As printed in For Vettes Only in February 1997.
Maybe, finally, it’s time to get excited again. Maybe the fifth generation Corvette is, as Dave Hill, Vehicle Line Executive Chief Engineer says, “the best Vette yet.”
We know there are Vette owners, who won’t want to hear it, but following an introduction that promised Corvette had become a true world-class car, the thrill of C4 seemed to cool quickly. Our expectations were not met. The fourth generation produced some fine cars, just nothing extraordinary.
And so, for the fifth time in history, Chevrolet has recreated the legend. The 1997 Corvette is designed to excel in those areas of greatest importance to Corvette customers: Ride and handling; performance, comfort, and “overall refinement.” (Exactly what the Chevy folks mean by “overall refinement,” we’re not certain.)
According to hill, “the engineers and designers considered every aspect of the vehicle for potential improvement. We examined our weal points and turned them into strengths. Things that were good, we made great. Things that were great are now even better. It provides more sports car for the money than anything in its market segment. It’ll pull nearly 1 g, and it starts and stops quicker than you can blink.
“Corvette is now and will continue to be Chevrolet’s flagship,” said Chevrolet General Manager John Middlebrook. “Corvette is much more than just a car, it’s a lover affair.”
The foundation for many of Corvette’s improvements is its underbody structure, which is considerably stiffer for 1997. The result is a combination of better ride and handling, as well as more usable space. The company also claims a quality improvement.
The heart of Vette’s new structure is a full-length, outer perimeter frame made – in part – using hydroformed side rails. These side rails are made of a single piece of tubular steel, replacing the 14 parts previously used. The stiffer underbody structure promotes a quieter, more vibration-free environment.
By stiffening the underbody structure, engineers were able to reduce structural variation and movement, and improve ride and handling through suspension modifications. The suspension design is a Corvette exclusive.
This new suspension is height-adjustable. Each car’s suspension is adjusted during production according to its specific option content. Now, theoretically, every Vette off the line is consistent in terms of ride and handling.
Under the hood of every new Corvette is a brand new LS1 small block 5.7-liter V-8. The previous small block’s displacement, traditional pushrod design and 440 bore centers are retained, but that’s where the similarity to the “old “ engine ends. The new aluminum small block is the first of its kind for Corvette. Its “deep skirt” design helps reduce engine noise and vibration.
Other improvements include a simplified valve train, unique “extended sump” oil pan, redesigned pistons, composite intake manifold, revised ignitions system and dual-wall stainless steel exhaust manifold. The LS1 is GM’s first gasoline engine with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), resulting in more precise throttle response through all rpm ranges. The LS1 produces 345 horsepower and 200 lbs-ft torque; more than either engine offered on the ’96 Corvette.
Also new for ’97 is a rear-mounted transmission configuration that enabled engineers and designers to open additional interior space.
Research said that no matter what was done in the design of the fifth generation Corvette, it had to “look” like a Corvette. So, designers included touches such as side air scoops which continue to the door panels like the side coves which first appeared in 1956, the quad tail lamps that debuted in 1961 and hidden headlamps characteristic of the 1963 Sting Ray.
Beneath the skin, the new Vette features a redesigned architecture that creates more space for people and cargo. The ’97 Vette features more head, leg and shoulder room than the previous model. Footwell width has been increased on both sides; enough on the driver’s side to allow room for a “dead pedal.”/span>
Rear cargo area has nearly doubled. And “reachover” distance has been shortened to make trunk access easier.
Corvette’s 1997 wheelbase is 8.3 inches longer with a wider track (equal in the rear to the ZR-1), providing greater stability.
Overall, the new Vette is put together to be more comfortable and more user friendly. The standard leather bucket seats and power driver’s side adjuster have been designed for improved comfort and support. Instruments, switches and controls are located with the intent of creating an intuitive environment, responsive to the driver’s needs.
A lockable, lighted glove box is standard for the first time since 1993. The center console has been redesigned to hold cassettes, CDs, portable phone, sunglasses and what-have-you.
On the outside, Corvette’s hood is lighter, easier to open and close. The removable top has been simplified so no special tools are needed for removal. Doors are lighter and well balanced, and openings are larger, making entrance and exit easier.
The 1997 Corvette is built exclusively in Bowling Green, KY, Corvettes home since 1981.
Will the ’97 Vette turn out to be, as Dave Hill suggest, “the vest Vette yet?” That, of course, remains to be seen. What we’ve seen so far portends well.
