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2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 First Drive

The Best Horsepower-per-Dollar Proposition in the High-Performance Arena

For the last four years of the C5-generation car, through 2004, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 offered a bit more of everything to the Corvette enthusiast, including exclusivity and performance.

For 2006, though, the new C6 Z06 has a lot more of what enthusiasts want, given it is a barely-tamed race car developed over the last few years on the tracks of the world by the likes of Ron Fellows.
   
Links between racing and the production Z06 are both direct and indirect, as the street car was developed in conjunction with the C6-R. The

The new Z06 is a barely-tamed race car, developed over the last few years on the tracks of the world by the likes of Ron Fellows (shown here during the C6Rs introduction at the 2005 Detroit auto show). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

technology transfer includes the application of lessons that could only have been learned after many laps of endurance racing - everything from suspension geometry to aerodynamics. What engineers developed in the Z06 is a totally unique vehicle

The Z06 is a totally unique vehicle that has powertrain, body structure and chassis system features that are distinct from other Corvette models. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

that has powertrain, body structure and chassis system features that are distinct from other Corvette models. In fact, the Z06 even has a different body structure compared to ordinary Corvettes.
   
Start with the engine. Even though the term "cubic inches" has long ago been replaced by "litres" here, the number 427 holds a special place in the hearts of bowtie performance freaks, and yes,

The new Chevy 427 (7.0-liter) V8 makes 505-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

that, or 7.0 liters, is the displacement of the largest small-block Chevy ever, the mighty LS7 (another legendary code in GM-speak).

The engines equipment specs certainly read like a race cars. Unique cylinder block with wide bore spacing, titanium connecting rods and valves, forged steel crankshaft, ported aluminum cylinder heads, high-lift camshaft, 11.0:1 compression, dry-sump oiling system - there is nothing missing here. Output is 505 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
   

The Z06 rides on all-new wheels, tires, brakes. The rolling stock comprises 18 x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

Thanks to this power and its 3,130 pound curbweight, the Z06 will do 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds - in first gear, 12-second quarter miles, and almost 200 mph - all while being easily drivable around town at low rpms. The wonders of modern electronics....
   
Putting that kind of power to the street requires a hefty drivetrain. The six-speed manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7s increased torque load. It includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential

The Z06 features a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.
   
The Z06 rides on all-new wheels, tires, brakes. The rolling stock comprises 18 x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear - the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette.

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