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STORY LINE: CORVETTE Z06 …. The BADDEST OF THE BAD, PLASTIC FANTASTIC

IT don’t get no better in the realm of high buck sports cars … no matter what side of the ocean your on. And if you cannot live with that statement, tough.

FACT: The 2006 Z06 Corvette was co-developed with the Corvette C6.R race car that beat Aston Martin and Ferrari at LeMans. Tech transfer went both ways and included the 505-hp 7-liter aluminum block LS7 V8 with dry sump lubrication system, heavy duty multi-piston brakes with cross drilled rotors, carbon fiber front fenders and wheelhouses, and carbon fiber, balsa sandwiched floorboards. Significant weight reduction was also achieved on the Z06 through a magnesium core fixed roof, a magnesium engine cradle, and an aluminum frame. Result: An incredibly low curb weight of 3,132 lbs. and a power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 lbs. per hp. All told, that’s enough for the Z06 to achieve 198 mph on the test track, 11.7 seconds at 125 mph in the quarter mile, 3.7 seconds 0-60, 0-150 in 17.9 seconds and 1.04g on the skid pad. Any questions Dr. Z?

Z06 as an option was first introduced on Corvette in 1963 as a special performance equipment package consisting of larger 36.5 gallon fuel tank, special vented finned brakes with dual circuit master cylinder, aluminum K-O wheels, and only available with the L84 360hp Fuel Injection engine. 2001-2004 editions incorporated suspension and engine upgrades that complimented existing production Corvette systems. The all new 2006 Z06 is build calibrated with every design element serving a performance function

For somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.2 million you can own a Bugatti Veyron that is capable of a 253 mph maximum velocity. Fill up the tank, plant the loud pedal and keep it their if you have the hooters to do that, some 12 minutes later and about 65 miles down whatever road you can travel that fast and you will be empty of petrol. Just north of $600,000 will buy a 600+ hp blown Saleen S7 that is so sexy it spits testosterone in 55-gallon drums, and Steve Saleen says it will ‘do’ the Bugatti in. Ford GT about $175,000.00 and world class. $230,000.00 will get you a Ferrari F430 Spider F1, $210,000.00 will buy the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder… neither of which can outrun the American designed and built $65,000.00 base price Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The $86,000.00 Dodge Viper SRT-10 … also American designed and built … comes close. Real close. The Corvette C6.R has smitten the Viper R at LeMans and elsewhere.

Had the 2006 Corvette Z06 for a week in June, put some 1006 miles on the odometer, averaged 27.6 mpg, saw 165+ mph and have only two negatives on the car. No rain drip mouldings, but they ain’t required above 150 so who really cares, and… the DVD navigation got lost or way confused when I was … high speed playing negotiating curvy roads. Reading the provided glovebox owner instruction booklet, I came upon this most important item on page 5-66, and I quote; If you will be driving your vehicle at speeds of 175 mph (282km/h) or higher, where it is legal, set the cold inflation pressure to the maximum inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall, or 38 psi (265 kPa), whichever is lower. When you end this high-speed driving, return the tires to the cold inflation pressure shown on the Tire and Loading information label. At which time I heeded the factory recommendation and made sure of the 38 psi.

My zoomer for that week with a $72,000.00 tariff, Victory Red exterior-more like arrest me Red-and Titanium Gray interior, the 505HP/427CID Corvette Z06 is the best sportscar bang for the buck in all the world. And if you cannot live with that statement, tough.

Who’d a thought gas would be more than .29 cents a gallon … back in 1955?