Corvette C6 (Launch Book)

Rating:
Summary: Corvette C6--Generally a Good Read
Review: There are probably more Òcoffee tableÓ style books about the Chevrolet Corvette than any other sports car. A search of this web site using keywords: ÒCorvette (hardcover)Ó returned over two thousand results. Admittedly, not all those are coffee table titles, but even if only a third are large-package-size, full-color, glossy-paper, hardback Vette books, thatÕs a heck of a lot of titles from which to choose.

What sets Phil BergÕs Corvette C6 a cut above all those others are three characteristics: 1) ItÕs the first hardback title on the all-new, 2005 C6 Vette to be published, 2) itÕs the only C6 book to be sanctioned, approved and have its publication supported by General Motors and 3) GM was engaged enough with the project to have Corvette Chief Engineer, David Hill, write the bookÕs Forward.

Another thing that sets this title apart from some others is photography which is nothing short of very good and, in most cases, excellent. Many of the images were shot by noted Corvette photographer, Richard Prince, in the picturesque Piedmont hills of Virginia and at Virginia International Raceway. PrinceÕs work considerably enhances the experience of this book. The only thing that keeps all the art in Corvette C6 from being outstanding are a few color shift problems, but that is a production and printing issue not a problem with the photo work.

Author, Phil Berg, is a former Car and Driver magazine staffer and his material has appeared in AutoWeek, Sports Car International and Corvette Quarterly. HeÕs, also, the author of MBIÕs bestselling Ultimate Garages, so he was a natural choice to write Corvette C6.

Early-on, this book pulls the reader into one of the most interesting aspects of the C6 story with Chapter TwoÕs discussion of the carÕs exterior design. This part of the book is attractive for its extensive collection of drawings and pictures of models of the various intpretations of the C6 shape which were done during the exterior development in the 1999-2002 period. Some of this imagery has never been seen before and will probably remain exclusive to this book. The illustrations and pictures cover just about everything, from Tom PeterÕs landmark first rendering of the C6 theme, to full-sized wind-tunnel models and final design candidates. The accompanying text is, also, interesting, but doesnÕt quite have the impact of the images because it omits discussion of key parts of the C6 exterior design: 1) the significant controversy over the exposed headlights. Berg mentions the lights in passing, but doesnÕt adequately cover the divisiveness at GM Design Staff, in Chevrolet Marketing and on the Corvette Team which eventually had to be resolved at the highest levels of the program with a final decision by GM Vehicle Line Executive, David Hill. 2) the influence the F/A-22 jet fighter had on Chief Designer, Tom Peters, which, according to media reports and interviews with Peters, was quite significant and 3) the strong influence the 1963-1967 ÒC2Ó CorvetteÕs exterior had on Peters and his team. None of these issues were covered and the book, as a chronicle of the C6 program, suffers because of it.

Another interesting part of this book is an account of how the C6 was exhaustively tested once the ÒAlphaÓ and ÒBetaÓ prototype cars were available. BergÕs discussion of: developing the carÕs performance on GermanyÕs Autobahns and its famed Nurburgring test track, running Alphas and Betas at GMÕs Milford and Desert Proving Grounds and cold weather testing in the U.P. of Michigan are revealing insights to how Corvettes must measure-up to stringent requirements not made of other sports cars. The chapter on testing includes photos of a number of Beta cars which give the reader a rare, visual insight to the vehicle development process.

The new VetteÕs revised suspension and brakes are covered. The book talks of new safety and convenience features. It covers the upgraded interior. The author gives the reader insight to GMÕs Òsweating the detailsÓ with accounts of Team CorvetteÕs testing 20 different shift knobs before finding one that was just right and working to get cup holders to support a large drink cup, even when the car was generating 1g lateral acceleration. WhatÕs missing in the interior discussion is probably itÕs most important aspect, next to its new appearance and thatÕs how quiet it is. The most significant, customer-driven part of the C6 development was a very noticeable decrease in road noise. While Berg acknowleges that was a goal of the C6 program, he says little about the results or how they were achieved.

A big story with C6 is its powertrain, especially the new, six-liter, 400-horsepower engine and, expectedly, thereÕs a chapter on the engine and the carÕs transmissions. If youÕre a nuts-and-bolts techie, youÕll find that part of the book pleasing.

Corvette C6 has two overall weaknesses. First, its proof-reading was average, at best. For example: in several places, peopleÕs names, titles or responsibilities are mistated. Bob Lutz is identified as a GM ÒVice PresidentÓ. Actually, Lutz is Vice Chariman of the Board, a considerably higher rank. Chief Designer, Tom Peters, was said to have been responsible for C6Õs exterior and its structure. Actually, Peters oversaw the team which designed the exterior but had had nothing at all to do with the carÕs structure. The book says Dave Wickman is the carÕs ÒRide and Handling CoordinatorÓ. Actually, Wickman is the Corvette Vehicle Performance Manager, a more difficult and wide-ranging job. If that isnÕt enough, elsewhere, the book misidentifies him as ÒMike Wickman.Ó

Secondly, there are a number of technical errors, most of which are in the powertrain chapter. While these technical defficiencies may not be considered critical by some because this is a Òcoffee tableÓ book more to look at than to read; that the book was approved by GM, has a Forward by the carÕs Chief Engineer and costs thirty dollars means it must meet a high standard of technical accuracy. Unfortunately, it fails to do that. Hopefully MBI will correct these problems, if Corvette C6 goes to a second printing.

Bottom line: while Corvette C6 has a few holes in the exterior design and interior coverage, suffers a bit with proofreading and technical mistakes; itÕs generally an interesting read and, visually, quite attractive. Those with large Corvette book collections probably should put it on their shopping list. For owners of the new C6 Vette, itÕs a must-have.