CHEVROLET Corvette Z06
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
Chevrolet continued the Corvette saga with the introduction of the Z06 version for the C8.
Thus, when most carmakers were concerned about electrification, the American carmaker indulged itself with another extreme version of their supercar.
One of the most influential people in the Corvette evolution was Zora Arkus-Duntov. He created a particular version for the 1963 model with a fuel-injected V8 that offered 360 hp. It was a high value for those times. Fast forward to 2022, and the C8 generation came as the supercar envisioned by the brilliant engineer: a mid-mounted engine and a more powerful version: the 2022 Z06.
On the outside, the Z06 featured a wider stance by 3.6” (9.4 cm) than its Stingray sibling. At the front, a redesigned bumper sported a wider air-intake for enhanced cooling. From its sides, the 20” front and 21” light-alloy-wheels wore Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires. At the same time, the carmaker placed an adjustable wing at the back for improved cornering speed and handling.
The interior featured a similar design with the rest of the stable, but GM added a carbon-fiber trim package. Thus, it completed the overall race-inspired experience for the two occupants of the cockpit.
Behind the cabin, GM installed a state-of-the-art naturally aspirated V8 engine. Named LT6, the 5.5-liter powerplant developed the highest power for any atmospheric V8s ever installed in a production vehicle to that date. The engine sent its 670 hp to the rear wheels via an eight-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox. The final drive offered a 5.56 ratio, made for enhanced acceleration times.
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the first performance model to be offered with a supercharged engine, automatic transmission and a removable roof panel, thanks to a stronger aluminum frame carried over from the Corvette Stingray.
The new Z06 will also be the most fuel efficient so far, using Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management, cylinder deactivation and continuous variable valve timing all combined with a new 8-speed transmission and improved aerodynamics. To improve track performance, the Z06 comes with wider tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, front splitter, font and rear cooling ducts, SLA-type front and rear suspension, an eLSD and more. Inside, the Corvette Z06 is distinguished from the Corvette Stingray by unique color schemes that emphasize the driver-focused cockpit, and a unique, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Like the Stingray, the Z06 will be offered with two seating choices: a GT seat, for all-around comfort, and a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering, which provides greater support on the track. The frame structure for both seats is made of magnesium, for greater strength and less weight than comparable steel frames. They’re also more rigid, contributing to the enhanced feeling of support during performance driving.
The 2008 Corvette Z06 was the beast unleashed by General Motor in a final attempt to create a strong image of a dying breed: the large V-8 engined American sports cars.
Back in 2008, General Motors was in deep trouble. The world financial crisis took its toll on the American carmaker who faced the difficult decision to pull back from Europe. Despite that, the management approved the Z06 project, and it wasn’t just a “let’s put a bigger engine and call it a day” situation. It was much more than that. After all, they were selling the most iconic American sports car of all time, the Corvette.
The engineers made the Z06 with the best materials and best solutions and resulted in a Corvette as fast as an Italian supercar. The carbon-fiber bumpers sported a broad air intake to cool the massive engine under the hood. There was a gap behind the doors to open them on its sides since there were no visible door-handles. In the back, there was no massive, show-off wing on the liftgate.
GM didn’t want to make an expensive interior. Sure, it used leather-clad sport bucket seats with high bolstering. Its plastics from the dashboard were similar to those existing in budget or fleet cars. But it added a head-up display that showed a G-meter on the windshield, not on a separate panel. The infotainment unit offered a navigation system but not a touch-screen.
But the Z06 was mighty for its performance-oriented details. GM used hydroformed aluminum elements for the safety cell, magnesium, and high-strength steel for the chassis. After GM did everything to make the car lighter, it dropped a 7.0-liter V-8 engine under the hood and sent 505 hp to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual only. Its magnetorheological dampers increased the cornering speed and proved that the Corvette was not a straight-line racer. It could do corners as well with over 1 g lateral acceleration and still keep the trace.