The amazing Corvette Z06
Car enthusiasts across the United States are rooting for the latest 2007 version of the Corvette Z06. With the tremors of change going through the US auto industry of late, the Corvette still enjoys good sales and a loyal vehicle following for the once mighty GM.
The Z06 version of the Vette actually saw its debut in the 1960s, but the modern, still-running version was born in 2001 to replace the ZR1. The modern new version of the Z06 now boasts of being the fastest and most powerful production Corvette to ever roll off the Chevrolet assembly line.
Starting in 2002, the Z06 produced a whopping 405 hp, propelling itself from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The newer 2007 version of the Z06 with its 427-cubic-inch powerplant produces a neck-smashing 505 horsepower, slashing a 0-60 time to 3.5 seconds and increasing top speed to 198 mph.
The C6 or sixth generation Corvette entered production in 2005 as a shorter and sleeker version of its C5 predecessor. The smaller styling of the later Vette was partly due to complaints that the vehicle was too wide and also to appeal to European sports car enthusiasts in an attempt to steer them away from models like the Porsche.
My personal take on the styling is that the C6 looks too much like a budget sports car compared to the definitive, muscular styling of the earlier version of the C5. The appearance of the C6 is that of a beautiful, elegant machine with the trunk cut down. The body profile doesn’t make the statement it once did as a true American sports car. However, the C6 Z06’s performance more than makes up for the lack of style and it still looks great from the front 3/4 view.
The $70,000 base price (try to get one for that price) is expensive for most car buyers, but it’s a real bargain in its class. With its 0-60 times, top speed and overall performance, it’s a breath of fresh air in a class of cars that cost nearly twice its price. Comparatively, the Ford GT and Dodge Viper SRT-10 have suggested starting retail prices in excess of $140,000, exactly double that of the Corvette Z06.
One of the most amazing things about this beauty of a sports car is that it is the first production vehicle over 500 horsepower to avoid the ridiculous US government-mandated gas excise tax. Being a moderately fuel efficient vehicle and rated at 18 miles in the city and 28 miles on the highway for the manual transmission model. That’s better than my 2005 Toyota 4Runner which takes more than twice as long to get from 0 to 60.
As you can see, there are many reasons for the car enthusiast to love the new Corvette Z06. Its performance, price, style (for some), and fuel economy make it a complete world-class sports car. And I have to mention it again, you just can’t beat the price!