General Motors’ president Mark Reuss refers to the Z06 as the “Big Nasty,” and it’s not hard to see why. Beneath the brutal black and yellow body of the 2015 Z06 lies the heart of a supercar. The Z06 and C7R racing car were developed together and share some aerodynamic components, as well as the new Corvette’s stiffer aluminum frame. A removable carbon-fiber roof panel is also standard, making the Z06 into a targa.
Power’s provided by a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 with an output north of 625 horsepower. A choice of eight-speed automatic and seven-speed manual transmissions puts the power to the road. Magnetic Ride Control and a vehicle data recorder for track days are standard. Chevrolet will further sharpen the Z06’s edge with the Z07 Performance Package, which adds Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and additional aerodynamic components. Chevrolet says the Z07-equipped Corvette has recorded some of the fastest times ever at its proving grounds.
The body modifications have all been done in the name of improved performance. Larger grille openings provide better breathing, and there’s a hot-air extractor on the hood. Cooling ducts on the front and rear fenders help keep the brakes healthy during hard track driving.
Production starts later this year, with an early 2015 on-sale date.
