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2007 Corvette Z06 Road Test Review
The
gut-thumping acceleration of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 plastered such a big
smile on my face that my jaws got tired.
 Even
though the Z06 looks a lot like a regular ‘Vette, close inspection reveals this
racing-inspired version is a much different car. The rear fenders have bigger
flares, scoops in front of the rear wheels direct air to the brakes and the
front spoiler is lower. Light, open-spoke wheels, 18-inch in front and 19-inch
in back, give a good view of the cross-drilled brake discs and six-piston front
calipers.
But what really matters is the 505-horsepower lump under the
hood. The 7.0-liter, all-aluminum engine is architecturally similar to the
regular Corvette LS2 V-8, but the block has been enlarged from 6.0 liters. A
dry-sump lubrication system keeps oil flowing properly under racing conditions
and the connecting rods and valves are made from titanium, a material normally
reserved for racing cars.
This special ‘Vette is meant for racing as well as hardcore
enthusiasts. It’s a great example of just how Corvette engineers have been able
to expand the standard car’s performance envelope.
 In
spite of its $69,175 base price, the Z06 is definitely a bargain because it
offers more performance per dollar than almost any car I know. For example, it
storms to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds, has a top track speed of 198 mph and
still gets 26 miles per gallon on the highway. It knifes through turns with
scalpel-like precision and the brakes are tremendous.
Some cars that cost two, three or four times as much don’t offer
this level of performance and comfort. The Z06 is nearly $20,000 less than a
Dodge Viper, yet it is marginally quicker and considerably more refined.
Even though the Z06 has 505 horsepower, it is content being
driven sedately. It never bucks or protests a modest pace. As you would expect,
the ride is firm but not tooth-jarringly stiff. Take it dancing on some curvy
country roads and it is the perfect partner. On a track in the hands of an
expert driver, it is capable of astonishing performance. It makes ordinary
drivers look better than they really are.
Although the Z06 has a host of electronic controls to help keep
it securely on the road, its power is so explosive that it demands all of your
attention all the time. The foolhardy need not apply.
 The
Z06’s interior is not much different from a regular Corvette. The seats have
deeper bolsters for better support and the color of the dash trim is titanium
rather than silver. The seats could profit from more lateral support, but that
would make them harder to exit. A head-up display projects the speedometer and
tachometer readings on the windshield so the driver can see vital information
without taking his eyes off the road.
The test car was equipped with convenience items such as
dual-zone climate control, heated seats, navigation system, satellite radio and
six-disc CD player.
Front and side airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes,
traction control and a vehicle stability control system that has a
competition-driving mode for track use.
The test car’s base price was $69,175. Options included side
airbags, premium audio system, navigation system, telescoping steering wheel,
polished wheels, luggage shade and satellite radio.
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Second Opinion -
by Charles Ofria
This web site may specialize in family cars, but we are still car
people and when the occasional 2 passenger supercar crosses our desk, we
simply can't resist.
The explosive power of the Corvette Z06 needs to be treated with a
great deal of respect. Even with all the electronic aids such as
stability control, traction control and ABS, things can get out of hand
way too fast and an inexperienced driver can easily get into a pile of
trouble.
On the positive side, the Z06 feels like a docile car when driven at
slow speeds or threading its way through rush hour traffic. Other
than the snarling exhaust, the brute power lurking under the hood
remains quite tame. That is, until the throttle reaches the last
third of travel. After that, look out. |
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