When Chevrolet dumped the
ZR1 supercar out of their car line-up, it
made everyone a little skeptical of what was going to take its place.
The ZO6
has always been known as a great sportscar, just not a supercar. But
for 2015, that is all about to change. Boasting the most aerodynamic
sports car with the most down force that Chevrolet has ever produced,
the ZO6 has now been bumped from a sportscar to a sure powerhouse
supercar.
Starting with an intercooled supercharged 6.2liter OHV 16-valve motor,
the ZO6
is capable of producing 635hp+ and 645 lb.-ft. torque. The engine
includes: Titanium intake valves, a dry slump oil pump system, direct
injection, and continuously variable valve training.
The power of the motor is matched to a choice of a 7-speed manual with
rev matching technology to help make shifting more efficient, or an 8
speed automatic transmission with a paddle-shifter designed to give the
driver good fuel-economy without sacrificing performance. From there
the power is distributed to an electronic limited-slip differential with
three different calibration modes, all of which helps promote 0-60
times around 3.4-3.6 seconds; quarter-mile times not yet recorded.
Exterior Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of the
ZO6 is another huge part of the very impressive performance the supercar can accomplish.
The Corvette has three different options when it comes to aerodynamics.
The first option: The standard Z51 option that comes on the 2014
Stingray - a good set-up and very practical for the average driver.
The second option: A more aggressive front splitter, rocker panel
extensions, and a larger rear splitter with fixed Gurney flap aero tabs,
all of which are made from carbon-fiber.
The third option:
(a ZO7 option) Looks much like the second stage, but in the trunk you will find some
interesting components. A larger front splitter with extra-large
winglets, and a clear center Gurney flap segment that bolts to the rear
spoiler. To improve rear visibility the center piece is clear and can be
adjusted up-and-down creating down force that test drivers say even a
small four-inch difference is noticeable while on the track.
Other exterior highlights that benefit performance are the larger
fender vents and brake cooling ducts that funnel more air to the
transmission and differential. Also a mesh front grille is implicated to
shuffle more air to the intercooler.
Driving Modes
There are five different driving modes that can be effected by twelve
different variables. These five modes are: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport
and, Track. All five of these different modes can be changed with a
touch of a button right from the driver's seat, and the twelve different
variables can be adjusted there as well.
The five different driving modes made capable by their legendary
Electronic-Magnetic Ride Control
speaks for themselves. Depending on the drivers driving conditions and
the drivers preferences, there is a mode that will likely fit whatever
the situation you put the Corvette in.
Frame and Structure
The frame will be constructed in-house at the famous Corvette factory in
Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The structure of the frame and the car itself are actually 60 percent
stiffer than its predecessor, the ZR1. The ZO6 even has a removable top
that when removed is still 20 percent stiffer than the ZR1.
Brakes and Tires
Chevy
sticks with the huge carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes system while also
sticking with 19 inch rims in the front and 20 inch rims in the back.
But there was some adjustment to the width. The ZO6 receives slightly
wider rims and tires than the ZR1: 2 inches wider in the front and 3
inches wider in the back to help get better grip when cornering around
the racetrack.
Two sets of tires are offered, Michelin Pilot Sport tires which are
the standard on all Corvettes, or the track proven Michelin Sport Cup
Tires that will come standard if you order the ZO7 performance package.
The Michelin Pilot tires are a very well-rounded set of tires for all
driving conditions. But if you are looking to put down some amazing
track times, the Michelin Sport Cup Tires are what you will need.
They're sticky and made just for racing purposes; although street legal,
they're made for the track.
The Interior
It is much of what you would expect from a specialized Corvette. You
will receive two options for seats. An all-around comfortable set of GT
seats and for those who are looking to race, a competition set of seats
are offered that is designed to help support the body and keep it stably
while engaging in high-performance activities. All of the interior can
come wrapped in high quality Napa leather, sueded microfiber, aluminum
and carbon-fiber.
With all of the top technology and comfort of a luxury car you could
almost forget that you are driving the fastest American made production
car.
And just in-case you did forget, the ZO6 can be ordered with an
integrated recording system that can record your driving experience from
a on-board camera and collect data to be stored into a memory card that
is hidden in the glove box. That data then can be played-back on a
computer and shared with friends or simply just used to better yourself
at the track. And if you don't want to wait for a computer, all of the
info can be displayed on the 8-inch screen that comes with the Vette.
Again, Chevrolet does it with Americas only American made supercar.
