�CORVETTE Z06 FROM CHEVROLET�
Equipped with a 377 kW LS7 V8 engine and built on a lightweight chassis, the Corvette Z06 is a road going descendant of the championship-winning Corvette racing programme that includes the Le Mans 24-Hour race in its annual schedule. With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, the Corvette Z06 delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology.�
The aerodynamics of the Z06�s were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the race-cars use large rear wings, the Z06�s elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06�s Cd is 0.34.
For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a high-performance vehicle suitable for daily use. To that end, comfort and convenience features are of a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD), with track mode and g-meter, are standard.�
LS7 engine
The Z06�s LS7 seven litre engine delivers 377 kW in a vehicle that weighs just 1,442 kg � a combination that delivers a 0-100 acceleration of 3.7 seconds in first gear and a top speed of 320 km/h recorded on the Autobahn in Germany. It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 100-0 km/h braking in just 34 metres; a level of performance that allowed the Corvette Z06 to lap the famed N�rburgring circuit in a time of 7:43 from a standing start in testing.�
The LS7 engine shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Chevrolet 6.2-liter LS3 engine, but it uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine�s larger diameter 104.8 mm cylinder bores.�
Internally, the LS7�s reciprocating components are based on racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost power and rpm capability. The rev-limit, imposed by a fuel cut-off, is 7,100 r/min.�
One of the clearest examples of the LS7�s race-bred technology is its use of titanium connecting rods. These weigh just 464 grams apiece and besides being lightweight, which enhances high-rpm performance, the titanium material makes the rods extremely durable.�
The LS7�s CNC-ported aluminium cylinder heads are designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine�s 7.0-liter displacement. To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7�s heads have straight, tunnel-like intake ports. Very large by production-vehicle standards � even racing standards � they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm.
The LS7 has a dry-sump system designed to keep the engine fully lubricated during the high cornering loads the Corvette Z06 is capable of producing. The pressurised oil feed keeps the oil pick-up continually immersed in oil at cornering loads exceeding 1 g.�
Oil circulates through the engine and down to the sump pan, where it is sent back to the reservoir via a scavenge pump. The large-capacity (9,9 litre) reservoir, combined with a high efficiency air-to-oil cooler, provides necessary engine oil cooling under the demands of the engine�s high power output.
Drivetrain�
A high-capacity clutch channels the vast torque of the LS7 engine to the rear mounted six-speed manual transaxle. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to a front mounted oil radiator for cooling. On its return the fluid passes through a heat exchanger to remove heat from the differential lubrication system. The six-speed transaxle includes a limited-slip differential.
Structure
The Z06 has a unique aluminium body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight. Perimeter chassis members are one-piece hydroformed aluminium components featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models.�
Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fibre are bonded to the aluminium structure. The wide front wheel-wells, for example, are made from carbon composite and the passenger compartment floor combines carbon-fibre skins that sandwich an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
The Z06 has a magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and front suspension components. Lighter than aluminium yet incredibly strong, the magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fibre front fenders. Engineers also moved the battery from under the bonnet to a position in the rear of the car to optimise the weight distribution.
Suspension and brakes
The Z06 retains the standard Corvette wheelbase of 2686-mm. The race bred suspension works harmoniously with 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminium wheels and 275/35ZR18 tyres at the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminium wheels with 325/30ZR19 tyres at the rear. The tyres use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tyres eliminate the need for a spare tyre while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability in the event that a tyre loses air pressure.�
Brakes are 355 mm diameter vented and cross-drilled discs at the front and 340mm vented and cross-drilled discs at the rear.�
Large, red-painted, six-piston callipers with six individual brake pads are fitted at the front. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston callipers with four individual brake pads are used. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system � complete with a Competitive Driving mode.
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---- Specifications ----
Price --�
Production --
Engine 7 liter V8�
Weight 3180 lbs
Aspiration natural�
Torque --
HP 505 hp @ 6300 rpm�
HP/Weight --
HP/Liter 72.1 hp per liter�
1/4 mile --
0-62 mph 3.7 seconds�
Top Speed 199 mph
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