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GM and Chevrolet announced the current Z06 during the 2006 model year (there was no Z06 in 2005). Based on a C6 Corvette, it is the first Corvette to have exposed headlamps since the C1 Corvette of the 1960’s. The car sports a 7.1 L, 426 cubic inch small block V-8 engine known as the LS7, which gives the car better fuel economy (15 miles-per-gallon city; 24 on the highway) and puts out 505 horsepower (376 kW). Other improvements and innovations include titanium connecting rods; a dry-sump oiling system; an aluminum frame, which saves 136 pounds compared to the standard steel frame; carbon fiber/balsa wood floors; and a magnesium alloy engine cradle

The weight to power ratio of the Z06 is 6.3 lb/hp (3.8 kg/kW).

Today’s  Z06 is based on the fifth generation C6 Corvette, which has a number of improvements over the C5 base car. Compare:

• new suspension geometry
• a re-designed body
• more room in the passenger area
• different dimensions (5.1 inches shorter, one inch narrower, longer wheelbase by 1.2 inches)
• computer-aided shifting on the manual transmission

According to Motor Trend magazine, the C6 Corvette will remain current until 2012 when GM will announce a C7 version of the car.

Background

The preceding Z06 was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the ZR1 C4 Corvette. It was based on the C5 and was partly inspired by the Z06 C2 Corvette from the 1960’s. But like the 1960’s car, Chevrolet found that the Z06’s additional power was of little value without corresponding improvements to the platform. These improvements included shedding some weight and modifying other components.

The C5 Z06 was lighter for a number of reasons. It incorporated thinner glass, and it had a less-weighty battery and lighter wheels. From the catalytic converter backwards, the Corvette had a titanium exhaust, which also reduced weight.  To bring the car up to snuff performance-wise, engineers added bigger tires and wheels, a coupe body, cooling ducts on the brakes, and a new 6-speed transmission that featured better gearing.

The 2002 version put out 405 horsepower (302 kW), due to engine improvements. These included light, sodium-filled exhaust valves; an improved camshaft profile; firmer valve springs; and removal of the precats. Independent tests showed the car actually put out 20 more horsepower than what Chevrolet officially stated. That year also saw spun cast wheels, which are lighter than the forged wheels, and better rear shocks. Other improvements included a standard HUD (heads up display) and “405 hp” badges. These improvements allowed the Z06 to be competitive with contemporary vehicles like the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Dodge Viper.

In 2004, customers could purchase a Commemorative version of the car. This edition featured polished aluminum wheels and a weight-saving carbon fiber hood. Also exclusive to the Commemorative Edition was a unique Le Mans blue color scheme and Nürburgring suspension tuning for improved handling.

Other items which make the car different from the standard C5 Corvette include air scoops on the front fascia of the vehicle that direct air to the front brakes for improved cooling; and red brake calipers (the standard C5 has bare or black calipers).

Original Z06

The very first Z06 Corvette was made available on a 1963 Corvette. The idea was to offer a race-ready car to customers even though technically there was a ban on factory-authorized racing at the time. Amenities included a dual master cylinder; a 20% larger front anti-roll bar; a vacuum brake booster; metallic brake linings; bigger springs and shock absorbers; air-cooled, power brakes; and a larger gas tank. Only 199 of the first Z06 Corvettes were produced.

 

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