The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is known for its powerful engine and impressive performance. While it may not have the traditional rumble of a small-block V8, its flat-plane-crank V8 engine offers a smooth and consistent idle. However, when you step on the accelerator, you’ll experience the immediate response and high-revving capability that make the LT6 engine stand out. The Z06’s performance becomes more dramatic as the revs increase, especially above 4000rpm.
The engine delivers power in a linear and progressive manner. When driven at higher speeds and revs, it gains an extra surge of power. Although not as dramatic as a Honda VTEC kick, this characteristic is still noticeable and adds to the driving experience.
As the engine approaches its redline at 8600rpm, it unleashes a thrilling metallic sound that rivals the exhaust notes of top European sports cars. In terms of acceleration, the Z06 performs exceptionally well. With warm Cup 2 R tires and optimal grip, it can reach 60mph from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds, 100mph in 6.8 seconds, and complete a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. These figures surpass those of a Porsche 911 GT3 PDK but may be outperformed by turbocharged or hybrid-powered rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, McLaren 720S, or Ferrari 296 GTB.
On normal roads, the Z06 offers various driving modes that can be adjusted to suit different preferences and conditions. While some testers may find the selection overwhelming, it doesn’t cause major issues. The carbon brakes provide manageable bite and progression, and the dual-clutch gearbox delivers quick and precise shifts. However, it’s the V8 engine that truly shines, with its impressive power, responsiveness, sharpness, and mechanical charm.
Track Notes (Hill Route, Millbrook Proving Ground)
While the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 excels on wide and fast circuits like Silverstone or Laguna Seca, it still demonstrates impressive pace and handling precision on the tighter bends of the Millbrook Alpine Hill Route. Its stiff chassis provides excellent stability, allowing for precise turn-ins and maintaining grip even at high speeds. The dampers work effectively, distributing the load evenly on the tires, and the electronic stability aids offer confidence when accelerating out of corners.
When the stability aids are turned off, the Z06’s rear axle, equipped with 13-inch-wide tires, can be provoked into predictable oversteer. Controlling the car may require quick reflexes, but it remains manageable and predictable at its limits.