New Corvette on Power Trip

In about the time it takes to read this sentence, the new '05 Chevrolet Corvette can accelerate from 0-60 mph. Four seconds.

The greatest American sports car is even greater with the introduction of the sixth-generation Corvette.

The ride and handling upgrades offered by the C6 vs. the outgoing C5 don't repeat the quantum leap experienced in 1997 when the big fifth-generation Corvette pushed aside the skinny C4. But the C6 still will turn heads — and profits for General Motors Corp.

Pricing for the base coupe with the standard 6-speed manual transmission begins at $44,245 — a $1,305 reduction compared with the base ‘04 Corvette, which was equipped with a standard automatic. The '05 coupe currently is hitting dealerships.

The price reductions are needed. Granted, many Corvette competitors cost more. But to be truly considered America's sports car, Corvette's ownership base needs to diversify beyond rich, middle-aged men.

The C6 offers more horsepower for less money than the C5. The new V-8 6.0L base engine cranks out 400-hp — up from the C5's 350-hp — and a top speed of 186 mph, GM says.

That is the fastest Corvette in the car's 51-year history.