In 2004, the Corvette C5-R racing team cemented the most successful period in the marque’s 50-year racing history by winning every single race in the season. The statistics are astonishing: 35 wins in 55 races, four Le Mans Series championships and a trio of double victories in the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
The Corvette Z06 is inspired by the manufacturer’s racing success story, combining the best features of the sixth generation Corvette with the high-tech engineering and winning performance found in the C5-R program. It was first introduced at the North American International Auto Show, and represents the quickest, most powerful vehicle ever manufactured by
Chevrolet and General Motors. With its strong, muscular appearance, the 2006 Z06 boasts some of the best performance values available.
All-new engine
The 2006 Z06 features Chevrolet’s all-new LS7 engine, representing the reintroduction of a 427 cu in engine to the Corvette range. This 7.0 litre monster is the largest small-block design engine ever produced by General Motors. It pushes out 500 bhp and 475 lb/ft of torque, and is clearly visible under the hood – identified by the red engine coverings featuring black lettering.
The LS7 powerhouse shares the same architecture as the 6.0 litre LS2 (Gen IV, V8), but features upgraded cylinder block casting to house its 104.8 mm wide cylinder bores. Inside the engine, lightweight technology abounds, including connecting rods and intake valves in titanium, adding to the Z06’s power and rpm capabilities.
The titanium connecting rods are evidence of the LS7 engine’s racing pedigree, weighing an astonishingly low 480 grams each – a 30% reduction on the weight of those used in the LS2. The durability of the titanium also improves high-revving performance.
Design and styling
The Z06’s body shape is the result of the Corvette racing program, where the priority is stability at high speeds and in cornering. The new Corvette’s large rear spoiler provides the necessary downforce to counter-balance the large front splitter without affecting the aerodynamic capabilities of the car.
Despite this racing pedigree, the Z06 has been designed with daily functionality and driveability in mind, with elevated standards of convenience and interior comfort. Standard features include fog lamps, split-zone air conditioning, air filtration system and leather seats.
The instrument cluster has also been redesigned for 2006, displaying the distinctive Z06 logo on the rev counter, with its redline set at 7,000 rpm. The three-spoke steering wheel is smaller in diameter than its predecessor, providing the driver with more precise control over the vehicle’s agility and speed.
Options for the 2006 Z06 include a Bose sound system with integral six-CD changer, polished alloys, telescopic steering wheel, seat heating, lateral air bags and GPS navigation system.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Chris Ostberg (AudiWorld.com) for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 11:23 am
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