The massively popular Chevrolet Corvette is one of the best-selling sportscars in the US. The Z06 is the most performance-oriented version of the car, for those looking for a more extreme setup, the Z06 is also available with a Z07 package. Optioning this, would add around $10,000 to the car's list price. While this is not cheap, the car does gain some very cool and usable upgrades, which are explored below
The car is relatively lightweight, weighing in at 3500 lbs, which contributes to its lightning-quick performance. 0-60 mph takes just 2.6 seconds, which puts it among some of the fastest supercars available. Corvette fans in certain markets such as the UK are going to be happy, as Chevrolet is going to make the car available in right-hand drive. Potential buyers will have a long wait ahead, however, as the car doesn't even enter production until summer 2022 and will be released into the US market as a 2023 model. Let's have a look at some of the Z06's best features, which help sweeten that waiting time.
10 High Revving Naturally Aspirated Engine
One of the most attractive selling points of the Z06 is its naturally aspirated engine with a high redline. The engine is derived from racing units and bears little resemblance to the 6.2-liter V8 found in a standard Corvette. In fact, the same unit can be found in the C8.R GT racing car. The eighth-generation car is a departure from the past in that its engine is no longer mounted up-front, and instead in a mid-engined configuration.
Named the LT6, the Z06's engine produces a thoroughly generous 670 hp from its 5.5-liter V8 block. This is certainly not a car short on power. Drivers can rev the 5.5-liter beast all the way to 8600 pm, and the unit is the world's most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever produced. As you might expect from a block with so much power, it's a noisy brute, and people will certainly hear you coming.
9 Lift Out Roof
One particularly cool feature we are pleased has made its way across from the standard car, is a lift out roof panel. This feature enables the Z06 to be transformed from a coupe to a convertible and enables the car to retain its sleek looks.
A seriously impressive aspect is the fact the roof panel can then be safely stowed in the rear trunk. Owners can pay less attention to the weather forecast, and enjoy their cars with the comfort of knowing the roof can simply be popped back on.
8 Dual Cargo Areas
Another feature which greatly improves the usability of the Z06, is the fact it comes with both a front and a rear cargo area. With the roof on, this means storage is comparatively ample for a car of this type.
With the roof off and safely stowed in the rear, owners can still carry things with them in the compartment up front. This section is pretty cool in that it can be accessed by pulling an external physical release down on the front bumper.
7 Premium Interior
Compared to the cabins of some previous Corvettes, the Z06 feels markedly more premium. Being the high-performance model, carbon fiber is utilized throughout, both for weight-saving and aesthetic purposes.
The car's seats are well-made, and should last the test of time. One slightly controversial aspect of the interior is the divisive hexagonal steering wheel. While it provides a talking point and subjectively evokes a sporty look, the shape may make accurate steering inputs more difficult during spirited driving.
6 Large Carbon Ceramic Brakes
Helping to up the stopping power, the Z07 package replaces the standard steel brakes with up-rated Brembo carbon ceramics instead. 15.7-inch rotors are then found fitted up-front, with 15.4-inch versions on the rear.
This upgrade makes the Z07 pack a worthwhile option for anyone looking to take on the track, or even just a blast through a mountain pass. The ceramics make brake fade a problem of the past, and drivers can simply enjoy their cars.
5 Carbon Fiber Wheels
The tires found on the Z06 are wider than the standard car. The rear tires are now 345mm width profiles, making them fairly hefty things.
The Z07 pack brings the exciting option of lightweight carbon fiber wheels which save around 18 kg, just make sure you stay away from those curbs. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires found on the Z06 are replaced by sportier track focussed Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires instead.
4 Stiffened Suspension
The Z06 will receive specifically calibrated suspension components, differentiating it from the Stingray.
The suspension found on cars optioned with the Z07 pack is stiffer still, in the region of 15%. This is because the setup is designed to be track-ready, while in the regular Z06, more emphasis has been put on striking a balance between on-road comfort and track performance.
3 Wider Than The Regular Car
Helping complete the Z06's aggressive look is its increased width. Compared to the standard car, it is actually 9cm wider.
This widened stance is achieved through the use of modified body panels and bumpers, both front, and rear.
2 Shorter Gear Ratios
Chevrolet have modified the gear ratios within the car's gearbox, this helps to improve the car's sprinting abilities,
Consequently, the lower gears can be shifted through much faster, helping get the car up to speed sooner.
1 Wide Carbon Fiber Rear Wing
One of the most obvious and striking modifications provided by the Z07 Pack, is the addition of a wide carbon-fiber wing.
The wing isn't just for show either, it actually doubles the car's downforce at very high speeds.