Chevy Corvette gets big handling improvements for the C5 years

Compared to its predecessor, the C5 Corvette that hit dealers for 1997 featured a more rigid hydroformed box frame.

To help achieve better weight distribution, the Corvette's transmission was moved to the rear of the car.

And by 1999, the Corvette was available in three body styles including a convertible, targa top and fixed-roof coupe.

A view of the C5 Corvette's bones.

Motivating base versions of the 1997 Corvette was a 5.7-liter V8 producing 345 horsepower that worked with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The 5.7-liter V8's output would inch up slightly to 350 in 2001.

On the tech front, an optional head-up display was made available as an option in 2000.

For customers looking for even more performance, Chevy brought a Z06 model to showrooms in 2001.

The 5.7-liter engine was tuned to deliver 385 horsepower and paired exclusively with a six-speed manual.

To help control all the power, the Z06 received suspension refinements, bigger tires and brake cooling ducts.

1998 Chevrolet Corvette.

1998 Corvette convertible.

1998 Corvette convertible (3/4 front).

1998 Corvette convertible.

The 1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5 and earlier Corvette pace cars gathered for a photo at the 82nd Indy 500 race.

1999 Chevrolet Corvette.

1999 Chevrolet Corvette.

1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R race car.

2001 Chevrolet Corvette lineup. 

2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition. 

2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. 

2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition.

The 2003 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Corvette C5 was the official pace car of the Indy 500 in 2002.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.