The Z06, since 2001, has sparked the second half of the C5's lifespan with a Corvette model for the extreme performance enthusiast. Now, Team Corvette combines the numerous attributes of the sixth-generation Corvette with the technology and winning determination from the C5-R program to take the new Z06 to the next level in total performance.
The links between racing and the production Z06 are both direct and indirect, as the vehicle was developed in conjunction with the forthcoming C6-R race car, but they boil down to the application of lessons that could only have been learned after countless laps of endurance racing-everything from suspension geometry to aerodynamics. What the engineers developed was a totally unique vehicle that has its own powertrain, body structure, and chassis system, which are distinct from other Corvette models.
"The new Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing," said Dave Hill. "It combines the strong attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology, and know-how from the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding credentials."
The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Other castings, stampings, and extrusions are combined into the innovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites, and the passenger-compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
The new Z06 achieves 500 hp in an approximately 3,130-pound (1,419.7 kg) package and is expected to deliver 0-60 performance of less than 4 seconds, eclipse the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds, and deliver a top speed of more than 190 mph on a racetrack.
Primary Z06 components include:* LS7 7.0L, 427ci Gen IV V-8 with lightweight reciprocating components* 500 hp (373 kw) at 6,200 rpm* 475 lb-ft of torque (657 Nm) at 4,800 rpm* 7,000-rpm redline* Titanium connecting rods and intake valves* Dry-sump engine lubrication system* Engine handbuilt at GM's new Performance Build Center* Aluminum body structure with one piece hydroformed perimeter rails frame and magnesium front cradle* Fixed-roof design optimizes body rigidity and aerodynamics* Carbon-fiber composite front fenders and front wheelhouses * Unique front fascia incorporating a larger grille, cold-air scoop, and lower air splitter * Wide-body rear fenders and a unique rear spoiler incorporated with the CHMSL* Huge 14-inch (355mm) cross-drilled front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340mm) cross-drilled rear rotors with four piston calipers*18x9.5-inch front wheels with 275/35ZR18 tires and 19x12-inch rear wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires* 3-inch-diameter exhaust with bi-mode mufflers and larger polished stainless steel tips* Engine, transmission, and differential oil coolers; steering cooler * Rear-mounted battery to improve weight distribution* Unique interior features, including revised gauge cluster and lightweight two-tone seats with more aggressive bolsters* Curb weight of 3,130 pounds (1,419.7kg), estimated* 3 inches (76.2 mm) wider than other Corvette models* Vehicle developed simultaneously with C6-R race car
The above features are merely the high points of the comprehensively designed Z06. Let's look a little closer at what could be considered by many the greatest Corvette ever built.