You've probably read about the new '06 Corvette Z06 to the point where you're blue in the face. We've even dedicated two in-depth stories: One on the ground-breaking LS7 engine (Apr. '05), and another on the Performance build center where the LS7 is assembled in Wixom, Michigan (Jul. '05). So writing about it again might not get anybody excited. Nevertheless, this was our first chance to drive one in the flesh, and it was an experience that just has to be shared.
My first drive came not at a race track with a bunch of wine-and-cheese magazine editors, but in the bumper-car gridlock known as L.A. traffic. When they gave me the keys, I wasn't exactly excited that I'd be racing bugs on the sidewalk, but at least I was driving the new Z06. My enthusiasm was initially dampened because every other car I'd driven with over 500 hp was a handful in traffic. Even a factory hot rod, such as the newest Viper, is a chore to drive. Heavy steering, heavy clutch, heavy brakes, uncomfortable seating; the kind of stuff you expect in a race car, but shun in a daily driver.
But the new Z06 is different because it sets a new standard in high-powered street cars. (I avoid the term "exotic" because at $65,000, the Z06 is tantalizingly close to average-guy affordable without actually being affordable.) The 505hp LS7 in the Z06 is truly a work of art. It fires up immediately and settles into a lopey, but not obnoxious idle. With an electronically controlled throttle, the power comes on smoothly for the first half of throttle travel, then like a banshee for the second half. You can drive the Z06 around town like a Toyota Camry where it acts civilized and even gets fairly good gas mileage, then pull onto the highway on-ramp where the g-force will literally rip your hand off the gear shift lever.
The acceleration is fighter-jet brutal. Sixty miles per hour can be reached in just over three and a half seconds, and uses all the tachometer in First gear. Pull Second gear with the traction control defeated and it gets sideways as it rockets you past 80 mph. It's the kind of car that will turn the nicest mild-mannered person into an asshole in no time flat. (That's a good thing, isn't it?)
Once you get past the amazing flexibility of the LS7 (is that even possible?), you realize that this car is one you can drive anywhere. The ride isn't too harsh, the driving position is comfortable, the brakes work effortlessly, pedal position is perfect, and there's way more room for stuff in the hatch than in my '94 Corvette. And as my single friend pointed out, it's a real chick magnet (not that I noticed).
The Z06's excellent highway manners became crystal clear to me the following weekend when I drove to the ALMS race at Laguna Seca-a 7-hour drive. With the cruise control on, I got 28 mpg. Again, better than my stock '94 Corvette. The sound system and XM radio was super, as was the heads-up display. Before returning, Chevy took back the Z06 and gave me a standard Corvette with the six-speed automatic, so I was able to make a back-to-back comparison. What I discovered was that the regular 400hp '06 Corvette is a very docile, yet powerful car. The biggest difference (besides the engine) is the tuning of the suspension. The engineers did not make the mistake of going too far over the edge with the Z06 (as they have in the past with performance editions). All the Z06s' compromises with sound insulation, weight reduction, spring rates, and shock damping are well within acceptable limits for a street car that can be driven every day.
Chevy plans to build about 8,000 Z06s a year, and I'm sure every one of them will sell at full price. Each owner will find his or her comfort zone with the Z06. Some will go cruising, some will commute, and some will go racing, but all of them will be happy-that much I am sure of. Every time I see one, I'll just smile smugly, knowing that I got to flog one for three days without paying a penny. Maybe one day 10 or 15 years from now I'll buy one on the used market-something I could never hope to do with a "slower," less-practical Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Those who don't care for the styling of the new C6 Corvette, but appreciate the awesome power of the 7-liter LS7 can get in line for a factory-fresh LS7 crate motor, PN 17802397, street price around $14,000. That's a lotta dough for 505 hp, but you get a clean-burning engine that's designed for the street, gets great fuel economy, and can take a beating for 100,000 miles without needing a rebuild. For those who expect the utmost in reliability, streetability, and service (not to mention a low hood line), the LS7 is the way to go.
With the new Z06 finally on the streets, the only thing it needs now is a natural competitor. We hear the new Shelby Cobra Mustang is shaping up to be quite a car, and with a price of $39,000 being floated, the only thing to be determined is the power output. The guys at Ford will have their hands full trying to outdo 505 hp, but with the help of a blower and an intercooler, they should be able to reach that goal-if they have the stones to go that far. For now at least, Chevy is the king of the hill-at any price.