All 1990 Corvettes benefited from a standard
driver's-side airbag, installed to meet the first phase of the federal
government's "passive restraint" crash-protection regulations. Also
for safety's sake, the car's antilock braking system was upgraded with improved
yaw control that allowed for more-secure handling. The base engine received a
slight bump up to 245 bhp through an added air-intake speed density control
system, a revised camshaft and increased compression ratio (this was 250 bhp in
coupes with the 3.07:1 or 3.33:1 axle ratios). A newly efficient sloped
radiator design precluded the need for an auxillary fan, which was no longer
available for 1990.
This 1990 Corvette convertible wears the optional hardtop
and rear-deck luggage rack.
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A
revised instrument display now combined a digital speedometer with an analog
tachometer and other gauges. An engine-oil monitor now calculated the useful
oil life remaining in miles and alerted drivers when an oil-change was needed
via a dashboard indicator. A compact disc player was newly available with the
optional Delco-Bose audio system, and it now included a security lockout
feature to discourage theft; if removed, a special code had to be entered or
the head unit would remain inoperative.
Twenty-three
Corvettes with heavy-duty suspensions were built during 1990 for the new World
Challenge racing series and could be obtained via regular dealer channels.
Buyers could choose a Chevy engine or provide one of their own, though any
further modifications were left to the racers.
The ZR-1 looked much like any other 1990 Corvette coupe,
something that disappointed many fans.
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Though
overall alterations would be minor, 1990 would prove to be a major model year
for the Corvette because it marked the introduction of the high-performance
ZR-1 version, which was actually a $27,016 option package. Originally intended
as a midyear 1989 model and previewed with a massive media campaign, the ZR-1
was eventually postponed until 1990 due to "insufficient availability of
engines." Based around an all-new 32-valve 375-bhp V-8 called the
LT5 (developed in conjunction with Lotus and
built by Mercury Marine), the ZR-1 was a true production supercar that could
run with even the most exotic imports.
The Callaway
twin-turbo was still available at an extra $26,895, but it languished in favor
of the new ZR-1, selling just 58 units. Overall sales dropped a bit for the
year, down to 23,646.
Still,
of that number, 3,049 ZR-1-equipped models were sold to buyers who had long
saved a place on a waiting list. Many gladly paid well in excess of list price
to be among the first to own what was the new epitome of American muscle, and a
true Corvette classic.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
