The American muscle bundle proves once again that the current Chevrolet Corvette does things just a little differently than its predecessors. Chevrolet is now pressing the new Z06 and that extra potent version also follows a different path than usual.
Until Chevrolet with a supreme ZR1 variant of its current hello car comes this brand new Z06 in Corvette country rules. The previous generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 had the same V8 as the regular Corvette, although that eight-cylinder for the Z06 was equipped with a supercharger that lifted the power to 650 hp. Chevrolet does things a little differently with the new Corvette. it did The General already by placing the V8 not in the nose as usual with the Corvette, but behind the front seats. In the new Corvette Z06, that eight-cylinder is also a size smaller than in the entry-level Corvette and it also has no supercharger and not even a turbo. What’s up with that?
Flat
The Corvette Z06 has a 5.5 liter naturally aspirated V8, which is 0.7 liter smaller than the 6.2 V8 in the regular Corvette. However, the 5.5 V8 in the Z06 is the machine from the C8.R, the racing version of the Corvette that has been seen in action at various American circuits since last year. That 5.5 V8 has a flat plane crankshaft, which in theory runs less vibration-free than a conventional one, but which allows high speeds. Nothing new in supercar land, but unprecedented in Corvette regions.
The LT6, the 5.5 V8 of the Corvette Z06 with flat crankshaft.
Strongest naturally aspirated V8
The 5.5 V8 whines through up to 8,600 rpm and only releases its maximum power of 670 hp at 8,400 rpm. The maximum torque of 623 Nm is unleashed at 6,300. Chevrolet manages to win a nice title. The V8 of the Corvette Z06 will go down in the history books as the strongest atmospheric eight-cylinder ever in a production model. If we put the regular Corvette next to it, the differences are noticeable. In principle, it is 497 hp and 630 Nm strong and releases those horsepower and Nm at lower revs (6,450 rpm and 5,150 Nm). The eight-speed automatic transmission of the Z06 has shorter gearbox ratios than that of the regular Corvette, the Stingray. Why the Z06 does not have a supercharger or turbo? According to Chevy, for the simple reason that a naturally aspirated engine responds more directly to the accelerator pedal.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Not only the V8 of the Corvette Z06 is copied from racing brother C8.R. In fact, the Corvette Z06 is a street-ready variant of that racer. The Z06 is 9.4 centimeters wider than the regular types, partly to make room for rear tires with a width of 345. The larger width has been used immediately, because the Z06 has larger cooling openings on the sides. Of course, sportier-looking bumper and spoiler work all around cannot be missed. The regular Corvette Stingray has two tailpipes on either side of its rear, the new Z06 has four chutes in the middle.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Z07
The Z06 has a 20-inch alloy in the front, while the rear ones have a 21-inch diameter. They are the largest wheels Chevy has ever screwed on a Corvette. Chevrolet also supplies lightweight carbon fiber wheels at an additional cost. Behind those wheels hides larger and more powerful braking and the chassis of the Z06 is of course a notch better tuned. On the option list we come across the Z07 Performance package with extra heavy spoiler work, good for extra downward pressure. Chevrolet takes the Z07 up a notch and gives it not only Brembo carbon ceramic braking, but also Michelin Cup 2 ZP tires. Good news, the Corvette Z06 is also available as a Convertible.
Chevrolet Corvette 06 Convertible
Is the Corvette Z06 coming to the Netherlands? Undoubtedly, but the regular version is not yet officially available here either. More on that later.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl