Last time the Americans took on the Germans and the Italians, we had WWII. Well brace yourself for WWIII as Chevrolet has unveiled the latest Corvette Z06 and it will definitely rattle the Germans and the Italians.
Lets start with the looks, the last Generation Corvette had a front mounted engine but the latest one outs the engine amidship thus moving it to the supercar league. The Z06 is the track oriented naming for Corvette with enthusiasts rejoicing as they now know track days will allow them to spoil Ferrari, Porsche, AMG and BMW M drivers days. The Z06 is wider than the standard Stingray model as the Z06 serves a purpose for aerodynamics, handling or cooling, with styling cues that accentuate the car’s sense of motion. The wider fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip whilst the lower larger vents — like the C8.R race car, draws clean air into a center heat exchanger thus providing more cooling air to the engine, brakes and transaxle for increased track capability. LED headlamps are placed on either side of the Corvette badge taking pride of place in the bonnet.
On to the side, buyers will get the widest tires put in a production Corvette with 20-inch front wheels wrapped with 275/30ZR20 tires and 21-inch rear wheels, used with 345/25ZR21 tires. Michelin® Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires are standard, with Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires included with the available Z07 package. The side air vents were enhanced to give more cooling to the engine whilst also giving the Vette a racing car look with a carbon fibre design accent above them. The Z06 comes as both a hardtop coupe and metal top convertible (which can be opened on the move).
The rear gets a unique rear fascia that also features centered floating exhaust bezels. This floating design was key to the precise tuning in the exhaust note. The wider rear fender also allows for the larger air intakes required for the car’s cooling. Should buyers go for the Performance Pack, there can get a carbon fibre rear wing not too far off racing cars. LED rear lamps are standard. Speaking of the Z07 Performance Pack, buyers who opt for this package also get a:
- Carbon fiber aero package with larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a rear wing and underbody strakes that enhance downforce
- Unique FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations
- Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires developed specifically for the Z06
- Available carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 18.6 kg reduction in unsprung mass
- Brembo® carbon ceramic brake system featuring larger, 15.7-inch-diameter (398 mm) front rotors and 15.4-inch-diameter (391 mm) rear rotors.
Inside, there is a driver-focused cockpit with Chevrolet claiming use of premium materials to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They’re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra.
Unique features include an available carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel, shift paddles and new carbon fiber interior trim package level 2. The Z06 also features hand-wrapped leather interior options, including the all-new, available fully trimmed interior in Adrenaline Red.
The speedo cluster is Digital with the rev counter in a racing like set up. There are side screens that can be set up to show G-Force meter, performance stats.
The engine is something that will really set the pulse racing for drivers and the heart rate of competition drivers through the roof. Chevrolet has installed the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in a production car with an all new, racing car derived 5.5 litre V8 with Dual Over-Head Cams in a flat-plane crank design enabling the engine to rev to the high rpms needed to create significant power. This means it can rev to 8600 rpm thus giving power figures of 500kW and 620Nm of Torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Launch Control. Performance is claimed at 0-100km/h in 2.6 seconds for the Performance Pack Z07 with no details on the top speed. Handling is claimed to be top class with technologies like Active Handling systems, multi mode traction control, Performance Traction Management and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential all included.
Chevrolet claims the latest Corvette will be the first to be a Global Vette and so it will also be produced in right hand drive meaning its a possibility for local import. Unfortunately GM pulled out of Mzansi and so the only option the Z06 will come to Mzansi is if one of the exotic cars importers brings it. Let all the enthusiasts join me in prayer…….
