Interior updates addressed complaints that the C5 cockpit was too dark ("Looks like a cave" commented one observer) and monotone which resulted in an induced case of claustrophobia. The interior was lightened up some and real aluminum accents were added to the inside door opener button (below, middle) and the shifter (below right). The result was more user friendly controls and a more open feeling, even though the passenger area was the same volume.

Middle: A Corvette first: heated seats were available as an option.

Right: The engine start button. Keys as they usually function were eliminated in the 2005 Corvette. A Keyless Access system required only that one had possession of the access transmitter to open a locked door and start the car. The doors were opened from the outside by pressing a switch located behind the door handle or from the inside by pressing another button on the inside door panel. A small conventional key was included for glovebox and center console entry as well as emergency access. A similar system was used in the Cadillac XLR.

The HUD (Heads Up Display) was part of the 1SB Preferred Equipment Group and included a nice feature: lateral G-forces were now displayed, just the thing to evaluate new tires and suspension settings.