Say goodbye to what you thought you knew about the Z06. The newest super Corvette is changing it all, except for the part about being an incredibly powerful and sexy car.
The 2015 Z06 was unveiled today in Detroit, and the first thing of note were the changes: it’s got a supercharged engine, and optional ultra-performance 8-speed automatic transmission, and a removable roof; all three of these features are new to the car. Of course, it wasn’t long ago that the Z06 was built around being the “Driver’s Vette;” a bare-bones sports car only available the good old fashioned way: with a stick shift and a fixed roof.
Not that change is a bad thing. The LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 is estimated to hit 625 horsepower and 635 lb.-ft. of torque. The paddle-shift capable automatic is high-performance, high-efficiency, but don’t worry . . . for those of you that still love a third pedal, you can get the Vette with a 7-speed manual transmission, featuring rev-matching technology.
The body is changed, as well, to accommodate the highest performing Corvette yet. Chevrolet began with the tires, where they went wide, wide, wide: P285/30ZR19s up front, and 335/25ZR20s in the back . . . 1.5 inches and 2 inches wider, respectively, than the current Stingray. As a result, the fenders are wider and the car is, stunningly, loads more aggressive looking (and it’s not like the Stingray was lacking aggression).
There is an added emphasis on downforce, as there are three different aerodynamic options: the base Z06 features a carbon fiber hood and a new front splitter; the carbon fiber aero package has a large rear spoiler, as well as a carbon fiber front splitter with winglets, and carbon fiber rocker panels; and the Z07 package has even larger winglets, and an adjustable, see through center section on the rear spoiler, strictly for track use.
Add that all up, and what do you get? The best performing factory made street-legal Vette to date. Even the testing teams at Corvette have been blown away, saying that the Z06 equipped with the Z07 package has surpassed lap times for even the ZR1.
Of course, we don’t even need to mention the style. If you like the new Stingray, you’ll love the Z06. And if you love driving? Well then you’ll really love the Z06.
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
