Chevrolet's Corvette C7 was the previous generation of the Corvette sports car lineup. C7 designated that it was the seventh generation. This Corvette gen ran from the 2014 to 2019 model years, before being succeeded by the current Corvette C8. Interestingly, the C7 was the first to feature the Stingray name since the mid-1970s. The very first Corvette C7s were delivered in Q3 of 2013.
However, today, we're concerned with the 2015 model year Z06. This specific variant was produced as a performance model of the Corvette C7. It was launched at the North American International Auto Show in January 2014.
For today, we'll be focusing specifically on the 2015 C7 Z06 and what makes it so awesome. The 2015 Z06 hit the US market in early 2015 and had a base MSRP of just under $79,000. It was possible to assemble the engine based on your preferences with a $5,000 package.
Performance Of The C7 Z06
The inaugural C7 Z06 featured a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 powertrain; to be more specific, it was an intercooled LT4 engine. It came with a 1.7-liter TVS Supercharger as well as Rotocast aluminum cylinder heads. In total, it generated 650 hp at 6,400 rpm and had 650 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Z06 packed a punch and could top speeds of 185 mph.
The 2015 Z06 was also offered with a Hydramatic 8L90 eight-speed auto transmission or a Tremec seven-speed manual. The former came with paddle shifters and the latter featured rev-matching tech.
Exterior And Interior Design
The Z06 came with an array of unique features that the C7 lacked. For example, this performance model came with a distinct carbon fiber hood and a large vent (more sizeable than that of the regular C7), a larger rear spoiler, front splitter, and a carbon fiber roof panel that could be removed.
With a newly designed front fascia mesh pattern for the 2015 Z06, this enabled fantastic airflow for the intercooler heat exchange of the supercharger. Air diffusion was achieved with wider grille outlets on the bottom alongside brake-cooling intakes. This vehicle came with 19 inch x 10 inch wheels at the front and 20 x 12 inch rear wheels, both of which were spin-cast aluminum wheels. As for the tires, you have 335/25ZR20 tires at the rear and P285/30ZR19 at the front.
What's Inside?
For the 2015 Z06, customers had a selection of two seats, both of which were magnesium framed. There was a Competition Sport seat or a GT seat. The former had firmer side bolstering, however. Beyond that, this ride also came with soft-touch materials at the console's edge, and the interior was totally wrapped in materials such as carbon fiber, Nappa leather, microsuede, and aluminum, although it would depend on the actual variant chosen.
Another notable feature of the interior was its center console steel-reinforced grab bar (that was designed for passenger use). As for the brakes, the Z06 for the 2015 model year came with Brembo brakes that offered eLSD that was integrated with electronic stability control, Magentic Ride Control dampers, and Performance Traction Management, among other features.
All in all, the Z06 was an awesome ride that lived up to its performance category. Notably, the Z06 was also sold as a convertible in Germany that came with a power-folding top as well as safety-belt mounts that were alternatively positioned.