2006 Corvette Z06 preview.

[wabio]

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2006/index.shtml








"The new Z06 achieves 500 horsepower in an approximately 3130-pound (1419.7 kg) package and is expected to deliver 0-60 performance of less than 4 seconds, eclipse the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds and deliver a top speed of more than 190 mph on a race track.

The links between racing and the production Z06 are both direct and indirect, as the vehicle was developed in conjunction with the forthcoming C6-R racecar, but they boil down to the application of lessons that could only have been learned after countless laps of endurance racing – everything from suspension geometry to aerodynamics. What the engineers developed was a totally unique vehicle that has its own powertrain, body structure and chassis system which are distinct from other Corvette models.

Previous Z06 models, from the original 1963 model to the 2001-04 editions, incorporated suspension and/or engine upgrades that complemented existing Corvette systems. Not surprisingly, the specs for the ’06 read like the blueprint of a champion. They include:

-LS7 7.0-liter/427-cubic-inch Gen IV V-8 with lightweight reciprocating components
-500 horsepower (373 kw) at 6200 rpm
-475 lb.-ft. of torque (657 Nm) at 4800 rpm
-7000 rpm redline
-Titanium connecting rods and intake valves
-Dry-sump engine lubrication system
-Engine hand-built at GM’s new Performance Build Center
-Aluminum body structure with one-piece hydroformed perimeter rails frame -and magnesium front cradle
-Fixed roof design optimizes body rigidity and aerodynamics
-Carbon-fiber composite front fenders and front wheelhouses
-Unique front fascia incorporating a larger grille, cold-air scoop and lower air splitter
-Wide-body rear fenders and a unique rear spoiler incorporated with the CHMSL
-Huge 14-inch (355-mm) cross-drilled front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340-mm) cross-drilled rear rotors with four-piston calipers
-18 x 9.5-inch front wheels with 275/35ZR18 tires and 19 x 12-inch rear wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires
-3-inch-diameter exhaust with bi-mode mufflers and larger polished stainless steel tips
-Engine, transmission and differential oil coolers; and steering cooler
-Rear-mounted battery to improve weight distribution
-Unique interior features including revised gauge cluster and lightweight two-tone seats with more aggressive bolsters
-Curb weight of 3130 pounds / 1419.7 kg (estimated)
-3 inches (76.2 mm) wider than other Corvette models
-Vehicle developed simultaneously with C6-R racecar.

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This thing is a beast!!!
0 to 100 in ~7 seconds.

Considering they engineered this generation of Z06 more like the racers and not like the regular vette.....I'm betting the price difference is going to be a lot larger.

[pedagogue]

Not a 'Vette fan....but damn!

-pedagogue

[Kevin Phillips]

I have a 1992 Corvette, which I love, but would dump in a heartbeat for the C6 Z06.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by wabio

-7000 rpm redline
-Aluminum body structure...
-Carbon-fiber composite front fenders and front wheelhouses
-Engine, transmission and differential oil coolers; and steering cooler
-3 inches (76.2 mm) wider than other Corvette models

Wow. I mean, wow. Except in looks....this thing is nothing like the regular Corvette. A steering cooler?

[skiblet]

7.0 Liter !!

[68ShelbyGT500KR]

The 'Vette is a beautiful car. My understanding is that GM didn't go up too much on the price over the '05 with so many more options/styling.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by 68ShelbyGT500KR

My understanding is that GM didn't go up too much on the price over the '05 with so many more options/styling.

If that's true and this car can be had for ~$55-$60K, then it would most definitely be the most car you can get for your money. It's performance numbers already blow away the Aston Vanquish with exception to top speed. The Ferrari Modena can't even compete. It even makes cheaper sports cars overpriced....like the regular vette.

[DoogieHowser]

I have mixed feelings. Those headlights don't look right. But I love the 0-60 times. That car can hit 190 mph quicker than some imports. LOL. But there is something that doesn't feel right, it does not look like a muscle car. It looks like a japanese import, like a mitsubishi. And I would not be caught dead in an imported japanese death trap.

How many muscle cars are left? Did GM discontinue the Camero and Firebird? Is the Mustang the last car left? Or does Dodge still make the Viper? It is too bad, it looks like a muscle car will no longer be "economical" like the Camero back in the 80's when you could buy a new one for under $10k.

[DoogieHowser]

Originally Posted by 68ShelbyGT500KR

The 'Vette is a beautiful car. My understanding is that GM didn't go up too much on the price over the '05 with so many more options/styling.

GM might not kick up the price, but you can bet dealers will.

[Trigger]

Originally Posted by Kevin Phillips

I have a 1992 Corvette, which I love, but would dump in a heartbeat for the C6 Z06.

that's quite a sacrifice... are you sure? I have a 92 Ford Explorer - I'd consider a straight trade for a brand new Volvo XC90 - but only if it was the right color.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by DoogieHowser

How many muscle cars are left? Did GM discontinue the Camero and Firebird? Is the Mustang the last car left? Or does Dodge still make the Viper? It is too bad, it looks like a muscle car will no longer be "economical" like the Camero back in the 80's when you could buy a new one for under $10k.

Well, they did bring back the GTO with 400 HP....but it looks butt ugly. And at just under $40K is waaaay overpriced if this Z06 costs the same as the last generation. The new Mustang is great car for the price.....the 300 HP GT is ~26K. I'd actually buy it if I was in the market for a car in this price range. Historically, the Corvette was never an economical car. Even in the 1960's it was twice as expensive as a Mustang (~$6K compared to ~$3K).

