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Chevrolet Corvette Z06
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Comments
This will be the third time that the two Corvette C6-Rs have competed with the new Aston Martin DBR9s.
check this link
C6-Rs on front row for Petit Le Mans
check these links
Petit Le Mans
Corvette Racing
Jan Magnussen and Olivier Beretta
The Z06-specific master cylinder is shown in the first picture.
This Z06 has the rare 36 gallon fuel tank.
2001 and 1963 models.
Randy
Randy
Enjoy your mileage!
Randy
Corvettes were available with 427 cubic inch big blocks from 1966 until 1969. The block of these engines was big in mass whereas today's 427 cubic inch LS7 is big in displacement of the engine (pistons).
The 1967 Corvette L-88 had a 427 cubic inch V-8 with an aluminum block and made over 500 hp, but Chevy underated it. It was a racing engine (all of it) and only 20 were built. It could only be ordered with all other racing options which meant no heater or defroster.
One Corvette L-88 set a track record at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans (going over 171 mph), but it didn't finish the race.
Ya know, you're right. I'm 64 and am on my second Z06. Will have the new version when prices stabilize (local dealer just got one in---sticker + 25k)---LMAO!
I see a lot of us grey hairs driving Vettes...and I think that is a good thing as I just HATE growing up and acting my age.
The positive spin on this though is the fact that insurance rates are incredibly low on these cars, obviously because us old guys don't go nuts in them (at least the insurance stats don't show it). It's a gonzo performance sled and brings us old dudes back to the 50's when a V8 rumble was the ultimate.
I'd love to be 20 again but that ain't gonna happen so my thought process is give her hell now.
Now, after 4 years and 43k miles, with 2.5 years on six different road racing tracks and being a leading edge baby boomer, not 60 just yet, I can't believe how much fun I'm having. The kid is out of college, the wife recently finished Grad School and she wanted me busy so she could study. Boy am I busy! Not to mention that I roll in Sunday afternoons, tired as all heck, with what must be a stupid grin on my face which gets a laugh out of the wife and she then wants to know what exotic I got to pass that day, or if my lap times continued to improve. It isn't racing, done with some restraint, it can be fairly safe, but there are risks. Mechanical failure in your own car or others can be ugly, but the Vette is pretty bullet proof and faster than most other street cars, which does make it fun.
Now the question is, before I get to real maintenance, should I upgrade to a Z06? HUM .... BTW, most Z06 drivers are a lot younger than the demographic for average Vettes, WTG gbjerke!
Randy
When "Bob" heard recently that I was debating between buying another friend's Ferrari 360 and ordering a new 911 S, he called me to invite me to drive his personal Corvette Z06. We went out drove it on some quiet backroads and highway stretches, following which I bought him dinner (at my country club, no less, starrow68!).
Our interesting discussion concluded with the following:
(1) The Corvette's greatest loyalty and appeal among affluent, educated professionsals is in the 55-65+ age demographic. That is the age demographic that grew up when GM was in its glory days. They remeber - and perhaps owned - GTO's, 442's, Buick SS's, etc. He indicated they often view getting a new Corvette as going back to a high school or college homecoming.
(2) The Corvette's appeal amoung younger affluent professionals, age 25-44, is far lower. They grew up in GM's darker days, with the Japanese beating them to death on quality. So they were more likely to grow up driving an Accord than a Malibu.
(3) The socioeconomic shift in the US has resulted in, on the one hand, a much deeper "affluent, educated, professional" segment of the population than existed 20, 30 and 40 years ago. There really is a lot more wealth in the US today. However, at the same time, this shift has resulted in diminished incomes for blue and grey collar workers, and fewer of them can afford a $35,000 car, let alone a $50-$60,000+ car.
(4) Bob made reference to a recent privately comissioned study by JD Powers. GM's "appeal rating" among households making less than $50k per year was a reasonable 45%. For households between $50k and $100k, it dropped to 20%. For households from $100k to $200k (the prime market for $50k+/-cars), it was 11%. For households over $200k, it was 6%. Needless to say, the Japanese and German brands fared far better among the affluent. Factoring in college and post graduate education levels resulted in an even greater decline by GM.
