-liter LS7 at 505 hp, and the ZR1 (2009-2013) used the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 at 638 hp.
Which C6 Corvette years are best to buy?
Most buyers target 2008-2013 C6 Corvettes for the LS3 engine and the stronger TR6060 6-speed manual. The 2010-2013 Grand Sport adds the wide body and, on manual coupes, a dry-sump LS3 with a differential cooler and rear-mounted battery. Avoid nothing outright, but 2005 automatics carry the older 4-speed 4L65-E.
What is the difference between the C6 Z06 and ZR1?
The C6 Z06 (2006-2013) uses a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter LS7 at 505 hp on an aluminum frame. The C6 ZR1 (2009-2013) adds a supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 at 638 hp, carbon fiber body panels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and standard Magnetic Ride. Both are manual only.
What changed on the Corvette in 2008?
For 2008 the base Corvette C6 swapped the 400 hp LS2 for the 6.2-liter LS3 at 430 hp (436 with the NPP dual-mode exhaust), and the 6-speed manual moved from the Tremec T56 to the stronger TR6060. Interior trim and steering were also revised.
What is the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible?
The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible was a final-year C6 special that put the Z06's 505 hp 7.0-liter LS7 into the convertible body with Grand Sport width and carbon fiber hood, fenders, and floor panels, manual transmission only. It was the first factory convertible Corvette with the LS7.
What should I check before buying a C6 Z06 or 427 Convertible?
On any LS7-powered C6 (Z06 2006-2013, 427 Convertible 2013), check exhaust valve guide wear, the engine's known weak point. A compression and leak-down test plus a valve wiggle inspection during a pre-purchase check is standard practice, since guide failure can drop a valve.
The wall · registered 2005–2013 Corvettes
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