CORVETTE ZO6 ROAD TEST - 2006

America’s love affair with the Chevrolet Corvette will strengthen with the 2006 Corvette Z06. A street version of the Corvette C6R, which won its class at the “12 Hours of Sebring” and the “24 Hours of LeMans”, its massive LS7 7-liter (427 cubic inches) V8 pumps out 505 horsepower, and produces a factory claimed top speed of 198 miles per hour. Corvette Z06 is base-priced at $64,890; our tester totaled $71,485 with all available options. Specific body parts set Z06 apart visually from a stock C6. Here's Steve's recent road test of the 2006 Chevy Corvette Z06, which he also tested for ABOUT.COM.

Every Corvette stirs the blood, the new Z06 even more. Enzo Ferrari said “Corvette is the only real sports car made in America”, and he knew a few things about sports cars. Z06 features a unique-to-the-car front fascia and upper air inlet, specific grille, fenders, quarter panels and rear spoiler, setting Z06 apart from stock. Z06 looks low, mean, powerful, purposeful and all its body panels fit as well as any in the industry. Aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber front fenders and wheelhouses have Z06 weighing- in just below the stock car; 3,132 of Z06 pounds versus 3,179 for the two-door hatchback and 3,199 for the convertible. ‘Vette is no longer the “plastic pachyderm”. 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. The power driver’s seat and steering wheel will make almost any driver comfortable. Passengers reported plenty of legroom; stiff seat backs kept driver and passenger alert and engaged. Getting in Z06 is easy: Open the door, fall backwards into the car; climbing out is another, less simple, matter. Main gauges are large, bright, easy-to-read and smack in front of the driver. Analog instruments (speed, rpm, fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temp and amperes) keep drivers 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. There’s a small glove box and a slight bit of console storage; the rear hatch covers a surprisingly large storage area. A weekend’s worth of luggage for two is easily stowed, or a couple of golf bags. The gear lever is canted towards the driver; clutch pedal is easier to engage then you’d expect. A Z06 is probably the closest thing most will ever have to the experience of sitting in a race car; Z06 just has a lot more gauges, buttons and switches fighting for your attention. Engage the clutch, push a button and Z06 roars to life (doors are button-operated, too). 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. Z06 makes you feel on start-up that something is about to happen. 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. Z06, magnificent as it is, might be eclipsed in ‘08 or ’09 by a semi-secret Chevrolet project called “Blue Devil” and/or “Sting Ray”. But Z06 seamlessly melds horsepower, electronics, safety and appearance in a single package like no other car at this price. 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? We managed 14.5 miles per gallon combined city/highway mileage, and 91 octane fuel is necessary; 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.

Comments

[Corvette flags and banners]

I would like to try the c6. I tried c4 and c5, it is the only one that I havent tried! Probably when I grow old I will get one for me.

[TCDC Power]

You were priveleged to drive one of these? You're a lucky man indeed if that's true. I'm jealous, way to go.

[C5 Vette rules]

I love the C6, and they are probably a great bargain at that price. But the C6 makes C5 vettes look like a smoking deal now.

[Hot Laps]

If anyone is interested, you can now buy the experience of a lifetime - Hot Laps in a Porsche Race Car driven by Australian Motor Racing Legend - 'The Master', Jim Richards at Mt Panorama Bathurst!

[steve parker]

Thanks, Rich! Believe you may be RIGHT about that Ferrari comment! Never mind being corrected --- After 32 years in the 'biz', a day when I DON'T make a goof is a good day! Now ... For Ferarri trivia nuts ... What car company's station wagon did Enzo Ferrari drive in a US TV commercial?

[Rich]

Enzo Ferrari made the "Best car in America" about Jeeps (in other words saying everything else is a joke, Jeep is a sports car because it allows for sporting activity hunting, camping, off-roading etc.). Earliest Vette's were all show.