So, the question is, who are going to be the Corvette buyers in 5-10-15 years when those affluent baby boomers that remember the glory years of GM start to trade thier two seaters for walkers, or worse?
Bob has made an extraordinarily good living as a GM (and other brand) franchisee over the past 30+ years. He sold the underlying real estate for several of his dealerships to a REIT a couple of years ago and pocketed over $100 million. So his kids, grandkids and great grandkids are taken care of. But he did express much disappointment for GM's fall from grace. And in an ironic twist, he mentioned that all of his four kids have post graduate degrees, and none of them or their spouses drive GM's, save for a single 1999 Suburban. I almost felt sad enough to offer to buy the damn Z06, even though it's far more muscle and far less finesse than I am looking for. But then I remembered how he has cleaned my clock at golf for the past several years and I didn't feel so sad.
I'm thinking that GM has the solution in their hands. If they can make things like the newest Z06 and sell them to people who don't want to pay a lot for image, whatever they may think that is, then GM might just survive. They still sell a lot of cars even if it's not to the sweet spot of the economic demographics.
Enjoy the finesse, but don't blame me when you decide to try out tracking and that Vette goes by with a bellow and leaves some sand in your air intake. Of course you won't have to worry about that if you spend about $130k.
FWIW, the test drivers for Automobile, Road and Track, Car and Driver and Motor Trend all rated the new 911S above the (standard) Corvette in track performance and achieved faster lap times with it. So that "finesse" of having the steering, suspension, engine and gearing, etc. work in harmony means something in the hands of a professional at the track as well. It will be interesting to see how the 997 Turbo stacks up against the Z06. It is a very powerful car with a much better suspension than the base Corvette, I'll admit that much form my limited exposure the other day. However, I'd still contend that a professional behind a base Corvette or 911 could beat 97%+ of amateurs behind a Z06, Ferrari 430 or Porsche 911 Turbo. You can't buy that level of training or expereince at any showroom, even with $130k in your wallet.
Your point does bring up another demographic question. I wonder what percentages of Corvette buyers are regular or occassional "trackers", compared to other sports cars? A lot of the "gear head" kids in our neighborhood that I grew up with in the late 50's and 60's were tinkering with and modifying their GM's (and Fords and Chryslers) and testing their 1/4 mile times at least once a month.
How did you get involved and is it an extension of your childhood or a new semi-retirment pasttime?
I remember reading 2 of those comparisons when the cars had just came out, and while they picked the 911 due to "feel", the Vette pulled the better lap times numbers in both instances...
Statistically, these two cars are practically a dead heat on paper. I happen to have the Motor Trend January 2005 comparison. The 911 wins on 0-60 (4.2 vs. 4.4), braking (106' & 299' vs. 113 & 321 from 60 & 100 mph respectively), slalom (70.1 vs. 68.9), skidpad (.97 vs. .96) and "figure 8" (24.8 vs. 25.2). But the Corvette's 60-100 mph advantage (5.7 vs. 6.5) make up enough on the longer straights to give the Corvette a slightly better time (99.5 sec. vs. 100.1).
I prefer the 911 advantages as they pertain to my everyday driving, but I respect that someone else might take the track winner, no matter what.
In any event, let's agree that these are both very good perfoming cars. My interest in the demographic differences as discussed with a long time GM dealer was the impetus for my previous post.
As to what % of Vette's track, just like all others except Miata and S2000, damn few, but once in awhile you get an all Corvette event like I attended at Spring Mt. Motorsports Park and a couple this year at Reno-Fernley Raceway. About 70+ at SMMP and just over 30 cars at R-F for two events this year. Not bad, when you consider that 4-6 is average at a 90 person event.
Sears Point in a week or so on a M/T and then the following weekend at Thunderhill. Can I get my street tires down to 1.59.99 at SP, time will tell.
Randy
BTW, I'm ignoring the Evo's, & WRX's both fast but I've seen too many wreck, and the 350Z and Mustang which are all usually driven by a much younger crowd.
