Modern Corvette Sting Ray 2005 –

Modern Corvette Sting Ray 2005 –

The 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models all belong to the C6 generation. Up until know, they have been quite similar to the C5 generation and this has caused Corvette aficionados to nickname the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models “Corvette Generation C5.5”.

The 2005 Corvette Sting Ray had the same suspension system as the 2004 Corvette Sting Ray, only with a few modifications such as improved on-center steering feel. Since many car enthusiasts had criticized the C5 Corvettes for being too big, the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray was smaller. The 2005 model was 5.1 inches shorter than the 2004 model and also 1 inch narrower. The wheelbase had however increased in size and was 1.2 inches longer.

A highly debated change with the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models was the exposed headlights. Hidden headlights had been included in traditional Corvette design since the first unit of the second generation Corvettes was released in 1963. To overcome aerodynamic problems, eliminate the risk of jamming, decrease weight and lower the price, the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models broke the hidden headlights tradition and opted for exposed headlights. The 2005 Corvette Sting Ray featured an integrated lighting system with High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon lights and had head beams consisting of tungsten-halogen projector lenses.

During the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray period, the amazing Corvette Z06 was introduced. This Corvette was not available during 2005, it wasn’t released until 2006. The Corvette Z06 had a 427 cu. in. (7 litres) engine that reminded car enthusiast of the old “big block” engines of the past. The compression ratio for the Corvette Z06 engine was 11.0:1. It had connection rods and intake valves made out of titanium and the exhaust valves utilized sodium. Unlike most other cars, oil was not stored in a sump at the bottom of the engine. The Corvette Z06 engine was instead equipped with dry sump lubrication and the oil was to be found in a separate eight quart oil tank. A pump was used to continuously provide the engine with sufficient amounts of oil and this improved reliability during high performance driving.

The 2007 Corvette Sting Ray was not that different from the 2006 Corvette Sting Ray, with the exception of a few notable improvements. Improved air bag technology made it possible to provide the 2007 Corvette Sting Ray with a more glove compartment space. The Magnetic Selective Ride Control option had also changed a lot by the inclusion of cross-drilled brakes.

The last of the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models, the 2008 Corvette Sting Ray, will reportedly be based on the Kappa platform. The Kappa platform was constructed by General Motors in an effort to produce the perfect platform for a two-seat, rear-wheel drive convertible. It has already been used in the 2006 Pontiac Solstice and the 2007 Saturn Sky and received quite a lot of praise for its short-long arm type independent suspension. The Kappa platform is really quite similar to solutions that have already been used in Corvettes and features hydroformed rails and a tunnel structure. If the reports are to be believed, the last of the 2005-2008 Corvette Sting Ray models will sport a front-mid engine and a longitudinal-mounted transmission.