The Z06 is a Corvette like no other. With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, along with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fenders and floor panels, it delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology. And with a curb weight of only 3,175 pounds (1440 kg), it’s the lightest, best-balanced Corvette model and one of the most svelte supercars on the market.

Chevrolet brings significant updates to the Z06 for 2011, with special packages and new options that enhance performance and styling, while also offering greater personalization choices.

They include:

• New standard Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires and exhaust system tuning
• New Z07 Performance Package
• New CFZ Carbon Fiber Package
• Z06 Carbon limited-edition model
• Two new exterior colors: Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue, bringing the total to 10 exterior color choices for all models
• Available contrasting-color headlamps, in Cyber Gray, Black or Blade Silver
• New interior custom color stitching option, in red, blue or yellow
• USB port and input jack included with the navigation radio.

Z06 Carbon will reportedly carry an MSRP of $90,960 when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2011. Fully optioned, this special Corvette will run all the way up to $99,925. That’s a lot of money, but it’s still several thousand dollars less than the ZR1, and while the latter may be faster out on the road, the Z06 Carbon is indeed all the more exclusive.

The Z06 Carbon limited-edition model blends the performance features of the Z07 package and the styling cues of the Carbon Fiber package.

In addition to the features included with both new packages, this sinister-looking Z06 also includes:

• A raised carbon fiber hood
• Black wheels, outside mirrors and headlamp housings
• A special engine cover
• A leather and suede interior with body-color stitching
• Special graphics commemorating 50 years of Le Mans racing (installation left to the customer’s discretion)
• Special vehicle identification number sequence.

The Z06 Carbon is designed to be the best Corvette for track events, with the chassis and aerodynamic features of the ZR1 complemented by the lower curb weight and balance of the naturally aspirated Z06.

Chevrolet will build no more than 500 examples of the Z06 Carbon; it is available in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange.

Z06 performance

Corvette Z06 is propelled by the LS7 7.0L (427 cubic inches) engine that delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW). Unique features include a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering. The LS7 engine powers a 3,175-pound (1,440 kg) package to help deliver 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the engine. 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.

Architecture and suspension

The Z06 has an aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites, and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.

The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2,686-mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer. It’s a firmer suspension that works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. New Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires are standard.

A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.

Design

Aggressive is the best way to describe the Z06’s design, with a wide-body, hunkered-down stance that is as functional as it is attractive.

Highlights include:

• Wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and wheel opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce
• Cold-air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine
• Trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is behind the wheel
• Fixed-roof body style optimizes body rigidity and mass
• Wide rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor
• Tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia
• Ten-spoke spider-design wheels (18-inch front; 19-inch rear)
• Four large stainless steel exhaust outlets
• Z06 badging on the carbon-fiber front fenders.

The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer, and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.