The optional 4-speed automatic transmission has been strengthened to withstand the impressive 400 lb.-ft. of twist spooled by the engine. Both a five-pinion planetary gear set and a four-plate oil cooler have been added to increase performance and add protection. Performance Algorithm Shifting assists electronically, picking the proper gear for a given driving circumstance. Hard cornering, for example, is aided by a transmission that knows not to shift unnecessarily.
Hard cornering also relies on C6’s suspension, which is entirely new. No pieces have been carried over from the previous C5. The front and rear double-wishbone setups include revised control arms, springs, dampers, stabilizer bars, and steering equipment. Chevrolet offers three suspension configurations on the 2005 Vette to suite various driving preferences. Corvette Standard suspension balances ride quality with sharp handling, and is the base setup. Magnetic Selective Ride Control adds special magneto-rheological dampers that detect road surfaces and adjust almost instantly. The Z51 Performance Package yields a race-ready design, featuring harder dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, larger cross-drilled brake rotors, and special Goodyear Supercar tires. Throughout the suspension lineup, Extended Mobility Tires use run-flat technology and special compounds to improve handling and bump absorption while providing security and convenience by avoiding flat tire situations.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. Base rotor diameters are 12.8 in. up front and 12 in. out back. The Z51 package increases the fronts to 13.4 and the rears to 13. Active Handling stability control employs the ABS and traction control to create a web of safety. GM emphasizes, however, that these electronic assistants will not hamper spirited driving.
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