The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 may have just gained rank from a sports car to a supercar. Chevy recently released some performance data for the 8-speed equipped and manual version Z06s, to include acceleration, braking, and handling. Hopefully this is just the beginning as Chevrolet sets their sights on the top tier performance cars of the world.
To start with, the Z06 accelerates from a standstill to 60mph in a blistering 2.95 seconds. For those equipped with with the 7-speed manual variety, this time bumps up to 3.2 seconds. The paddle-shifted automatic is simply able to change gears faster then even the best manual jockeys. Surprisingly, Chevy opted to stay with a torque converter on the 8L90 instead of moving to a dual-clutch system such as that found in the Porsche and several other performers. From what we have learned, there was simply no system available to fit the size and specs needed, so GM built their own, their way. However, if you are a diehard manual gearbox fan, we doubt you’d miss the 0.25 seconds.
When it comes to the quarter-mile, the times are split again with the automatic edging a win by an identical 0.25 seconds. The auto was able to break that 11 second-1/4 mark by running it in 10.95 seconds, while the stick equipped Z06 will complete the .25-mile in 11.2 seconds. Yet, they both run through the trap evenly at 127mph.
Luckily, for all of us who have yet to hone our skills in the burnout box, we have launch control to rely on. With this amazing technology engaged, even an amateur may look like John Force at the local drag strip. With a few simple steps, the C7 Z06 will launch you through space and is sure to leave a smile on your face.
The Z06 excels in both handling and bringing all that power to a stop. The new Corvette is able to achieve these results when equipped with the Z07 package, which includes Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, as well as an aerodynamics package that creates some impressive downforce and ability to split through the air. Aesthetically, the car just looks flat-out mean with the Z07 additions.
With all the Z07 options mentioned above, the Z06 is able to come to a stop from 60mph in 99.6 feet, the best production car performance in GM’s history. To accompany that power and braking performance, the new “hotrod” Corvette pulls a tearjerking 1.2 g in lateral acceleration. This is another impressive claim for the new Corvette, as the club of cars with this level of traction is a limited one.
The combination of this astounding performance pushed the Z06 around the GM 2.9-mile Milford Road Course a full 1 second ahead of the previous record holder, the ZR1. So if you’re anything like us, you are chomping at the bit to get some seat time with one of these monsters. While we know there are still a long list of differences between even a Z07 equipped car and Chevrolet Racing’s C7.R, it appears that the gap in performance is narrowing.