1996 Corvette Wheels and Tires

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1995 Corvette Tech Center 1997 Corvette Tech Center

This press release from the GM Media Archives takes a look at the wheel and tire options for the 1996 Corvette.

Note:  All information and pictures on this page are courtesy of GM Media Archives. Rev. 09/25/1995

Grand Sport Models

  • Aluminum five-spoke 17"- diameter black wheels with Grand Sport emblems
  • Coupe and Z51: P275/40ZR-17 (front) and P315/35ZR-17 (rear) tires. 9.5" front and 11" rear wheels.
  • Convertible: P255/45ZR-17 (front) and P285/40ZR-17 (rear) tires. 8.5" front and 9.5" rear wheels.

Collector Edition models

  • Aluminum five-spoke 17"- diameter wheels painted silver with Collector Edition emblems
  • P255/45ZR-17 (front) and
    P285/40ZR-17 (rear) tires. 8.5" front and 9.5" rear wheels.

Corvette Coupe and Convertible

  • Standard P255/45ZR-17 (front), P285/40ZR-17 (rear) Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires and 17" x 8.5" (front) and 17" x 9.5" (rear) aluminum wheels.

  • Corvette Coupe with Z51 Performance Handling Package have P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires and 9.5" wheels front and rear.

Goodyear GS-C Tires

Introduced as a Corvette exclusive in 1992, the Goodyear Eagle GS-C tire has a steel-belted, polyester- cord body with a unique spiral overlay. This design reduces heat buildup at high speeds and improves ride quality without inhibiting high-speed handling. The tread pattern is directional and asymmetrical.

  • The directional groove design disperses water effectively
  • The asymmetrical tread pattern increases the contact area on the outer portion of the tread and reduces road noise.
Extended Mobility Tires (EMT)*

Introduced on Corvette in 1994, optional Goodyear Eagle GS-C Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) were the first run-flat tires to be fitted on conventional wheels. EMT virtually eliminates the inconvenience of a flat tire.

  • Reinforced sidewalls and special materials enable EMT tires to withstand the stress of running without air pressure
  • The ride, handling, and lateral stability of an EMT tire is so impressive without air that a driver may not perceive the loss of air pressure
  • The spare tire can be deleted for a credit on models equipped with EMT tires.
Low-Tire-Pressure-Warning System

The low-tire-pressure-warning system (optional on Corvette Coupe and Convertible) monitors air pressure in each tire continuously while the vehicle is being driven.

  • Wheel modules are installed inside each tire
  • When tire pressure drops below 25 psi, the module transmits a signal to a radio receiver located in the instrument panel
  • The receiver illuminates a telltale on the instrument panel to alert the driver to check tire pressure.
  • This feature is designed to enhance safety and fuel economy.

*Available only with standard front and rear tires. Requires available Low-Tire-Pressure Warning System.