1989 C4 Corvette

• Most of the Corvette publicity this year centered on the eagerly-awaited ZR-1 which was claimed to be the world's fastest production automobile.
• After several announcements proved premature, the ZR-1's introduction was delayed until the 1990 model year.
• Meanwhile, the "ordinary" Corvette added a new ZF six-speed manual gearbox with two overdrive ratios.
• To meet fuel-economy standards, the ingenious transmission was designed with a computer that sent a signal to prevent shifts from first to second gear unless the gas pedal hit the floor.
• Instead, a blocking pin forced the shifter directly into fourth gear for improved fuel economy during light-throttle operation.
• Joining the option list was a new FX3 Delco-Bilstein Selective Ride Control system with a switch to select the desired degree of shock absorber damping for touring, sport, or competition driving.
• Only hatchbacks with a manual transmission and the Z51 Performance Handling package could get the ride-control option.
• For the first time since 1975, a removable fiberglass hardtop became available for the convertible, but not until late in the model year.
• Corvette colors were
  • White
  • Medium Blue Metallic
  • Dark Blue Metallic
  • Black
  • Dark Red Metallic
  • Bright Red
  • Gray Metallic
  • Charcoal Metallic
• Chevrolet also painted 33 cars in two non-standard colors.
• Six were done in Yellow and 27 were done in Arctic Pearl.
• Interior trims came in Blue; Black; Gray; Red; Saddle; and White.
• A removable body-color roof panel for hatchbacks or body-color convertible top were standard, along with cloth upholstery.

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