4 Things That Make The New Corvette Z06 A Badass

At the intersection of Le Mans and the Autobahn sits the best of American automotive design and engineering — the all-new 2015 Corvette Z06. This world-class supercar is the closest link yet between Corvettes built for racing and the road. Z06 is engineered to be lightweight and rigid with an aluminum space frame, carbon-fiber hood and removable carbon-fiber roof panel. It was also designed to be powerful, with a supercharged 6.2L aluminum V8 engine delivering 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.

1. It's Fast!

The all-new Z06, codeveloped with the Corvette C7.R race car, is the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever.

With the available Z07 Performance Package and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, this 650-horsepower supercar will sprint to 60 mph in 2.95 seconds

and run the quarter-mile in 10.95 seconds.

2. Convertible is an option.

For the first time since 1963, the Z06 is also offered in coupe and convertible models. In fact, building a modern Z06 Convertible was only enabled by recent technological advancements, according to Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter: “Simply put, until recently it was not possible to create an open-roof structure strong enough to meet Corvette’s highest performance levels. It required advancements in computer-aided engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing – many of which did not exist five years ago – to make a frame strong enough for a Z06 Convertible.”

3. Supercharged performance

The heart of the 2015 Corvette Z06 is the all-new LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine, expected to deliver an SAE-certified 650 horsepower (485 kW) and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm). To balance performance and efficiency, the LT4 leverages the same trio of advanced technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray: direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing.

The supercharged LT4 is offered with a standard seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or an all-new 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission designed to enhance both performance and efficiency.

The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts. This driver-selectable feature can be easily engaged or disengaged via paddles on the steering wheel. The seven-speed is used with a new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch, which deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.

The eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response times, and smaller steps between gears keep the LT4 within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of the output of the supercharged engine for exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.

Launch control: Available in Track mode for manual and automatic transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration

Active handling (StabiliTrak electronic stability control): A "competitive" setting is available in Track mode and is more suited for on-track conditions. It can also be disabled, giving the driver complete control

Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in inclement conditions

Performance Traction Management: Available in Track mode and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving

Electronic Limited Slip Differential: Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions with more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes.

4. Performance Data Recorder

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The PDR system can record video with three data overlay options, each rendered in real time:

Track Mode – shows the maximum level of data on the screen, including speed, rpm, g-force, a location-based map, lap time and more.

Sport Mode – shows fewer details on the overlay but includes key data including speed and g-force

Touring Mode – simply records and displays video and audio of the drive with no data overlay

Performance Mode – records performance metrics, such as 0 to 60 mph acceleration, 1/4-mile speed and elapsed time, and 0-100-0 mph runs.

The video can be viewed on the Corvette Z06’s eight-inch color touchscreen when the car is parked, or downloaded to a computer for further editing, and sharing video via social media sites. For users who want a more in-depth understanding of their performance, the PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included “Cosworth Toolbox” software, which combines Cosworth’s professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.

What is your favorite thing on the All New 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06