The all new C5 has finally arrived. It was first scheduled to premier in 1993, but finanial problems and production delays kept it from being produced until January 1997. The new Vette only has 3000 parts, 1462 fewer than the model it replaced. To improve front/rear weight distribution the transaxle was rear mounted for the first time in Corvette history. The whole structure and frame is now 4 1/2 times stiffer than the 96. Wheelbase has increased more than 8 inches, and track has increased 4.4 inches in the rear and 2.9 in the front. The new LS1 engine is all aluminum and powers the 1997 Corvette from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 at 107 mph. Top speed is now 173mph. The new body comes in at a world class .029 Cd. Cargo capacity has increased to over 25 cubic feet, more than double last years Corvette. 18 inch wheels were used in the front and 17 inch wheels in the back.

After a one year layoff, the convertible Corvette is back. Base price is a whopping $6429 over the coupe. 1998 marks the fourth year that Corvette was the official Indy Pace Car. To commemorate, Chevrolet added a Pace Car option to the option list. RPO Z4Z added $5039 to the list price and was available only on the convertible with the active handling package. They were all Radar Blue with yellow graphics and yellow wheels. There are 1158 of scheduled to be built. The 1998 Corvette remained essentially identical to last years model with a modest $500 increase in list price.

A fixed roof "Hardtop" was introduced this year. This is the first Corvette since 1967 to have a fixed roof. This is also the first hardtop Vette with a real trunk. The only interior color choice for the hardtop was black.

2000 info and "history" coming soon.