First glance: No longer the "plastic pachyderm"
Enzo Ferrari said "Corvette is the only real sports car made in America", and he knew a few things about sports cars. The Z06 features a unique-to-the-car front fascia and upper air inlet, specific grille, fenders, quarter panels and rear spoiler to set it apart from the stock C6 Corvette. Once known for its fiberglass construction, the 'Vette is no longer the "plastic pachyderm". Aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber front fenders and wheelhouses have Z06 weighing in just below the stock car: 3,132 lbs of Z06 versus 3,179 for the two-door hatchback and 3,199 for the convertible. Z06 looks low, mean, powerful, purposeful and all its body panels fit as well as any in the industry.Chevy will build about 4,000 Z06 models a year (and a like number of Cadillac XLRs) at GM’s Bowling Green, KY, plant. Chevrolet makes about 35,000 Corvettes annually, making Z06 an instant collectible. Those shopping the lower-end of the supercar market will find Z06’s safety, comfort, performance, overall quality and price a tough combination to beat. Someone’s ego might demand a fancier nameplate, but Z06 delivers without the over-$100K price tag. Competition for Z06 is Dodge’s Viper and Ford’s latest Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500.
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In the Driver's Seat: Like a race car, but a bit more complex
Main gauges are large, easy-to-read and smack in front of the driver. Analog instruments (speed, rpm, fuel, oil pressure, coolant temp and amperes) keeps the driver informed. Push-buttons check other systems via a digital read-out below the speedo. Air pressure on the four pricey run-flat tires is monitored; there’s no spare. A heads-up display (HUD) projected on the windshield has three different modes and is easily positioned in (or out) of driver vision. The gear lever is canted towards the driver and the clutch pedal is easier to engage then I expected.
There’s a small glove box and a bit of console storage, but the rear hatch covers a surprisingly large storage area that easily holds a couple of golf bags or a weekend's worth of luggage.
On the Road: Even at idle, it's thrilling
The Z06 makes you feel on start-up that something is about to happen. Engage the clutch, push a button and Z06 roars to life. The car is immediately thrilling and intimidating; four pipes burble and rumble from the rear, body panels provide a smooth but low-key noise and vibration throughout the cabin.A six speed manual tranny is the only one available; an automatic option might be welcome. A moderately strong push is necessary on the clutch pedal to change gears; might dissuade those planning to use Z06 daily. Steering tracks like a slot car. The Z06-specific fully-independent four-wheel suspension is tuned to “sport”. A ride on a smooth surface can be pleasant, but bumpy roads and railroad tracks have their shakes transmitted, it seems, directly to the seats. Brakes are four-wheel, anti-lock, massive cross-drilled discs and never faded in a week of testing. Like race cars, Z06 acceleration is brutally efficient, but braking is even more impressive. Overall, a tamer in-cabin experience than one might expect. Z06’s traction control makes the drive more predictable; turn it off and the driver can whip out the rear-end with a simple blip on the throttle. Z06 is a surprising all-around visceral pleasure.
Journey's End: A supercar you can live with
Racing technology abounds: Balsa wood and carbon fiber make up the floorboard, a race-bred dry sump oil system allows engine placement much lower between the rails, and cures oil starvation under heavy acceleration or high 'g' cornering. Steel rails on the car are shaped by hydroforming, using water jets to bend the metal, a more exacting and precise way to make lighter cars. Oil, transmission and axle coolers are standard, as are front airbags; side airbags are an option but should be standard. Why nickel and dime buyers at these prices?
I managed 14.5 miles per gallon on 91 octane fuel; the sticker says an average of 21 is possible (16 city, 26 highway) but, frankly, using fifth or sixth gears at highway legal speeds had the engine lagging uncomfortably. Z06 is comfortable, luxurious, but serious fun. Drivers need to exhibit self-control. Z06 should not be a teenager’s first car, unless their last name is Unser or Andretti.
