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1953 |
Corvette debuts; only 300 production Corvettes produced with 235-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine |
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1955 |
First small-block V8 introduced |
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1956 |
All-new body style; optional removable hardtop |
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1957 |
Optional factory-installed fuel injection and 4-speed manual transmission |
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1963 |
All-new Sting Ray introduced with convertible and, for the first time, a coupe model; concealed headlamps debut |
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1965 |
Four-wheel disc brakes introduced as standard; big block V8 engine available |
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1968 |
Major restyling with removable "T-top" roof panels and pop-up headlamps |
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1970 |
Original "LT1" small-block V8 engine option available |
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1971 |
First optional "ZR-1" package available |
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1975 |
Convertible dropped from lineup; catalytic converter added |
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1977 |
Standard leather seats; 500,000th Corvette produced |
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1978 |
Fastback body style introduced |
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1982 |
First hatchback debuts; Crossfire Injection system introduced |
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1983 |
No Corvette models produced for public sale |
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1984 |
All-new coupe introduced |
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1985 |
5.7L Tuned Port Injected V8 engine debuts |
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1986 |
Convertible returns to lineup; ABS and PASS-Key anti-theft systems introduced |
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1988 |
17-inch wheels and tires added as optional equipment |
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1989 |
ZF 6-speed manual transmission, Selective Ride Control and standard 17" wheels added |
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1990 |
New interior; driver-side air bag added; ZR-1 option introduced with multi-valve, 375-hp 5.7L V8 engine |
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1991 |
Convex rear fascia (similar to ZR-1) added to all models |
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1992 |
Second-generation, 300-hp 5.7L V8 ("LT1") and Bosch ABS/ASR combination anti-lock brake and traction control strategy debut; 1-millionth Corvette produced |
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1993 |
ZR-1 output increased to 405-horsepower; passive keyless entry introduced; 40th Anniversary model produced |
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1994 |
Passenger-side air bag added; redesigned interior; revised "LT1" V8 receives Sequential-Port Fuel Injection, raising horsepower to 300 |
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1995 |
Bosch ABS V debuts; heavy-duty brakes become standard; last year for ZR-1 model |
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1996 |
ZR-1 discontinued; 330-hp 5.7L "LT4" V8 engine debuts; special Grand Sport and Collector Edition packages available on coupe and convertible models; selective real time damping suspension available |
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1997 |
All-new, fifth-generation Corvette coupe debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and Los Angeles Auto Show ; new "LS1" all-aluminum small-block V8 engine introduced |
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1998 |
All-new convertible model added to model lineup; new "active handling" system available on coupe and convertible; engine air-filter life monitor added |
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1999 |
All-new hardtop model debuts; power telescopic steering column with manual tilt, and Head-Up Display (HUD) available (hatchback coupe and convertible); standard synthetic axle lubricant and Twilight Sentinel (all models) |
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2000 |
New road wheels and sports suspension improvements; two new Corvette-exclusive exterior colours (Millennium Yellow and Bowling Green Metallic) |
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2001 |
New "Z06" hardtop model introduced with high-output 5.7-litre V8 engine ("LS6"), 6-speed manual transmission and numerous Z06-specific features; side slip control added to active handling system; improved traction control system; new convertible top for improved noise reduction and high-speed driving |
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2002 |
Enhancements to Z06 hardtop - LS6 engine output increased to 405-hp from 385-hp; internal manual trunk entrapment release handle on convertible. |
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2003 |
50th Anniversary Edition available on coupe and convertible; new Selective Ride suspension; optional magnesium wheels reintroduced (coupe/convertible); standard Child Restraint Anchorage System (CRAS) |
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2004 |
Commemorative editions of Coupe, Convertible and Z06 available; carbon fiber hood and revised shock valving on Z06 |