Mario's Tribute to C5 Corvette 1997 to 2004

1997 Production of the fifth generation C5 Corvette began in 1997 and ended with the 2004 model year.

1997 The automotive world changed significantly during the reign of the C4 Corvette. Computers were being used extensively in the design and engineering process.

1997 5.7L 346ci 345hp. It was an entirely new car; more so than any other Corvette generation in that all major elements - the drivetrain, the chassis and the body had not appeared before.

1997 was the most changed Corvette since 1953. The C5 is faster (345 hp), lighter (68 lbs less), stiffer (4.5 times stiffer) and quieter than the previous models. Production was 9,752.

1998 Indy 500 Pace Car. 1998 Corvette was the recipient of Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year award.

1998 The Corvette was chosen as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 for the fourth time.

1998 Corvette with 5.7L 346ci 345hp engine.

1998 Production was 31,084.

1999 The new hardtop model had many advantages over the coupe. Although the coupe had slightly better aerodynamics, the hardtop was lighter and therefore faster.

1999 The structure was more solid. It would also cost less to build since the expenses involved with the rear window hatch and the targa roof hardware was eliminated.

1999 The hardtop name was derived from the fact that it looked much like a convertible with a hardtop attached. It was actually closer to the convertible than the coupe. 5.7L 396hp.

1999 It shared more parts with the fully open family member, such as the trunk. Production was 33,270.

2000 Chevy had three straight years of incredible new Corvette products, but the product planners took a well-deserved break in 2000.

2000 The Passive Keyless Entry system was replaced by an Active Keyless Entry system.

2000 LS1 5.7L 473hp.

2000 Production was 33,682.

2000 American Torque’s Dave’s Corvette.

2000 American Torque’s Dave’s Corvette.

2000 American Torque’s Dave’s Corvette 5.7L 346ci 345hp.

2000 American Torque’s Dave’s Corvette 4sp auto w/OD.

2001 The new Z06 was equipped to be a dual purpose car one that is at home on both the race track and public roads. A less restrictive lighter weight titanium exhaust system.

2001 The LS6 engine had improved porting, larger fuel injectors, a more aggressive camshaft, stronger valve springs and better crankcase pressure management along with speedier oil return.

2001 The star of the new Z06 was the LS6 engine 5.7L 346ci 385 hp. Red engine covers gave the LS6 some visual distinction.

2001 Production was 35,627.

2002 The front fender badge proudly announced a power upgrade for the 2002 Z06 LS6 motor 405 hp.

2002 Lighter valves were used and the exhaust valves were liquid filled.

2002 Z06 5.7L 405hp.

2002 Production was 35,767.

2003 This was a special year for the Corvette. It had been in production for 50 years, a milestone by any measure. 50th Anniversary Edition with Anniversary Red Metallic.

2003 The success of the Corvette was a tribute to the fact that it never lost sight of it's original intentions fast affordable fun with an abundance of style and pizzazz.

2003 Corvette owners celebrated the 50th with parties, caravans, a road tour involving conventions, Nashville KY, the Corvette Museum and the Bowling Green manufacturing facility.

2003 5.7L 346 cu. in. 350 hp engine.

2003 Corvette was the honored marque at the Monterey historic automobile races in August.

2003 These special edition Corvettes received the monogrammed 50th Anniversary Shale leather interior. Production was 35,469.

2004 C5 Corvette Retires With Honors. Heads-up display, power telescopic steering column, auto dimming mirrors, memory package and twilight sentinel.

2004 Suspension tweaks improved handling of the Z06 without a sacrifice in ride quality. Z06 Commemorative Editions featured carbon fiber hoods and polished wheels.

2004 5.7L 346ci 405hp LS6 engine.

2004 Production was 34,064.