The 2006 Corvette Z06 comprises an unprecedented level of capability and
technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market. And with
an unmistakably muscular appearance, the ’06 Z06 has a visual attitude that
always looks ready to demonstrate Corvette’s winning attitude to any challenger
around the globe.
“The new Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance
racing,” said Dave Hill, Corvette’s chief engineer. “It combines the strong
attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and
know-how from the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding
credentials.”
The Z06’s new LS7 7.0L engines delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW) in an
approximately 3,130-pound (1,420 kg) package – a combination that is expected to
deliver 0-60 performance of less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile elapsed times of
less than 12 seconds and a top speed of more than 190 mph on a racetrack.
Links between racing and the production Z06 are both direct and indirect, as the
vehicle was developed in conjunction with the C6-R. The technology transfer
includes the application of lessons that could only have been learned after
countless laps of endurance racing – everything from suspension geometry to
aerodynamics. What engineers developed in the Z06 is a totally unique vehicle
that has powertrain, body structure and chassis system features that are
distinct from other Corvette models. In fact, the Z06 has a different body
structure compared to Corvette Coupe and Convertible.
Previous Z06 models, from the original 1963 model to the 2001-04 editions,
incorporated suspension and/or engine upgrades that complemented existing
Corvette systems. None was as comprehensively revised as the 2006 Z06 is
compared to previous Z06 models. The specifics include:
- LS7 7.0-liter/427-cubic-inch Gen IV V-8 with lightweight reciprocating
components
- 505 horsepower (377 kW) @6300 rpm
- 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm) @ 4800 rpm
- 7000 rpm redline
- Titanium connecting rods and intake valves
- Dry-sump engine lubrication system
- Aluminum structure with one-piece hydroformed perimeter rails frame,
magnesium front cradle and magnesium roof panel
- Fixed roof design optimizes body rigidity and aerodynamics
- Carbon-fiber composite front fenders, front wheelhouses and floor panels
- 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
- Three-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, lightweight
two-tone seats with more supportive bolsters
- Curb weight of 3,130 pounds / 1,420 kg (estimated)
- Three inches (76.2 mm) wider than other Corvette models
Inside the Corvette's LS7 Engine
The all-new LS7 in the ’06 Z06 reintroduces the 427-cubic-inch engine to the
Corvette lineup. Unlike the previous 427 engine, which was a big-block design,
the new 7.0-liter LS7 is a small-block V-8 – the largest-displacement
small-block ever produced by Chevrolet and GM, and a tribute to its 50 years as
a performance icon.
With 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637
Nm), it also is the most powerful passenger car engine ever produced by
Chevrolet and GM. The LS7 is easily identified under the hood by red engine
covers with black lettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8
architecture as the Corvette’s 6.0-liter LS2, but it uses a different cylinder
block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine’s
wide, 104.8-mm-wide cylinder bores. Compared with the LS2, the LS7 also has a
different front cover, oil pan, exhaust manifolds and cylinder heads – among
many other components. ...Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Page 2
