After the naming of the C8 Corvette, the typically American sports car returns to the “Best Car To Buy” competition and to the circle of finalists Motor Authority Best Car to Buy 2021 and the C7 Corvette ZR1 was named Motor Authority: Best Car to Buy 2019. Can Chevy go three for three?
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has a special engine that looks like it comes from an exotic Italian car manufacturer. The new 5.5-liter V8 takes the Corvette into a new stratosphere.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The flat-plane crank LT6 V-8 is a real eye-catcher produces 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That’s what makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 ever. When it was strapped to a test benchThis engine delivered 610 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque at the wheels.
The power is remarkable, but it is the exhaust noise and the way the engine revs gives the Z06 that certain something. The unique crank supports the engine breathe and turn better, and unleashes his wild scream. It’s exciting when it reaches the top speed of 8,600 rpm. Managing Editor Kirk Bell said it tons of noise and anger on an exotic design.
With a Top speed of 195 miles per hourthe latest Z06 can’t keep up with the last generation Corvette ZR1‘s 212 miles per hour top speed. But it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a wild 2.6 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 130 mph. For those keeping track, the ZR1 reached 60 mph in 2.85 seconds and covered the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds, despite having more firepower.
When the mid-engine Corvette received this award in 2021, we noticed that the chassis felt like it was designed for more power. That’s because it was. The latest Z06 with the LT6 engine fixes this problem.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Some enthusiasts will be disappointed that the Z06 only has an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s the same automatic transmission as in Corvette Stingray, but here it has a shorter axle ratio of 5.56 for faster acceleration. It is incredibly responsive and keeps the performance ready in any scenario. In contrast to the Corvette E-Ray, The Z06 remains rear-wheel drive.
The exterior design is wider and features larger air intakes on both the front and sides for more cooling and better breathing. At Chevrolet, Z06 owners can choose their own adventure when it comes to carbon fiber parts, which are optionally available separately and are available painted or unpainted.
All of this can be combined with the Z07 performance package, which includes an even more track-ready suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2R tires.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Inside, the Z06 hardly differs from other C8 Corvettes. The driver and front passenger are separated by a large center console wall. More than a dozen chiclet-like climate control buttons line this wall, and using the buttons on the move is confusing at best. The controls and touchscreen are tilted heavily towards the driver. The steering wheel is circular to ensure a clear view of the digital instrument cluster.
The Z06 isn’t perfect, but it’s not too far from it. It doesn’t have the cachet of a Porsche or Ferrari and its interior can’t match their quality. Getting in and out can be a chore for New Balance’s crowd, as this thing sits low and has steeply raked A-pillars. There’s not much cargo space, there’s no manual transmission, and while the base price of $113,190 is an absolute supercar bargain, it’s much more than that Starting price: $106,395 a year ago. Our loaded test car cost $160,595, which felt expensive but was completely acceptable for the performance.
Is an American-made exotic with one of the best-sounding exhaust notes available today enough to win? Will a Corvette become the first racer to win this competition three times? Will the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 be named Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2024, ahead of America’s muscle car, a Japanese hot hatch, a high-performance electric sedan and a German sports coupe? Check back on January 3rd when we’ll announce the winner, along with the champions from our sister sites The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.
