Z06 Corvette – an American supercar

Source: Exec Digital Canada

Date :02/01/2008 04:18:20

The Chevrolet Corvette has been something of a continuous work in progress for over half a century. Now one of the most famous names in America, it remains less popular overseas.

With this in mind, Chevrolet has decided to take a less brash approach in an effort to win over the Europeans. And as an added bonus the new ‘Vette is smaller than ever, making it a little more manageable on those little European roads.

An American supercar that has stolen the hearts of enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack bred performance and daily driving civility is all yours for $71,000 - but is it worth the green?

Performance

Named after a rare racing version of the 1963 Stingray, this track scorching ‘Vette possesses some remarkable stats, courtesy of the largest displacement small-block V8 ever produced by Chevrolet.

This mega-machine competes with the likes of the Jaguar XK, Dodge Viper and the Porsche 911 Carrera, going from 0-62 in 3.7 seconds, pushing an impressive 200mph. Equipped with a 7.0L V8, LS7 engine - the most powerful engine General Motors have churned out - it produces 505 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 470lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. And it’s astonishingly light - only four stone heavier than the all carbon-fibre Porsche Carrera GT.

On the road

When tested on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, the Z06 achieved an outstanding track time of 7:43. Unfortunately, it’s a different story on the highway. With its use of primitive leaf springs on the rear end, the ride quality leaves a lot to be desired. And while the relatively light clutch pedal makes it a simple drive, with quick and communicative steering, the weighty shift action of the gearbox needs getting used to.

And the interior isn’t all it should be either. It’s plastic, over the top and quite frankly the materials and finish fail to impress.

So, for a car that supposedly competes with the likes of the Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, the price tag seems a little, well, cheap. And you have to ask yourself ‘why?’ While Ferrari has successfully married the track and road car, the Corvette hasn’t quite got it right on the road. For $71,000, this is probably a car that is better off kept firmly on the race track.

To view the full article, click here