Rootboy66, it is nice to have the kid out of college and in our case the wife has her own Vette, so I get two to drive every once in awhile.
What is even more interesting is that it gets better mileage than my '03 Z06, which only returned 19.6 MPG from L.I. to Bowling Green. And this is a car with more HP(105 more) and a car that grew from 5.7L of displacement to 7.0L.
Chevy: A job well executed.
You should be doing a lot better than that. Maybe the C6 has a greater appetite for petro but both my '01 and '03 Z06's get a ton better. I get about 19 in city driving but on the interstate at 70 I'll be pushing 29 mpg. Followed my kids who were trailering a car to Gingerman this summer and going 60-65. Got over 32!
You're right though, it's the very tall 6th gear.
Interesting scenerio you present and it somewhat dovetails into mine. Have always been a car nut but raising a family, the college bit and all kept me out of the market. Did manage an '87 and then '89 Toyota Supra while the boys were still in college.
In '91, when I turned 50, wifey says maybe I ought to drive something more benefiting my age. OK, bought a Maxima SE. WONDERFUL car but no fun! '92 hits and the Lexus brings out the SC400...got one and it is probably the "finest" car I have ever owned. Not however a "sports car". Come '94 and the Supra has a twin turbo---had one. Traded it for a '97, and frankly, if they were made after '98, I would probably still be driving one of those monsters.
I never considered a Vette during those years as they were always know to squeak/rattle with little bang for the buck.
Saw lots of good press on the C5 in '97 but I was a happy camper with the Supra. Then the Z06 hit in '01; Supras no longer; went hunting and got an '01. Loved it, hence the '03. Will get the '06 version but only when the price becomes realistic.
Between the Z's I have logged 50k for miles and neither had one squeak/rattle. They certainly lag in the fit/finish dept. compared to the Bimmer/Porsche's but I have totally enjoyed my Vettes and being a teen in the 50's, that V8 sound is heaven!
Now, if they put some decent seats in the Vette and eliminated the horrendous orange peel in the paint, it would be primo.
The again, you would have to look long and hard to find this type performance for the buck in ANY other car.
Wifey cannot understand how many mid life crisis' I have to go thru before I regain my senses. I told her that of all the guys I know who have this "mid life" bit, they either chase 20 year olds or get a sports car.
She now thinks the Vettes are just fine for me.
Only in AMERICA!
On my '03 Z51, I got up to about 33 on a road trip once. So I now what these cars can acheive.
On the whole, in regular driving I see a 19/27 split, which is fantastic for a car with 505-hp.:)
My 2003 M5, EPA rated at 13/21 averaged 23.8 miles on a the 400+/- mile "test" section. Another guy had a 2002 Corvette rated at something like 19/28, and he only got 26.3 - exactly 2.5 miles more than me (not the 7 that the EPA estimated). And that was for a 3,100 lb car with just the driver, vs. a 4,000 lb car with me and two 200 lb passengers. Our average speed was 75-80.
The sore point was that I paid a $2,200 gas guzzler tax on the M5. And mine was the only vehicle of six that exceeded its EPA estimate. Notwithstanding the better mileages reported here, I believe that the EPA overstates US models and understates Eurpopean ones. I have yet to own a BMW that didn't exceed it's highway estimate by at least 10-15% - at speeds of 70-75 mph. Oh, and the guy with the Hummer that we mistakenly invited? He couldn't keep up with us at 80 mph in the mountains and averages about 10 mpg. But he didn't have to pay a gas guzzler tax. American politics.
And BTW, this is still a stock engine coupe, no engine mods. The car is great on track with just stock power.
Yes, the "for the record" 3170 lb Corvette got a whopping 2.5 mpg more than my "for the record" 4,055 lb M5 carrying 400+ more lbs of passengers and cargo. But that's a far cry short of the 7 mpg advantage the EPA would claim. I know of relatively few American cars that can achieve their EPA highway estimate in real world driving at 70-75 mph. Every BMW I've owed exceeds it. Same with friends' Mercedes. If you are exceeding your EPA highway estimates, congratulations. You are the exception.
