The new 2006 Chevy C6 Corvette adds racecar paddle shifting technology to the new, 6-speed, automatic transmission. Last year's all-new C6 Corvette only offered a 4-speed automatic. Now you have the same number of gears as the standard 6-speed manual, but with faster shifting times without having to use the clutch pedal and gear shifter. Ease of driving but with the same thrills and control of a manual transmission.

With Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini already using paddle shifting technology, it was only time that it would be offered on one of the highest performing two-seat sports cars in the world.

The new Paddle Shifting system is easy to operate. Just push the Corvette's 'Start' button to light-up the powerful 400hp/400lb.ft. of torque, Gen. IV small block 6.0 liter LS2 V8, then move the shift lever into S...

Just tap on either of the two + paddles up front to increase acceleration and speed as you go up the gears, then down shift by tapping on either of the rear mounted paddles to decrease your speed... It's that simple. To know which gear you are in you have to look into the easy-to-see 'Head's-Up' display where the gear number is located in a box. Upshifting and downshifting takes just milliseconds, faster than manual shifting. Chevy says that the new paddle-shift gearbox will propel the C6 Corvette to 60mph from a standstill in just 4.2sec.

The new electronically controlled 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission is one of the most advanced transmissions in the industry, featuring clutch to clutch operation, manual control shift operation and an integrated 32-bit electronic controller. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps deliver exciting acceleration performance along with excellent fuel mileage, (Corvette is the only world-class sports car not to have a gas-guzzler tax charge).

The six forward gears have smaller 'steps' between them, which enhances the feeling of high-speed performance and smoothness. The smaller steps also enable a steep 4.02:1 first gear, which provides an improved-performance launch feel when compared with the previous four-speed automatic's 3.06:1 first gear. There are two-overdrive gears: a 0.35:1 ratio in fifth gear and a 0.67:1 gear ratio in sixth. The final drive ratio is 2.56:1.

Technological sophistication is exemplified by two electronically controlled automatic modes, Drive and Sport, plus manual Paddle Shift. The Drive mode follows a specific shift schedule of predetermined shift points, while the Sport mode enables Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS). PAS modifies shift patterns when performance driving is recognized by the controller. The Drive mode optimizes shifts for smoothness, while the Sport mode enables firmer shifts for better performance. With the Paddle Shift mode, you control the gear selection up to redline.

The performance and functions of the six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes are guided by an integrated controller. The controller is located inside the transmission, reducing complexity. A new 300mm torque converter, new rear bell housing, a new driveline support and revised-length driveshaft also support the transmission's integration into the Corvette.

The paddle shifting controls are ergonomically placed on the new, smaller 9.4in. (370mm) beefy, leather wrapped steering wheel that has manual tilt and optional power telescopic control for the perfect angle and distance to make driving even more enjoyable.

Known throughout the world, the new C6 Corvette is sleek and sexy, drop-dead gorgeous. Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and polished stainless steel center-exit quad exhaust tips. The fixed Xenon HID headlamps provide superior lighting performance. The C6 coupe has a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the lowest of any regular-production world-class sports car. All body panels are made from strong, yet lightweight composite material.

The convertible model that I tested came with the optional power-operated soft top. It takes just 20sec. for the top to be lowered or raised by pushing a dash-mounted toggle button. An easy-to-operate manual soft top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car's excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise. A glass rear window with defogger is standard.

Corvette coupe and convertible models have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned.

The front and rear fully independent modified double-wishbone suspensions reflect the most competition-influenced suspension tuning in Corvette's history thanks to the huge success of the C6R Corvette racecars in the GT1 sports car competition held at racetracks around the world. In fact, the C6R Corvette racecar has won in its class at the fabled 24 hours of Le Mans for the past three years.

Three suspension choices allow consumers to choose the setup that best suits their driving styles. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride control and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive, a true daily driver.

The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. The system has been improved to deliver more differentiation between the system's 'Tour' and 'Sport' settings.

The Z51 Performance Package brings coupe and convertible performance very close to the widely admired C5 Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4/13in. f/r) for optimum track performance while still providing a very comfortable everyday ride.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems-ABS, Traction Control and Active Handling-operate in concert. In all, the new dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette, a thrilling and exciting drive.

The total driving experience is further enhanced by the unique power-assisted rack & pinion steering system that gives quick and precise response from your inputs. You get great feedback from the road with and excellent on-center feel.

The Corvette rides on Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, P245/40ZR18in. up front and P285/35ZR19in. rear, Extended Mobility, (run-flat), tires that wrap around stunning 18X8.5in. front, and 19X10in. rear, 5-spoke, chrome alloy wheels. A standard limited slip differential helps put the power down.

Quickly slowing the new C6 down from speed are 12.8in. front vented rotors clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 12in. rear vented rotors clamped with single-piston calipers. Standard ABS braking helps keep you in control during severe braking. Corvette's unique interior is roomy, race-car inspired, ergonomic, modern and safe.

High quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality to enhance the performance driving experience. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks and feels like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

The high-backed sport bucket seats are comfortable and supportive with long drives and spirited driving times. The cockpit wraps around you with a unique, easy-to-see instrument cluster featuring a 200mph speedometer, 7,000rpm tachometer and smaller gauges for fuel, oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and volts. Bright LED lights warn of safety or system failure. The Driver Information Center gives you vital information about the car's status at a push of a button. All switches, buttons and levers are within easy reach.

Standard equipment includes AM-FM radio with CD player and MP3, dual-zone electronic climate control, carpeted floor mats, cruise-control, intermittent wipers/washers, leather seats, power door locks/windows, power heated outside mirrors, remote trunk and fuel door release, front and side airbags, 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters, theft deterrent system and alarm, keyless access with push button start, daytime running lights, front/rear crumple zones ONSTAR communications, and steel beams in each door.

The new Chevy C6 convertible is one of the best looking, best performing, most comfortable and comes with all the luxury items that you would expect from a world-class convertible sports car, but at a very affordable price starting at $51,390.00. My fully loaded test vehicle was priced at just $64,015.00.

2006 CHEVROLET C6 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE
"PADDLE SHIFT AWAY"

COPYRIGHT:2006:HARVEY SCHWARTZ - EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS

Other Specifications:

Type: Compact Convertible
Where Built: United States

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 174.6 in.	Width: 72.6 in.
Height: 49.1 in.	Wheel Base: 105.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3199 lbs.	Gross Weight: 3711 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.9 in.	Front Hip Room: 53.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.2 in.	Front Leg Room: 43.1 in.
Luggage Capacity: 11 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 11 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 2
Performance Data
Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 sec.	Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 121.75 ft.
Base Number of Cylinders: 8	Base Engine Size: 6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8	Horsepower: 400 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm	Torque: 400 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm	Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 39 ft.

Fuel Data