The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 is the first high-performance variant of the recently redesigned, seventh-generation Corvette. Chevy executives say the forthcoming 2015 Corvette Z06 will beat the performance benchmarks set by the ZR1, the highest performing version of the previous-model Corvette. That's no small ambition, considering the burly ZR1 makes 638 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. But Corvette engineers say a preproduction Z06 test car is already faster than the ZR1 around the automaker's test track. Admittedly, the margin is tiny, but it's an impressive start for a car that will continue development throughout most of this year. Like the ZR1, the new Z06 will use a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, although the Z06's mill will make 650 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque. Still shy of the 662 hp generated in Ford's Shelby GT500, it is bonkers power nonetheless and the most ever from a GM production car. The all-aluminum V8 will feature cylinder deactivation and three operating modes – four-cylinder, eight-cylinder without supercharger boost and eight cylinders with full sauce – giving Z06 owners at least a modicum of fuel-saving opportunity. A seven-speed manual transmission will come standard, but in keeping with trends, the Z06 will also offer an eight-speed automatic. Chevy developed the all-new gearbox in-house and benchmarked it against Porsche's exceptional PDK automatic transmission. The new transmission will eventually find its way into other GM models Along with aerodynamic enhancements, Chevy will offer the Z06 with at least three different aero packages for improved airflow, cooling and downforce the new model gets wider tires for increased grip and sits 2 inches wider in front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the base Stingray. Added carbon-fiber components in the chassis shave weight and improve rigidity, while optional carbon-ceramic brakes promise supercar stopping power. A magnetic ride control suspension and a limited-slip differential will come standard, while a stiffer aluminum frame means the Z06 can finally offer not only a targa-top option, but also a full-blown convertible model as well. For track day heroics, the Z06 also features a Performance Data Recorder that can integrate telemetry data with high-definition video and bring a new dimension to idle boasts among friends. With this leap in performance levels, the Z06 effectively replaces the ZR1. Chevy could perhaps repurpose its alpha Vette as an unreasonable scourge making in excess of 700 hp. Such a low-volume car probably fails fiscal responsibility, so we can only see the ZR1's future as uncertain. But the Z06's arrival should alleviate any potential disappointment. — SG
