The 1996 Chevrolet Corvette, the final model year for the C4 generation (1984–1996), is a significant vehicle in Corvette history.
Here are all the key details about this iconic American sports car:
Models and Variants
Corvette Coupe (Base Model): Standard model with a removable roof panel (Targa top).
Corvette Convertible: Open-top model with a power-operated soft top.
Corvette Grand Sport: A special edition celebrating Corvette's racing heritage with unique features.
Corvette Collector's Edition: A limited edition with distinctive badging and unique interior and exterior design elements to mark the end of the C4 generation.
Engine and Performance
Base Engine:
5.7L LT1 V8: The standard engine for 1996 models, delivering 300 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection.
Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual (available in select configurations).
Grand Sport Engine:
5.7L LT4 V8: Available exclusively in the Grand Sport and as an option in the Collector's Edition. It produces 330 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Only available with a 6-speed manual.
Performance:
0-60 mph: Around 5.0 seconds for LT1 and slightly quicker for LT4-powered models.
Top Speed: Approximately 175 mph (for Grand Sport models).
Fuel Economy: 17 MPG city / 25 MPG highway.
Coupe: Around 3,300 pounds.
Convertible: Slightly heavier due to chassis reinforcement.
Exterior Design:
The C4 Corvette is known for its sleek, low-slung body, pop-up headlights, and long hood.
Grand Sport: Special Admiral Blue paint with white racing stripes and red hash marks on the front fenders. Only 1,000 units were produced.
Collector's Edition: Featured Sebring Silver Metallic paint and special badges.
4. Interior and Features
Seating: Two-passenger sports car with bucket seats.
Interior Materials: Leather upholstery was standard in most trims.
Dash and Controls: Digital and analog gauges on the instrument panel.
Standard Features:
Air conditioning.
Power windows and locks.
Tilt steering wheel.
Cruise control.
Bose audio system.
Optional upgrades included a performance package (Z51), sport seats, and a selective ride control system.
5. Special Editions
Grand Sport (RPO Z16):
Limited to 1,000 units (810 coupes and 190 convertibles).
Equipped with the LT4 V8 engine.
Distinctive blue paint with white racing stripe and red fender hash marks.
Black ZR-1 style wheels.
Collector's Edition (RPO Z15):
Unique Sebring Silver paint.
Special 5-spoke silver wheels.
"Collector Edition" badging on the exterior.
Optional LT4 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.
6. Suspension and Handling
Front Suspension: Independent suspension with transverse fiberglass leaf springs.
Rear Suspension: Same setup as the front.
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tires: Performance radial tires (P255/45ZR17 in the front, P285/40ZR17 in the rear).
Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
7. Pricing
Base Price (when new):
Coupe: Around $37,000.
Convertible: Around $45,000.
Grand Sport: Started at around $40,000.
Collector's Edition: Similar to the base models, but increased with additional options.
8. Production Numbers
Total 1996 Corvette production: 21,536 units.
Coupes: 17,167.
Convertibles: 4,369.
Grand Sport: 1,000 units.
Collector’s Edition: 5,412 units (coupes and convertibles combined).
9. Legacy
The 1996 Corvette remains popular among collectors, especially the Grand Sport and Collector’s Edition, due to their limited production and performance. It represents the final iteration of the C4 generation, which brought significant advancements to Corvette’s performance, handling, and aerodynamics.
The introduction of the LT4 engine also marked a high point for naturally aspirated small-block V8s in the C4 era, further enhancing the car’s desirability.
