The 2000 Corvette had limited styling changes,
though the five-spoke standard aluminum wheels were revised; despite their
thinner spokes, they were now fully forged with a flow-formed rim for greater
durability. A polished finish for the alloy wheels was newly optional; at $2,000,
the optional magnesium wheels, which were now also available on the hardtop,
cost a third less than before. A new body color, Millennium Yellow, was
available for an additional $500.
 The 2000 Corvette hardtop, like the other C5 hardtops, was an artifact of an aborted plan for a stripped-down model aimed at all-out performance enthusiasts. See more pictures of Corvettes. |
The Z51 Performance Handling Package added larger stabilizer bars at the front and rear, along with revised shock-absorber damping; these changes increased roll stiffness for added cornering stability without resulting in a noticeably harsher ride. Also for 2000, quality and engineering improvements were made to the manual-transmission shifter, Selective Real-Time Damping suspension, windshield seals, dual-zone climate control, seat belts, and seat materials and construction.
 Power for the 2000 Corvette remained unchanged at 345 bhp. |
Encouraged by the C5-R's performance in 1999, Chevrolet replaced the race car's 6.0-liter engine with a 7.0-liter V-8 in 2000, gaining 20 horsepower. The car went on to place third and fourth in its class (10th and 11th overall) at the 24 Hours of LeMans in June 2000. It then racked up its first victory at the American LeMans Series race when Ron Fellows and Andy Pilgrim drove it at Ft. Worth, Texas, that September.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1997 Corvette | 1998 Corvette | 1999 Corvette |
| 2000 Corvette | 2001 Corvette | 2002 Corvette |
| 2003 Corvette | 2004 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
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