Chevrolet hates supercars. Specifically, they hate other company's supercars. That's why they make the Corvette Z06, an uncompromised road and track monster that eats Porsches for breakfast. And a new one is coming next week. Here's what you need to know.
The C5 and C6 Corvette Z06 both provided a noticeable jump in power and handling performance over their base counterparts. In the C5, the Z06 was the top performance model, while in the C6, the Z06 became more track focused and let the ZR1 handle the ultimate on road performance duties.
So what to expect from the C7? If what we've heard so far is true, it's going to be an absolute mental case.
What's under the hood?
Traditionally, the Z06 has been the pinnacle of GM naturally aspirated performance. The LS7 in the C6 is one of the great engines of all time, the absolute peak of pushrod engine tech in the current generation.
It seems like that'll be coming to an end with the C7 Z06.
The most obvious clue is the badge on the Z06, which has "supercharged" written under it. That's a pretty good giveaway.
We've seen leaked photos of an engine called the LT4, which is a supercharged mill quite unlike the LS7. Most likely based on the LT1, expect the LT4 to be direct injected and have all the same little bibs and bobs that are in the base 'Vette motor.
So what kind of power are we talking?
We're talking a lot of power. The C5 Z06 made 385 horsepower when it was released, which was upgraded to 405 during the model run. The C6 Z06 had a full 100 horsepower boost to 505.
Now, the base Corvette has 460 horsepower. But the Z06 will be a mental case. Meta data of Chevrolet's reveal website showed that the Z06 will have 620 horsepower and 650 pound feet of torque. That's pure insanity.
Wait, seriously?
Yep, and even though those numbers were from GM's official site, there are rumors that power could be even more. Remember, the C6 ZR1 had 637 horsepower. That means a C7 ZR1 would need to be around 700 horsepower or more to have a point. Nuts.
How's that power getting to the ground?
This is an interesting one. All Z06s have been manual only for as long as they have been built. However, I had heard a rumor from a source at GM that the Z06 would also get a double clutch type box this time around. That was a long time ago and may not be true, but it was an interesting little diddy that I haven't yet forgotten.
Though I really hope it's not the only option and we still get a manual. Because we like manuals, if you didn't know.
Ok, what else?
The new C7 uses a ton of carbon fiber, and we expect that use to be extended in the Z06 to reduce the weight. The roof should also be fixed to increase rigidity along with a bunch of aero mods to increase downforce. On the interior, I'd expect the new competition seats to come standard, as they are spectacular.
Any ideas on suspension?
Traditionally, the base suspension on a Z06 is not magnetic ride, but monotube shocks with fixed damping. We'd expect that to be the same this time, with magnetic ride becoming an option on the top performance pack. Carbon ceramic brakes have also been in that package in the past.
But with all the changes on the power front, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Z06 come standard with both MRC and carbon brakes.
Big rubber?
As far as we know, yes. Big, big, super sticky rubber. The teaser shot of the Z06 shows off a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tire. Not sure on the exact size, but the C6 Z06 ran 275/35-18s up front and 325/30-19s out back. I'd imagine the size will be at least he same for the new car, if not even bigger.
Is it better than my car?
Almost definitely.
But you don't know what I drive.
Doesn't matter.
How much money are we talking?
So there are no figures released yet, but it's not going to be cheap. The new Camaro Z/28 will be $75,000. The C6 Z06 started around that price as well. My mental priceometer tells me that the new Z06 will be more expensive. I have no insider info or actual idea of the price, but something around $85 - $90,000 sounds right to me. I don't know why, there's just something about it that feels right.
When can I see it for real?
If it doesn't leak, you'll see it around 10 AM on Monday morning. Or before that if it leaks out. Fingers crossed that it leaks out.
Photo Credits: Chevrolet