Technical Article: SMC Assembly Makes Fixed-Roof Corvette Lightest Body Style

Description:
This technical article was published in Composites Technology, September/October 1999, and looks at the C5 fixed roof coupe body structure and discusses the manufacturing and engineering techniques used in developing the hardtop model.

Excerpt:
"With a projected annual unit sales volume of less than 4,000, the 1999 model C5 Corvette Hardtop has yet to become a big money-maker for General Motors(GM). But with a starting price of $39,475, the new fifth-generation hardtop -- the first fixed-roof coupe since the second generation Stingray of the ’60s -- is the least expensive and lightest of all three current ’vette body styles. Elimination of the hardware associated with the convertible and removable roof (targa) models contributes to the reduced mass of the vehicle, as does the lightweight design of the roof itself."

Link: SMC Assembly Makes Fixed-Roof Corvette Lightest Body Style