5 Coolest Corvette Innovations
By Brett Foote

 

I would add to the fiberglass section, that Corvette uses the fiberglass reinforced plastic leaf spring... which is lightweight and long lasting... and has withstood the test of time.

And to the Stabilitrak point, the 86 model was the first with antilock brakes and that lead to the development of such software.

 

That is a great photo of your C7

 

 

Cool article but I've got a few bones to pick. The Corvette was the first performance car with the magnetic ride control, not the first car. Cadillac got it first. Since that technology is not used by Ferrari it would be fair to say Ferraris are using technology originally developed for Caddies. I think the stability software was also initially pioneered on Caddies. That makes some sense since a luxury car owner might be more willing to trade the last bit of performance for safer handling. A sports car owner might not. The 7 speed claim is true but seems a bit like they are splitting hairs. Yes, the Corvette isn't as high end as a 911 but it isn't far from it. We aren't talking about a 7 speed Corolla. Of course if we were talking autos people might be thinking "just 7 speeds" now that minivans have 9 and even 10 speed autos!

I would add the large scale use of hydroformed parts to the Corvette's list. When GM first used the technology on the '97 car it was VERY cutting edge. The fiberglass spring is a favorite of mine but it hasn't really been a hit with other cars. I guess we could say multi-link rear suspension. The C2's rear suspension was certainly very cutting edge for the time. Prior to the C2 (and Jag and Lotus who came out with similar systems at about the same time) previous IRS setups were much like the VW Bug and not really a positive thing for handling.

 

I have $100 that says that's not the OP's C7.

 

You're right, after the use of fiberglass, the hydroformed frame introduced on the C5 would be next in my opinion, especially since, as you pointed out, some of the innovations listed were actually on a Cadillac first. The hydroformed frame permits ease of access to the Corvette cockpit, while eliminating squeaks and rattles as it improves handling and performance. Don't know how they missed that one.

 

 

Where was your picture taken ???? Arizona or California ??? Wayne

 

:thumbs Beautiful looking Vette.

 

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