Daily Slideshow: Can We Call the Z06 a Supercar Yet?

Fighting the Good Fight

The Z06 is back to take on the world and it's packing a bigger punch than ever. However, to earn the title of "supercar" the newest Z06 needs to be a well-rounded package. Before we get to the C7 generation and its continued progression, let's see where it came from.  

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Z06 Origins - C2

The Z06 first made its debut within the second generation C2 Corvette in 1963. Developed by engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Z06 package was a track-oriented offering consisting of handling and braking upgrades. A larger fuel tank was also offered to minimize the number of fueling pit stops during track sessions. First generation Z06s are incredibly rare with only 199 ever being built. 

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Z06 Origins - C5

Jump forward to the C5 Corvette in 2001 and the Z06 was a far more imposing iteration of the 'Vette. The LS6 V8 punched way above the standard C5's weight class with 405 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission and a titanium exhaust were also highlights. Weight saving modifications like thinner glass and a fixed roof helped the C5 Z06 run the Nurburgring in less than 8 minutes. Given its popularity, production topped 28,000 between 2001 and 2004. 

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Z06 Origins - C6

The C6 Z06 was launched in 2006 and now featured a massive 7.0L LS7 V8 with 505 horsepower. The C6 Z06 benefited from Chevrolet's race experience and some of the technology, like dry-sump oiling, trickled its way down to the street car. The C6 was even quicker around Germany's fabled track, blitzing the 'Ring in 7:22.  

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The C7 Z06

That brings us to today. The Z06 evolution has continued in an earth-shattering way. In 2015, Chevy brought back the Z06 designation for the C7. Continuing a long tradition, the newest Z06 has even more power, and blurs the lines between street and racecar.

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The C7 Z06 By the Numbers

First things first, let's get the numbers out of the way. The C7 Z06 utilizes a supercharged 6.2L V8 dubbed the LT4. It produces a mind-bending 650 horsepower and 650 ft-lbs of torque. The Z06 is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive product and still manages a blistering 3.3 second 0-60 mph time with the 7-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic is also optional (if you're into that weird stuff). Pull the 'Vette around the skidpad and you'll see a world-class 1.17g of lateral grip. Top speed? 202 mph. And the price is starting at $79,495. 

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Defining a Supercar

This might be the most difficult task. Deciding what is and what isn't a supercar is somewhat subjective. While the numbers help, numbers are stagnant and don't tell the whole story. A car that represents the supercars of the 70's, 80's, or 90's will pale in comparison to entry-level sports cars of today. Instead, we have to go a little deeper and try to find the words to describe the attributes of a supercar that make our jaws drop, and our hearts fill with desire. Then, we'll place the C7 Z06 on the scale and see how Chevy's latest iteration measures up. 

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Performance

Taking into consideration its rear-wheel-drive platform, the Z06 was never meant to run with all-wheel drive hypercars like the Porsche 918, Bugatti Chiron, or McLaren P1. Those million dollar vehicles are in another league altogether. The Z06 is supremely quick but it falls behind other rear-wheel-drive supercars like the Mercedes AMG GTS, Ferrari 488, and Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Of course, in reality, the difference between these cars' 0-60 times is less than half a second. Handling and top speed numbers are all within a stone's throw and considering the price difference, it is fair to say that the Z06 gets a thumbs up in the performance department. 

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Appearance

Speaking of dealing with subjectivity, there will always be arguments for and against a car's aesthetic qualities. My stance on the C7 Z06 is that it is bold and undeniably a Corvette. That being said, the Z06 doesn't have the refined elements to make me covet the bodywork. Accents like the black hood vents, side vents, and seemingly stuck-on rear spoiler take away the curb appeal of the Z06. Imagine you own a Z06 and you're waiting to drop off your 'Vette at the valet. In front of you is a McLaren 650S and behind you is a Lamborghini Huracan. Who gets the lone front row spot? 

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Practicality

I don't want my supercar to be too practical. In this sense, practicality ruins the "special-ness" and the drama and excitement of owning a supercar. As the Z06 is based on the standard Corvette, it is too useful for its own good. The rear hatch features 15 cubic feet of storage and the front seats are big enough and accommodating enough for retirees to climb in and out of. Furthermore, the inclusion of a traditional torque converter automatic dulls the overall experience. Couple that with relatively inexpensive maintenance and repair costs and the Z06 falls short of the higher-strung class of supercars. 

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Technology and Innovation

The Z06 employs Chevy's Performance Traction Management which is godsent when you're trying to keep 650 horses in check. The Z06 also has magnetorheological shocks which General Motors licensed out to Ferrari. So far, we're off to a good start. Heads-Up displays, performance data recorder, and configurable gauge cluster add to the plus column. On the flip side, the Z06 does not have the exotic powerplant of a supercar. Its supercharged LT4 pushrod V-8 is nothing too new, though Chevy has done a great job of improving upon the cooling systems. Leaf spring suspension and rack and pinion steering show the older roots of the Z06. 

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Exclusivity

With over 32,000 Z06s built between 2015 and 2018 model years, the Z06 isn't exactly rare. By comparison, over the 2016-2017 period, Acura sold less than 1,000 units of the second generation NSX. Add in a base price of less than $80,000 and your neighbor, father-in-law, or dentist can get their hands on one.  

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Weighing and Measuring

The story seems familiar. The C7 Z06 is the latest in a long line of Corvettes to bring the performance of a supercar in the body of a sports car. It is no doubt a great performance car and an absolute bargain when it comes to thrills per dollar. That being said, it lacks to posh flair of a more rarefied supercar. Don't fret Corvette owners, your rival 911 Carrera S owners can't brag either. While the standard 911 is a dream of a daily driver, it also falls short of the supercar crown. And keep in mind, their 911 has a starting price of more than $20,000 higher than the Z06, without the matching performance. This won't be the last chapter in the Corvette supercar debate. Especially not with the newly debuted ZR1 model and the rumored-to-be mid-engined C8 in development. 

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