After a bright-yellow false start, here is the real thing: the fourth-generation, 2015 Corvette Z06. If Chevrolet makes a ZR1 version of the C7 Corvette, it's going to be absolutely mega, because the Z06 is just about everything we got in the last ZR1, but better.
The new Z06 engine is just an inch taller than the LT1 in the Corvette Stingray, and there are few more powerful inches in the world: the LT4 is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing "at least" 625 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. The integrated 1.7-liter Eaton supercharger and intercooler sit in the engine's vee, that blower spinning beyond the ZR1's supercharger limit of 15,000 up to 20,000 rpm and utilizing shorter rotors to get up to speed more quickly. To keep gas mileage in check, you'll still benefit from Chevy's Active Fuel Management, as well as direct injection and variable valve timing. It's also been fitted with a dry-sump oil system that has a larger capacity than on the Stingray's Z51 package.
The Z06 will shift through either a seven-speed manual or the all-new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission that we thought was going into the Corvette and not into the Z06. It's a conventional automatic with a torque converter overseeing four gearsets and five clutches, and it's lighter than the six-speed in the Stingray while fitting in the same space. Chevrolet says there's no performance sacrifice, declaring that "wide-open-throttle upshifts executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than the dual-clutch in thePorsche 911." Naturally, it will come with paddle shifters. Those who prefer three pedals will find their seven-speed manual fitted with a new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch.
The new Z06 engine is just an inch taller than the LT1 in the Corvette Stingray, and there are few more powerful inches in the world: the LT4 is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing "at least" 625 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. The integrated 1.7-liter Eaton supercharger and intercooler sit in the engine's vee, that blower spinning beyond the ZR1's supercharger limit of 15,000 up to 20,000 rpm and utilizing shorter rotors to get up to speed more quickly. To keep gas mileage in check, you'll still benefit from Chevy's Active Fuel Management, as well as direct injection and variable valve timing. It's also been fitted with a dry-sump oil system that has a larger capacity than on the Stingray's Z51 package.
The Z06 will shift through either a seven-speed manual or the all-new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission that we thought was going into the Corvette and not into the Z06. It's a conventional automatic with a torque converter overseeing four gearsets and five clutches, and it's lighter than the six-speed in the Stingray while fitting in the same space. Chevrolet says there's no performance sacrifice, declaring that "wide-open-throttle upshifts executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than the dual-clutch in thePorsche 911." Naturally, it will come with paddle shifters. Those who prefer three pedals will find their seven-speed manual fitted with a new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch.
Manhandling all that power are three downforce packages, the first being a splitter, spats at the front wheel arches and the rear spoiler in the Stingray's Z51 Performance Package. The carbon fiber aero kit adds winglets in front, carbon fiber rocker panels and a larger rear wing with a wickerbill. The Z07 Package will top it all off and include more bits, but Chevrolet hasn't told us what those bits will be since "development testing is ongoing." It has told us, though, that you'll do faster lap times than in the 2014 ZR1.
The cockpit gets a color overhaul to emphasize the driver, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, the choice of GT and Competition Sport seats, and Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede as the suite of materials. For the first time, you'll be able to enjoy it with the roof off, too: the race-ready aluminum frame has made a removable roof panel possible. With the panel removed, the 2015 Z06 is 20-percent stiffer than the ZR1; with it on, it's 60-percent stiffer.
It will go on sale in early 2015, but you can read about it now in the press release below and stay tuned for our live photos from the Detroit Auto Show floor.
Via Autoblog
The cockpit gets a color overhaul to emphasize the driver, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, the choice of GT and Competition Sport seats, and Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede as the suite of materials. For the first time, you'll be able to enjoy it with the roof off, too: the race-ready aluminum frame has made a removable roof panel possible. With the panel removed, the 2015 Z06 is 20-percent stiffer than the ZR1; with it on, it's 60-percent stiffer.
It will go on sale in early 2015, but you can read about it now in the press release below and stay tuned for our live photos from the Detroit Auto Show floor.
Via Autoblog
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