The 2004 Corvette with the Z16 package (on Z06) will include LeMans blue paint with LeMans paint scheme and shale interior, carbon fiber hood, special badging, special embroidery on the seats, and polished wheels. This package will also be available, sans hood, for all non Z06 Corvette models.

 

Its not gonna have any real power mods at all? Same engine as the Z06?

 

Sadly, according to my source, it will retain the normal LS1 and LS6 as used in the non Z16 packaged cars.

 

What about the Z15, any news on that?

 

In reference to the Z15, there is (so far) no build option code for a special performance edition Corvette for 2004. Unless it comes mid-year or at the very end, don't be suprised if you don't see a pumped up Vette over the 405hp mark for the LS6.

 

The Z16 also gets new shocks too, correct?

-Rich

 

If the targa and convertible can have the Le Mans visuals, why won't they have the LS-6? I'll be the first to admit that I didn't like the looks of the '96 Grand Sport, but at least it wasn't just a crappy appearance package.

Should the C5 get the same treatment as the 35th Aniversary SS? The current generation Vette has been a tremendous success in both performance and sales. I remember back when C4 sales were dropping off, and another Corvette generation was far from certain. If Chevrolet wants to maintain enthusiasm until the C6 drops, they shouldn't have gone for another "stripes and gripes" package.:blah:

 

Dave Hill has been on record as saying the LS6 will only go in the hardtop because of the stiffer body and superior structural integrity of that body style.

While it is a bit stiffer, my opinion is that dropping the LS6 exclusively in the hardtop model saved them from the embarassment that the LS1 hardtop (MY1999-2000) had become.

The LS1 Hardtop was a sales failure, and turning it into the Z06 made it special.

The Hardtop was supposedly to be the simplified, cheaper Corvette... but it ended up shaving only a small amount off the price of the Coupe... thus the sales failure... before it became the Z06 that is.

If they offered the LS6 in the Coupe or Convertible, I think the Hardtop sales would plummet again. Of course, the arguement of the relevance of that fact in the last model year of the car could be challenged.

 

Aside from being cheaper and simplified (less optional equip), the hardtop was to be for the more hardcore enthusiast looking for the most structural rigidity and performance. While its price didn't allow for this to vision to be fully realized (a cheaper Vette of this fashion had been talked about for some time), it does make perfect sense as the platform of choice for the solely performance-oriented Z06.

 

Oh, I agree, and I see the line of logic being used...

I just think there are that the sales failure of the 99-00 Hardtop is a driving reason behind the fact that the LS6 has never been offered int he Coupe or Convertible body style...