The New Chevrolet Corvette C6

The long wait for the 2005 Corvette is nearly over. Work began on the "C6" shortly after the current-generation Vette came to market as a 1997 model. Considering that the next one will be only the sixth major generational revision in the car's five-decade history, it's huge news for anyone interested in Chevy's sports-car icon.

Much about it is new. A lot is not. But there's one important change in evidence that has nothing to do with the Corvette's design or technical specifications: General Motors' renewed commitment to it. During the 1980s and 1990s, the car's future was in peril at least twice. Even as the C5 was under development, there were factions within GM that weren't behind it and felt the Vette should be sacked.

Given the Corvette's current positive environment (near exotic-car performance, strong sales, a superb bang-for-the-buck reputation, and the world-beating C5-R racing program), it's amazing that anyone would so much as question the need to continue developing, building, and selling it. This time around, there's no such specter: The Corvette lives, with full--indeed ardent--support from the General's Executive Suite. And it's about to rocket its way into its sixth lease on life.

Although some details have yet to be announced, this preview consolidates everything we know about the next Corvette. These photo illustrations aren't official--but they're close. And some of our tech and spec info should be considered "educated speculation." It's all just a little something to keep everyone pumped until the real thing comes along.