For
nearly 50 years, the Corvette has had a special
place in America’s garage. Crafted from a
precise blend of power, performance, style and
comfort, Corvette’s success has been based
on a willingness to embrace advancing technology
while remaining true to its heritage.
Today’s Corvette exemplifies this philosophy
like no other.
More
power
Last year’s
introduction of the Z06 Corvette, based on the
former hardtop model and the legendary 1960s Z06
option package, is aimed at true performance
enthusiasts at the upper end of the
high-performance market. And now, an extra boost
of 20 hp, to 405, makes Z06 the quickest
production Corvette ever.
The Z06 will continue
to be outfitted with the unique six-speed manual
transmission for 2002. It will enable skilled
drivers to achieve 0-60
mph times of 3.9 seconds
and to cover a quarter mile in 12.4 seconds at 116
mph.
By comparison, the 2001 powertrain combination
achieved 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and the quarter
mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph.
This upgrade to the LS6
engine’s output is the result of new hollow
stem valves, a higher-lift camshaft, a low
restriction mass air flow (MAF) sensor and a new
low restriction air cleaner design. Eliminating
the PUP converter from the exhaust system enables
better flow of spent gasses and reduces vehicle
weight, without compromising Corvette’s NLEV
(National Low Emission Vehicle) status.
To withstand the
greater torque output of the new engine, the LS6
clutch was redesigned. Clamp load has been
increased seven percent and durability has been
augmented by the following enhancements:
The clutch-driven disc
was redesigned, with the flange plate thickness
increased by 20 percent - from 5 mm to 6 mm The
damper springs were redesigned to increase
wind-up rate, from 33 Newton-meter degrees to 35
Newton-meter degrees Premium alloy steel wire is
now used for the damper springs
These changes ensure
long life and good performance for the LS6
clutch.
Suspension
upgrades
The Z06-specific FE4
High-Performance suspension system features a
larger front stabilizer bar, a stiffer rear leaf
spring and specific camber settings – all
calibrated for maximum control during high-speed
operation. The 2002 Z06 also has new rear shock
valving for a more controlled ride.
Although retaining the
same design and color finish, the unique aluminum
Z06 wheels are now produced using a cast rather
than a forged process. The magnesium wheel option
for Coupes and Convertibles is no longer
available.
Maximum
agility
The foundation of
Corvette’s agile handling is hydroformed
frame rails. Its four-wheel independent front
suspension features cast aluminum upper and lower
A-arms. The Z06 and models equipped with the
available Z51 package now have aluminum front
stabilizer bar links for lighter weight. The rear
suspension has a transverse leaf spring system.
All Corvettes have the
second-generation Active Handling system as
standard equipment. The system features dynamic
rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel
lockup, and rear brake stability control to
assist the driver in maintaining control under
light braking and high acceleration conditions.
It also has integral traction control calibrated
to allow drivers to experience the
Corvette’s power and handling while
controlling excessive wheelspin. The
system’s on/off switch and "Competitive
Mode" enables drivers to disengage the
traction control feature without giving up Active
Handling’s other benefits.
Additional
refinements
Now standard on Z06,
the Corvette’s Head-Up Display (HUD)
projects vehicle speed and many other gauges
digitally on the windshield ahead of the steering
wheel, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the
road. It provides critical vehicle information -
including tachometer, vehicle speed, oil
pressure, coolant temperature and fuel gauges,
among others - promoting a "hands on the
wheel, eyes on the road," philosophy.
HUD remains an option on Coupes and Convertibles.
For 2002, the automatic
transmission cooler case is constructed of
lightweight cast aluminum, replacing the previous
stainless steel design.
New high performance
front brake pads on Z06 provide improved lining
durability and fade resistance in high
performance situations.
Coupes and Convertibles
receive an AM/FM/In-dash CD system as the new
standard entertainment system. An AM/FM/Cassette
system is available when buyers order the remote
12-disc CD changer. The 12-disc CD changer is
also available with the CD radio.
Corvette’s
exterior color palette adds Electron Blue,
replacing Navy Blue Metallic previously offered
on Coupes and Convertibles. Electron Blue also
takes the place of Speedway White as one of five
choices on the Z06.
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