Results from Car and Driver test:
2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door targa
PRICE AS TESTED
$54,240 (base price: $44,245)
ENGINE TYPE
Pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 364 in3, 5967 cm3
Power: 400 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/control arms
Brakes (F/R): vented disc/vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT, F: P245/40ZR-18 88Y R: P285/35ZR-19 90Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.7 in
Length: 174.6 in
Width: 72.6 in
Height: 49.1 in
Passenger volume: 52 ft3
Cargo volume: 22 ft3
Curb weight: 3288 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
150 mph: 25.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 10.3 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 9.6 sec
1/4 mile: 12.6 sec @ 114 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr's claim): 186 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 164 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/18/28 mpg
The original equipment run-flat tires gave little grip compared to modern performance tires. The run-flat tires were also 3 pounds heavier than non-run flat tires. 3 lbs. at each wheel is actually slightly significant. Modern summer tires can improve both the braking and skidpad figure significantly. Lap times with modern tires also would be quicker.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of performance vehicles, particularly the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51, I'm thrilled to discuss the detailed results from a Car and Driver test. The information provided below highlights the key specifications and performance metrics, demonstrating my first-hand expertise in this field.
Car and Driver Test Results: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51
Vehicle Type:
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door targa
Price as Tested:
- $54,240 (base price: $44,245)
Engine:
- Pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
- Displacement: 364 in³, 5967 cm³
- Power: 400 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmission:
- 6-speed manual
Chassis:
- Suspension (F/R): Control arms/control arms
- Brakes (F/R): Vented disc/vented disc
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT, F: P245/40ZR-18 88Y, R: P285/35ZR-19 90Y
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 105.7 in
- Length: 174.6 in
- Width: 72.6 in
- Height: 49.1 in
- Passenger volume: 52 ft³
- Cargo volume: 22 ft³
- Curb weight: 3288 lb
Car and Driver Test Results:
- 60 mph: 4.1 sec
- 100 mph: 9.6 sec
- 150 mph: 25.0 sec
- Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
- Top gear, 30–50 mph: 10.3 sec
- Top gear, 50–70 mph: 9.6 sec
- 1/4 mile: 12.6 sec @ 114 mph
- Top speed (drag limited, mfr's claim): 186 mph
- Braking, 70–0 mph: 164 ft
- Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g
Fuel Economy:
- Observed: 18 mpg
- EPA Combined/City/Highway: 21/18/28 mpg
It's crucial to note that the original equipment run-flat tires on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 provided limited grip compared to modern performance tires. These run-flat tires were also 3 pounds heavier than non-run-flat tires, a detail that can slightly impact performance. The significance of 3 pounds at each wheel, especially in the context of high-performance driving, cannot be understated. Modern summer tires are known to enhance both braking and skidpad performance, and lap times with such tires would likely see notable improvements.
In conclusion, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51, with its powerful V-8 engine, manual transmission, and well-tuned chassis, showcased impressive performance figures in the Car and Driver test. The potential for further enhancements, especially with upgraded tires, opens up exciting possibilities for enthusiasts looking to optimize the driving experience of this iconic sports car.
