Z06 Special Edition Is Made For The Track....
GM is set to launch a new special edition of the Corvette, directly targeting fans of the iconic sports car who want something that their neighbor won't have. The limited edition car, called the "Carbon Edition," is not just an appearance package but a truly focused track machine that we can't wait to get our hands on.First, a bit of history. Back in 2001, Chevrolet decided to revive an old high performance Corvette option code, giving folks who wanted a more track-ready version of the 'Vette a more focused model known as the "Z06." That Z06 was based on the fifth generation Corvette platform (C5) and was only offered in the hardtop or "fixed roof coupe" body style. It featured an upgraded suspension, bigger wheels and tires, and a few other performance tweaks. Initially offered with a 385-horsepower engine upgrade, it eventually received the LS6 engine rated at 405 horsepower. Chevy sold more than 28,000 of them before the C5 platform was replaced in 2005.
In 2006, Corvette fans rejoiced when Chevrolet introduced another Z06 model based on the C6, or sixth generation platform. It had a new 7.0-liter, 427 cubic inch V8 with 100 more horsepower than the strongest C5 Z06. It also featured a lighter aluminum frame, balsa wood/carbon fiber composite floors and a magnesium alloy engine cradle to save even more weight. The C6 Z06 officially tipped the scales at just 3180 pounds, giving it world-class performance. And with its sub-$70,000 pricetag it instantly put the Corvette at the top of the bang-for-your-buck charts for supercars.
The Z06 stood its ground, proudly representing America as the highest performance Corvette ever ... until Chevy introduced the even more powerful ZR1 in 2009. The ZR1 took the Corvette even further up the performance rankings, with its supercharged 638-horsepower V8, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber body panels and active suspension distancing it from its sibling Z06. It was also $30,000 more expensive than the Z06, but its performance spoke for itself. Z06 lovers wanted some of those upgrades for themselves, but Chevrolet didn't offer them on the Z06 ... until now.