I'll try not to get suckered into a debate on the "efficiency" of a Chevy's 7.0 liter pushrod engine that produces 505 hp vs. BMW's ability to get the same power from a 5.0 liter 8,200 rpm V10. Or Porsche's ability to get 355 hp out of 3.8 liters that matches or beats the 400 hp Corvette in 0-60 acceleration. I've seen the response before that hp/liter is not important, so I'll leave that modern engineering vs. push rod debate alone, if you will.
Government conspiracy, probably not. But the EPA is about as good at fuel efficiency estimates as I am at throwing darts. The should stick with cleaning up their superfund sites. My neighbor had a 240 hp 2.0 liter Honda S2000 rated at 26 on the highway. He regularly averaged 32+/- at 75 mph (that's 23% over the EPA estimate, for the record). Anyone in a Corvette want to take that on with your 400 hp 6.0 liter V8 rated at 28 mpg?
Read Corvette message boards, everyone and that includes the moderators here complain about the 1st to 4th skip shift but since the test calls for a shift at a specific RPM that gets the job done and produces a test result that saves GM and its buyers the gas guzzler tax. The EPA just does the best horse design that a committee can, and maybe it's a camel, but if you try to put a horse saddle on it, who is making the mistake? GM seems to have figured it out. Enjoy your real world mileage, when I'm on track I get as low as 7mpg, gotta love torque and cubes ... :shades:
Randy
Here is an example: A 2006 BMW 645i 6-speed stick gets 17/25, according to the EPA. A 2005 Vette Z51 6-Speed stick gets 18/28, according to the EPA.
The Vette with 400hp and 400 pound feet of torque with a 6.0L motor gets BETTER fuel economy than the Bimmer with 325hp and a smaller 4.4L V8. Even the autobox Vette gets better fuel mileage at 18/26. And you call this technology? I sure would love to see it. Oh and for the record, the Bimmer gets penalized with a $1300 gas-guzzler tax. It even gets hit hard in it's own country of origin Germany. All for it's more "modern design". I guess Randy and I will be keeping our "old-tech" Vettes.
P.S.- As for the 2.5mpg and not the 7 that was claimed, remember everyone has different driving styles. Even tho all of the cars were going the same speed, if the cruise wasn't set it makes all the difference in the world.
Out for a month on the news stand, but for those that don't hang at the mag racks, fun reading.
With perspectives from the other side of the Atlantic. Glad I don't buy cars or pay for gas over there.
Randy
Despite "F1" technology, the new M5's engine weighs 529 pounds which is 91 pounds more than AMG's new 6.2 liter (AMG calls it 6.3 though).
A new C6 Z06 owner reported better hw mpg than the factory on a busier Corvette forum.
Car & Driver recorded 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, 0-100 in 7.8 seconds (December issue), and 0-150 in 17.5 second (October issue).
The following is from Motor Trend October 2005:
Standing 1/4-mile: 11.5 sec at 127.1 mph
Lateral acceleration: 1.05 g average
I can see that it would sell since even with the 6sp as standard for '05 the manual was in 60% of the deliveries which I understand given the demographics of the baby boom but just feel lucky that I still enjoy rowing the gears.
Randy
Now, if xkss would quit posting pics that make me drool over the new keyboard on the portable I'd be able to get back to work.
check the link for a big picture
Red C6 Z06
By that logic, GM should be printing money with their use of 1950's push rod technology. And they have cornered the market for hard plastic and velour. Supposedly even the Corvette's steering wheel is borrowed from the Malibu. So, where's the money?
It's rather humerous to see you claiming expertise on Porsche's profitablity on the eve of GM's bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy- Interesting that you brought that up seeing how if V-Dub didn't invest in Porsche they would've been defunct 10-years ago. Porsche's interiors until late were nothing to boast about. Leather(maybe vinyl) that was extremely poor in quality. The dashboards were so hard you could use them as a deadly weapons.
Can you prove that for the 2006 model year?
GM obviously needs to make better decisions.
Also, this thread is mostly about the new Corvette Z06 or at least Corvettes in general.
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