elegant

With current Z sales being poor (500+ for each the Z06 and ZR1 in 2011), and since most of the ZR1's attributes (except its motor) are available as an option on the Z06, might the C7 Corvette not include a Z06. If so, Corvette will still have a coupe, a convertible and a ZR1 "line" and, perhaps again a separately bodied Grand Sport option?

This thinking is based on the 2012 ZL1 Camaro having 580 HP when it comes out in a couple of months and the GT 500 Shelby Mustang will have 650 when it arrives in this summer. Compound that with an expected 660 HP for the 2013 Viper. Thus, where would a 505 HP or even a 535 HP C7 Z06 Z06 fit in? Might the C7 ZR1 boost its supercharging compression and offer 675+ HP and retain its King of the Hill status?

Based on all the above, I am thinking the Z06 might not be part of C7 plans....

Jp23rockstar

Well what we do know is that there were two kinds of corvettes being tested. We really don't know anything else. My guess is one is the base model and one is the high performance model as far names go is up in the air. I hope that the base numbers put up better numbers than the camaro zl1, because the vette is suppose to be the top dog at chevy. I will say that the camaro zl1 is terrific car. I just prefer the vette instead of the camaro zl1.

BMWDAD

Reading the reviews on the ZL1, no one has said it, but with the mag suspension, it is a M3 killer.

Jp23rockstar

One guy was even saying it was as good as a porsche 911, I forget what magazine said it, it was online, but he did say like you that with the magnetic ride control, it's an awesome car

MitchAlsup

There will be a Halo Car in the Vette lineup. What it is is only speculation right now.

LS1LT1

I might have to agree with you.
I also don't think the Z06 will find itself within the C7's line up unfortunately.
I think we'll see something along the lines of a 475hp base car with perhaps a wide body/big brakes/big tires Grand Sport type of option package...and then a 650hp-675hp supercharged (or turbocharged?) ZR1 model.
But anything is possible at this point.

JustinStrife

An awesome car that's ugly as sin and still a 2 ton boat.

The Z06 was always marketed more towards the racer. The ZR1 is not setup for long term track use, and the supercharger becomes a handicap the more laps you run. Once GM came out with the Z07 package, the advantage that the ZR1 had over the Z06, has all but evaporated.

I still think there'll be a Z06, it just won't have the 427... Maybe a 6.2liter engine of some variety if the base gets the 5.5 liter I've been hearing about.

BluegrassMotorsport

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elegant

JustinStrife, I hadn't thought about your suggestion, but it sure worthy of further thought, i.e., have a Z06 with the ability to option is up to where the ZR1 was, but no C7 ZR 1. As said above, we shall see.

dfarese

I'm thinking the two models where for testing their two transmissions, the Paddle shift and their Manual stick. Although it seems like both models where running wider tires, like on the GS and up, I could be wrong, what do you think?

b4i4getit

The Z06 name has a long history. I think the Z06 and ZR1 will still be there for the C7 but maybe not in the first year of production.

PaulB

I am guessing that at the start of the C7 Chevrolet will not give us many options. The next year more and the next year more again. I base my thinking on how they have done the C5 and the C6 first years.

elegant

When the C5 was introduced, it came off a real good year of C4 sales (21,500 units). Same thing when the C6 came out, it too was based on real good last year C5 sales (also 21,000+ units). The total production for the 2011 Corvette (all "lines/models") was less than 12,000 units, and 2012 sales will not reach 10,000 units, especially since the production run is only going to be 9 months. GM needs to generate real good profits early on in the C7 sales period in order to generate capital to develop a C8.

These things might help GM to bring out, at least, both the coupe and the convertible models in year one (2014 MY). Don't disagree that the Z model (or model) will not come out until at least 2015.

Latterlon

I fear the Z06 might be a goner, due to sales, the increase of boosting engines for more power/efficiency and the fact that the C6.R is now based on the ZR1 (if only for marketing). I'd be fine with a base C7, a lower volume ZR1 with turbos or a blower, mag suspension, etc., and an even lower production Z06 that's more like a Viper ACR or GT3RS.

The C6 Z06 has gotten better over the years, but also heavier. I think to keep the track-day capabilities and to set it apart from the other models, it should be very light (under 3,000lbs), have coilovers, N/A engine, lightweight seats, CC brakes, radio delete options, etc.

As of now I believe the Z06 has become too similar to the ZR1 from cannibalizing its parts.

1RedVettFor2

I'm thinking we may see a detuned version of the ZR1 motor in the C7 base. A lot of times GM likes to use current modles features as a spring board for the next generation. I say detuned because they will surely use weight savings as a perfofmance enhancement and thus be able to in theory beat the new shelby. I think the ZR if they make it will have to hit 675 HP to be able to keep up with the rest of the super cars.....maybe more. It seems the tradition has been to beat the previous generations top dog.....IDK just thinkin and hoping for something great!!!

TBIRD57

is already a m3 killer.....

Jinx

If the base C7 gets an aluminum frame, then what does the high-end variant look like?

Maybe they put Z06 on the shelf and just elevate GrandSport with less-exotic forced induction and not so much carbon fiber as the next ZR1.

But a direct-injected smallblock of, say, 396 cubic inches, might be a decent replacement for the LS7...

.Jinx

Racer X

Titanium Frame

Z06 with DI 7 liter at ~590 HP with variable timing or lift- in car adjustable ride height - medium body

ZR1 DI 6.2 L Twin Turbo ~750 HP - active aero and suspension - wicked wide body

Z06Doc

I sincerely hope the Z06 niche in Corvette's line-up is not eliminated - I've owned two (2001 and 2006) models and I driven nothing else since the its intro. However, the styling is getting a bit stale (especially lacking in external LED lighting and interior bling) and I'm ready for something fresh and contemporary. I'm hoping the C7 takes Corvette styling to new levels. And although I've always enjoyed the 6-speed manual, an all-wheel drive Z would be nice to tap into all that un-used power, maybe even (God forbid) with a paddle shifter. Slumping Vette sales suggest perhaps other buyers feel much the same and if a fully optioned 2012 Z06 exceeds $100k, GM will need to do more than just add HP. Otherwise the entire Vette line-up may be doomed. I sure hope not.

range96

You forgot the CF body.