When it comes to the C4 Corvette, people either love them or hate them, but as it turns out, the fourth-generation brought a lot of new technology to the Corvette lineup that no one can argue about. Corvette Product Manager Harlan Charles discusses this in the latest episode of Corvette Generations [1] dedicated to the generation that made it’s debut in the mid-80’s. Check it out above.
[2] Introduced in 1984, the C4 Corvette brought tons of new technology to the Corvette enthusiast, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, run-flat tires and all-electronic instrumentation. The new 1984 model was also very special because it introduced the clamshell hood design only seen on the C4 models and the 1-piece removable roof panel on the coupes that continues on through the C6 generation today.
In addition to the new technology, the C4 Corvette brought about a whole new model in 1990 – the famed ZR1. This 375 HP beast set a 24 hour endurance record against some of the biggest automotive names in the industry, which stood for an amazing 12 years. The Corvette also showed what it was made of in the SCCA Showroom Stock Endurance Challenge Series, racing undefeated to the point that a special Corvette Challenge Series was introduced to make the Endurance Challenge fair for other makes and models.
By 1996, the 80s-esque body style was well overdue for a makeover, and in 1997 Chevrolet rolled out the new C5 Corvette. Stay tuned as we check out the fifth-generation cars in the next episode of Corvette Generations.
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