The Fastest Corvette Ever - Z06

By Motoring Channel Staff - 14/6/2005

The ultimate Corvette - the 2006 Corvette Z06 - is posting numbers at the track and on the window sticker that will get attention.

Chevrolet has announced that the fastest Corvette ever - the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06 - will achieve 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 3.7 seconds while still in 1st gear, and pricing will start at $US65,800.

"Corvette is a global icon for world-class sports car performance at an incredible value, and offering the fastest production Corvette ever at this price is another testament to that reputation," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

"When you compare the Corvette Z06 performance stats to other supercars, you see numerous examples where you’re getting better performance with Corvette for one-third the sticker price of the competition."

For Feann's article on the 2006 Corvette Z06 written early in 2005, complete with comparisons against the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, and more photos, click here.

Developed alongside the Corvette C6.R race car, the Corvette Z06 uses advanced lightweight materials typically found only in the most exotic supercars.

Use of weight-saving materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium, titanium and magnesium give the 3132.lb (1421kg) car a highly competitive weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

"The new Corvette Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing," said Dave Hill, Corvette’s chief engineer.

"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 highly anticipated Corvette Z06, which will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005 to North American drivers, completes the sixth-generation portfolio, which also includes the 400hp (298kW) Corvette coupe and convertible.

Previous Corvette Z06 models, from the original 1963 model to the 2001-04 editions, incorporated suspension and engine upgrades that complemented existing Corvette systems. The 2006 Corvette Z06 is more differentiated from the standard Corvette than any other Z06 in history with every design element serving a performance function.

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Corvette Z06 also is designed to be refined as a daily driver with a sophisticated and comfortable interior and generous cargo volume. The Z06 will be offered in Machine Silver Metallic, Victory Red, Daytona Sunset Orange, Le Mans Blue Metallic, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Black exterior colours.

Corvette Z06 features include:

LS7 7.0-litre (427 cubic-inch) Gen IV V8 engine with lightweight reciprocating components
373kW (505hp) @ 6300rpm
657 Nm of torque (470 lb.-ft.) @ 4800rpm
6-speed manual transmission
7000rpm redline
Aluminium body structure with one-piece hydroformed perimeter rails frame and magnesium engine cradle
Carbon-fibre composite front fenders, front wheelhouses and floors
Dry-sump engine lubrication system
Hand-built engine at GM's new Performance Build Center
Unique design styling that includes a larger grille, cold-air scoop and lower air splitter, wide-body front and rear fenders and a taller rear spoiler
Engine, transmission and differential oil coolers and steering cooler