Daily Slideshow: C6 Corvette Styling Changes over the Years

1. 2005: Getting a Fresh Start

Unlike the 14 year long-running C4, Chevrolet only kept the C5 around for eight years. This shorter product cycle meant that they were able to usher in rapid developments quickly. But many feel that the C6 Corvette was designed in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. 

Styling-wise, that meant shrinking the C6 by 5.1 inches in length and one inch in width. For 2005, the Corvette featured much more contemporary styling, yet didn't abandon the car's many traditional cues that long-time fans appreciate. 

The biggest departure, of course, was the introduction of fixed headlights. For 42 years, Corvettes had come with hidden headlights, making this a significant change. But hidden headlights have always had a bad reputation for added complexity, cost, and weight, not to mention their effect on aerodynamics. 

Otherwise, there's plenty of retro styling here to take in. The C6's hood has a power bulge reminiscent of the C3's, along with a familiar pointed nose. A crease in the front fender resembles both the C2 and C3. Like the C5, the C6 has side coves, and the large rear looks a bit like the C3, sans bumper. 

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2. 2006: Plugging the Gap

There was just one thing missing from the C6 upon its introduction: a Z06. That little issue was resolved the very next year in 2006, when everyone's favorite racey Corvette made a comeback. Otherwise, the 2006 Corvette is indistinguishable from the 2005, styling-wise.

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

3. 2007: One Tiny Change

There were some new interior details and the addition of some new technology in the 2007 Corvette, but only one tiny little exterior change. Atomic Metallic Orange replaced Daytona Sunset Orange. And that's it. Try not to get too excited!

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

4. 2008: Two Tiny Changes

With sales humming right along, you can't blame Chevy for keeping things much the same on the Corvette in 2008. In fact, they simply made a couple of color changes. Jetstream Blue Metallic and Crystal Red Metallic replaced Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic, respectively. 

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

5. 2009: Crowning the New King

The big news for 2009, of course, was the comeback of the ZR1, now without a hyphen. Available as a coupe only, the ZR1 features a fixed carbon fiber roof, hood, and front fenders. You can't miss the massive hood window, putting the supercharger promptly on display. Other unique styling cues include a chin splitter, front fender vents, rocker panel trim, and a body-color rear spoiler. 

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

6. 2010: Return of (Another) Legend

As if the ZR1 wasn't enough, Chevy followed that reveal up with another model revival in 2010 - the Grand Sport. "Flared" fenders made room for larger wheels and tires, an easy way to differentiate the GS from your average Corvette. And unlike the ZR1, the Grand Sport was also available as a Targa roof coupe or convertible, not just as a fixed roof coupe. Other styling distinctions include unique painted or chrome wheels and front fender vents. 

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

7. 2011: Carbon Corvette

Chevy was on a roll with special edition models at this point, so why not add another in 2011? Thus, we received the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, a sort of middle ground between the Z06 and ZR1. As you might imagine, this Carbon Corvette came with a ton of carbon fiber bits, including door mirrors, rocker extensions, headlight surrounds, roof panel, and hood. A raised hood and unique spoked black wheels round out the attractive package.

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

8. 2012: Sinister Celebration

With the all-new C7 Corvette on the horizon, changes for 2012 were minimal. A new color, Carlisle Blue Metallic, was added to the mix, a nod to the iconic Corvettes at Carlisle event. And since 2012 was the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet, GM celebrated with the sinister looking Corvette Centennial Edition. Available only in Carbon Flash Metallic, the special edition features satin black graphics and unique wheels, as well as a special badge emblem.

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

9. 2013: Double Milestones

2013 marked both the last C6 Corvette and 60 years of Chevy's iconic sports car. And thus, as before, a special anniversary edition was available. The car made extensive use of carbon fiber, including in the raised hood, fenders, and floor panels. The 60th-anniversary package came with the usual bevy of changes, including an Arctic White exterior with Pearl Silver Blue stripes, Blue Diamond leather, and 60th-anniversary badges. 

>>Join the conversation about the C6 Corvette's styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

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