Detroit Motor Show - Hot on the heels of news that the standard Corvette Stingray is 2014's North American Car of the Year , Chevrolet has revealed the furious new Corvette Z06.
Billed as the most track-capable Corvette ever produced, the Z06 is powered by an all-new LT4 6.2-litre V8 engine fitted with an Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger that spins all the way to 20 000rpm.
According to Chevrolet, the V8 thumps out an estimated 466kW and 861Nm. Monstrous as well as sophisticated, the engine incorporates direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation technology and it's mated to an all-new, high-performance eight-speed automatic gearbox. It's the first 'Vette Z06 to offer an autobox, although purists can still opt for a seven-speed manual with rev-matching technology.
“The Corvette Z06 is a great example of the technology transfer between racing and production Corvettes,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “First, we took what we learned on the Corvette Racing C6.R and applied that to the all-new Corvette Stingray. Then, using the Stingray as a foundation, the Z06 and C7.R were developed to push the envelope of performance on the street and the track.”
The Z06 gains numerous exterior components that all serve a functional purpose, such as flared fenders to house the larger 19-inch wheels, bigger vents to cool the engine and brakes and a more aggressive aerodynamic body kit that generates better downforce.
Furthermore, Chevrolet offers a track-focused Z07 Performance Package that adds even more aerodynamic aids in addition to Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tyres.