Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Z06 was revealed in 2005 as a later model of the Corvette
and was developed using the lessons learnt in the corvette racing program. It
was launched in 2006 and is the most powerful Corvette to this date with its
LS7 engine producing a whopping 505-bhp! It is the perfect compromise between
racing and production cars.
The frame of the Z06 is made from aluminum and other
composite materials such as carbon fibre. Aluminum suites the fixed roof design
and it is lighter and stronger then steel. The front wheelhouses are carbon
fibre and the flooring in the passenger compartment is thin carbon fibre skin.
The cradle is that supports the engine is made of magnesium, which is even
stronger and lighter then aluminum. This also helps distribute the weight of
the car evenly.
The Z06 looks aggressive and distinct with its bulging front
lamps, front grille opening and a splitter along the bottom. The fixed roof
ensures rigidity. The entire body has many different cooling vents built into
it like the scoop in front of the hood that helps cools the engine. The Z06’s
exterior is designed with stability and high performance cornering in mind. The
vents help provide some of the downward force necessary to make sure the Z06 stay
stable when cornering. Usually large wings are used for downforce but the Z06
uses its large rear spoiler to produce downforce. The tear drop canopy is
proven as one of the best shapes to promote the flow of air around and over a
car.
This beast of a Corvette is powered by a very powerful LS7
engine. It is a 7008cc 7.0 litre V8 and has parts made of forged steel,
titanium and cast aluminum. The engine has a maximum output of 505bhp and
470lb.ft, it has redlines at 7100rpm. It is claimed that during testing it went
up to 8000rpm. This is the most powerful Corvette ever, even more powerful than
the 2014 Corvette Stingray. The Corvette Z06 has a six speed manual gearbox
that has been made stronger to control the high power and torque of the Z06. It
also has a pump that sends fluid to the radiator to be used in cooling and when
it returns it removes further heat from the differential lube.
Although the Z06 traces its origins to the racing track, it
is designed as a street legal car and should provide as much comfort as it
churns out power. For the comfort and convenience of its passengers, the
corvette has leather interior and dual-zone air conditioning. The interior
includes a HUD that has a track mode and a g-meter as standard, heated leather
seats, BOSE audio system with a six CD changer and to control it all a
universal remote control.
The Z06 looks stunning and feels luxurious but it has been
engineered with performance in mind: the interior is made so that it has least
possible weight; the battery has been adjusted in the rear (behind one of the
wheels); the fenders and wheelhouses are made of carbon fibre composites. All
this combines together to make a luxurious power house of a car.
Technical Specifications
- Engine type: LS7 7.0-liter/427-cubic-inch Gen IV V-8 with lightweight reciprocating components
- Transmission: 4WD with Haldex generation IV
- Gearbox: 6 speed manual
- Clutch: Dry Double plate clutch, Ø 235 mm
- Brakes: 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
- Suspension: short/long arm ( SLA ) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Extended Mobility Front: P275/35ZR18 Rear: P325/30ZR19
- Dimensions
- Overall Length: 4,460 mm (175.60 in)
- Overall Width: 1,928 mm (75.90 in)
- Overall Height: 1,244 mm (49.00 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,685 mm (105.70 in)
- Curb Weight: 1,420 kg (3,130 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: 68.1 l (18.0 gal.)
- Performance
- Maximum power: 505 HP (373 kW) @ 6,200 RPM
- Maximum torque: 657 Nm (475 lb-ft) @ 4,800 RPM
- Top speed: 318 km/h (198 mph)
- 0-60 miles: 3.5 sec
- ¼ miles: 11.5 seconds at 127.1 mph
- Braking 60-0: 104 ft
·
Fuel consumption
- Consumption: 19 mpg (City) 28 mpg (Highway)