P.S. yes GM discontinued the Camaro line. But I'm willing to bet it will magically get reintroduced within 15 years or so.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by Trigger

that's quite a sacrifice... are you sure? I have a 92 Ford Explorer - I'd consider a straight trade for a brand new Volvo XC90 - but only if it was the right color.

That's cheating! He said trade in his vette for a better vette.....thus you have to trade in your Exploder for another Exploder.

[Kevin Phillips]

Originally Posted by Trigger

that's quite a sacrifice... are you sure? I have a 92 Ford Explorer - I'd consider a straight trade for a brand new Volvo XC90 - but only if it was the right color.

When people talk about trading in cars, the fact you have to pay the difference goes without saying.

What I was trying, poorly, to say, is that even though I could afford to trade up, I have held onto my '92 vette because really like the car and enjoy driving it. But I would be willing to sell the C4 in order to make room for the new Z06.

[X]

I'd trade my late '70s Corvette for it but I'm not sure about my mid '90s.

It's pretty ugly from what's shown here, they don't give any perspective of the length. I'm gonna have to see more pictures.

[68ShelbyGT500KR]

Originally Posted by wabio

Well, they did bring back the GTO with 400 HP....but it looks butt ugly. And at just under $40K is waaaay overpriced if this Z06 costs the same as the last generation. The new Mustang is great car for the price.....the 300 HP GT is ~26K. I'd actually buy it if I was in the market for a car in this price range. Historically, the Corvette was never an economical car. Even in the 1960's it was twice as expensive as a Mustang (~$6K compared to ~$3K).

P.S. yes GM discontinued the Camaro line. But I'm willing to bet it will magically get reintroduced within 15 years or so.

Don't forget the butt-ugly (IMHO) Dodge Charger! I'd prefer the GTO over the Charger but I am in the mood for the Mustang GT. I already have an X-Plan code for it but I have the 1st year jitters! If you like the retro-look then the Mustnag is the way to go. But if you want power(RWHP) with a retro name then the Charger or GTO!

Rumors are that the Camaro may make it back in a few years (3-5yrs). There is suppose to be a contract with the Canadian Auto Workers Union that needs to expire before GM can do anything with the Camaro name. I suspect they are working on a protype right now seeing how the Mustang many pre-orders and how the public is desiring the retro look and performance of the Stang. Ford was/is still having some commodity issues with an option package.
I doubt you will ever see the Firebird, though.
It would be nice to get an Auto Forum going around here...hint hint

[Edge]

Nice specs, but I don't know about the look.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by X

I'm gonna have to see more pictures.

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2006/Images.shtml

[DoogieHowser]

Originally Posted by X

I'd trade my late '70s Corvette for it but I'm not sure about my mid '90s.

It's pretty ugly from what's shown here, they don't give any perspective of the length. I'm gonna have to see more pictures.

Those 70's vettes look sweet if well maintained. Nothing sadder than seeing a car like that with cigarette burn holes in the seats.

[wabio]

In other supercar news, it looks like Chrysler may be moving forward with production of the ME Four Twelve:

http://www.fastdrive.org/content.php?article.180

0 - 60 in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 in 6.2 seconds.

Price?.....I'm not even going to bother to guess.

[bdshort]

Sweet car! Not that I'll ever be able to afford one, but if I could I would definitely consider one (even though I think I'd rather have a porsche, despite the greater performance/price ratio of the new Vette.

In the meantime, I'll continue driving around in my imported Japanese deathtrap... er... I mean my Subaru...

Brian

[1998Nole]

I am a Mustang guy, but I gotta admit that Vette looks sweet.

[wabio]

Originally Posted by DoogieHowser

I have mixed feelings. Those headlights don't look right.

I agree. They don't bother me all that much, but for some strange reason everytime I see the front of the new Corvette.....I think Eric Gagne.

[DoogieHowser]

Originally Posted by bdshort

Sweet car! Not that I'll ever be able to afford one, but if I could I would definitely consider one (even though I think I'd rather have a porsche, despite the greater performance/price ratio of the new Vette.

In the meantime, I'll continue driving around in my imported Japanese deathtrap... er... I mean my Subaru...

Brian

He drives a death trap, he drives a death trap. That is what we call them in my family, too many auto workers who have lost jobs and plants that have closed, and good paying jobs are gone. Although after seeing Michael Moore's "Roger & Me", it makes me wonder if the CEO's are more to blame than foriegn competition. But I only buy American when I can, supporting fellow American workers.

[68ShelbyGT500KR]

Originally Posted by DoogieHowser

But I only buy American when I can, supporting fellow American workers.

.

Hypothetically, If you were in the market for the GTO, who would you be supporting since they are not built in the USA?

[bdshort]

Originally Posted by DoogieHowser

He drives a death trap, he drives a death trap. That is what we call them in my family, too many auto workers who have lost jobs and plants that have closed, and good paying jobs are gone. Although after seeing Michael Moore's "Roger & Me", it makes me wonder if the CEO's are more to blame than foriegn competition. But I only buy American when I can, supporting fellow American workers.

It seems to me like many of the Japanese cars are actually built in the US though. I know the Camry, Accord, and Legacy are anyway. I drive an Impreza, which is Japanese built, but it seems to me the Japanese companies still created a lot of US jobs by building some of their factories here. I think my next car will be a Legacy though, but not for a long while.

Brian