While the design of the all-new '97 C5 was thoroughly modern, many of the basic components could be traced back to Zora Arkus-Duntov's '57 "Q-Corvette" proposal. Even then, Corvette's chief engineer was thinking about advanced hardware such as an all-aluminum, fuel-injected engine; a rear transaxle; four-wheel independent suspension; and inboard-mounted rear drum brakes to reduce unsprung mass. Lightweight alloy wheels eliminated the need for inboard drums on the C5, but in many other respects, the fifth-gen Vette was the culmination of Duntov's dream.
'97-'99 As tire and wheel...
'97-'99
As tire and wheel sizes grew to handle increased horsepower, it became essential that this equipment be as light as possible. The new C5 rode on lightweight aluminum 17x8.5- (front) and 18x9.5-inch (rear) rollers in a bright-metallic-silver finish. (By contrast, the '96 C4 got 17-inchers all around.) Run-flat tires were now standard, so for the first time in Corvette history, there was no spare.
'00-'04 Four years into the...
'00-'04
Four years into the C5 production run, new standard wheels were introduced. These had essentially the same design as the $3,000 magnesium-wheel option that arrived in 1998. The new base wheels were fully forged, with a flow-formed rim for increased durability. An $895 polished-wheel option was offered at the start of the '00 production run. It proved so popular that Chevy decided to produce a painted version and make it the new standard wheel. The new base wheel had the same basic design as its predecessor, but with slightly thicker spokes.
'01-'04 Z06 For decades the...
'01-'04 Z06
For decades the Corvette rumor mill teased the public with a high-performance "stripper" model for hard-core enthusiasts. That car finally became reality in 2001, in the form of the Z06. In addition to its race-ready performance, the Z06 featured a number of cosmetic modifications that made the car a real standout. Model-specific gray wheels were of the same diameter as the base C5 rims, but were 1 inch wider in the front and back. Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires replaced the standard run-flats, so a special tire-inflator kit was included.
'05-'07 As good as the first...
'05-'07
As good as the first C5 was, the new '05 C6 Corvette was even better. Along with more power, performance, and style, the sixth-gen car also received an upgraded wheel/tire package. The new five-spoke wheels measured 18x8.5/19x10 inches (front/rear) and wore Goodyear Eagle F1 EMT tires. The design featured tapered spokes with flat sides and a dish-shaped rim. With chrome plating, this was a very handsome wheel that looked as good as many aftermarket offerings.
'06-'08 Z06 Z06 fans would...
'06-'08 Z06
Z06 fans would have to wait a year for the next iteration of their preferred model, but the resulting car did not disappoint. The new Z had 100 more hp than the C5 version and plenty of visuals to announce its arrival. New 18x9.5-/19x12-inch (front/rear) wheels wore run-flat Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires measuring 275/35ZR18 and 325/30ZR19, respectively. Called a "10-spoke" style, the overall design was similar to that of the standard wheel, but with the center section of each spoke cut away for lightening purposes.
'08 Split-Spoke With the...
'08 Split-Spoke
With the Corvette's performance and refinement at an all-time high, product designers focused their efforts on burnishing the car's looks. The '08 Vette had two available wheel designs. The new base split-spoke wheel was carried over from the '07 Indy 500 Pace Car. The sizes were the same, but there were two finish options: Sparkle Silver and Competition Gray.
'08 Polished Forged Aluminum...
'08 Polished Forged Aluminum
The second wheel option was more performance-oriented. Made of forged aluminum with a polished finish, it was similar to the new standard wheel but used spokes with cut-out centersections.
'08 Chevrolet Accessory Starting...
'08 Chevrolet Accessory
Starting in 2008, GM began offering a much wider assortment of dealer-installed accessory options for Corvette buyers. For customers who wanted a unique appearance inspired by the C5-R and C6.R race cars, there was the optional 15-spoke, polished-aluminum wheel.
'08 427 Limited Edition Z06...
'08 427 Limited Edition Z06
Over the years, Chevy has presented Corvette buyers with a variety of special low-volume models. For 2008, the company released the stunningly beautiful 427 Limited Edition Z06. In addition to its brilliant Crystal Red Tintcoat paint and trim, the major piece of eye candy for this model was its exclusive 10-spoke, chrome-plated alloy wheel design. Variations of this rim are now standard on the '09 Z06.
'09 ZR1 With 638 hp and a...
'09 ZR1
With 638 hp and a 200-plus-mph top speed, the '09 ZR1 is the first Corvette to boast genuine exotic-car status. The ZR1 wears Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires-285/30ZR19s in the front and 335/25ZR20s in the rear-mounted on model-specific 20-spoke wheels. The wheels come in two versions: Sterling Silver painted or with a chrome finish.