[Z06] Some new info on the C6 Z06...
02-01-2005, 01:49 PM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: East of Hot Lanta Ga
Posts: 3,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
St. Jude Donor '06
Some new info on the C6 Z06...
Alot of this has already been posted but look close and you will see some new info that I do not believe has made it to the internet.
Introducing the 2006 Corvette Z06. The most exotic performance car
General Motors has ever produced.
Created from the same strand of DNA as the all-new C6-R race car and
the previous-generation C5-R race car, the Z06 looks and behaves like its
track twins. Featuring an array of advanced technologies that were
developed and fine-tuned by these race relatives, Z06 is the supercar
ordinary people can afford.
Z06 is scheduled to begin production in third quarter of 2005, and is
expected to make up as much as 20% of total Corvette sales. This will
position Z06 as the highest volume supercar in the segment.
THE 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
2
Powertrain
Performance
The phrase “racing technology for the
street” is never more evident than
when you look at the performance
aspect of the Z06. Developed alongside
the C6-R race car, the Corvette team
has integrated that same race pedigree
into the Z06 to achieve maximum
production sports car performance.
All-new 7.0-liter (427
cubic inch) LS7 Engine
With the 2005 Corvette having as much
horsepower (400) as the previousgeneration
Z06, Corvette engineers
needed to raise the performance bar
even higher for the 2006 Z06. That was
achieved by dropping in the largest
displacement, most powerful
small-block engine GM has
ever produced.
? Estimated 500 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
? Estimated 475 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm
? Estimated top speed: 190+ mph
? Designed to redline at 7,000 rpm—the
highest small-block redline ever for a
GM production engine
? Additional displacement achieved by
enlarging cylinder bores from 99 mm
(currently found in the LS6) to 104.775
mm and lengthening the stroke from 92
mm (LS6) to 101.6 mm
Racing-related Features
Behind every good sports car is a
successful race car. The Corvette C5-R
dominated the American Le Mans
Series (ALMS) in 2004, winning every
ALMS event as well as the 24 Hours
of Le Mans. The 2006 Corvette Z06
features powertrain technology
derived from the successful C5-R
program, including:
Dry Sump Lubrication
? Consists of an external oil reservoir that
protects the engine from running out
of oil during high-speed/high-revving
situations and when undergoing high
lateral G forces encountered during
road racing
Ultra-high-flow Cylinder Heads
? Cylinder heads extended 6 mm to
increase airflow
? Component shapes refined to minimize
potential air restriction
? As a result, airflow has been increased
by one-third
Defining a
Supercar
The term “supercar” is reserved
for cars situated at the upper end
of the High Sport category that
offer ultimate performance. Basic
supercar characteristics include:
? Speed capability of more than 186
mph and more than 1 G cornering
? More than 400 hp
? Exotic technologies—aerodynamics,
engine and suspension—to
maximize handling and speed, and
managing it safely
? Lightweight premium materials to
lower mass without degrading
performance.
? Large tire footprint for getting
power to the street and enhancing
cornering capability.
The price of admission for the
supercar category is typically in the
six figure range and production
volume is usually quite low.
P E R F O R M A N C E
3
Lightweight Titanium Valves and
Connecting Rods
? Titanium valves reduce valve mass
significantly, allowing an increase in
rpm range
? Titanium connecting rods feature a
lower mass and keep loads off the
lubricant film on the rod bearings from
being excessive and causing undue
wear and stress
Other Racing-related Features
? High-profile cam allows more air to
reach the combustion chambers more
quickly, which is a major contributor to
the increased horsepower of the LS7
? New air induction system that allows
air to come in at a more direct path
through the 14-inch x 5-inch intake duct
? Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor increases
air intake and enables the Engine
Control Module (ECM) to adjust for
optimal performance at any given air
temperature
? High-flow intake manifold designed for
high airflow to the intake ports
? High-flow injectors deliver the optimum
amount of fuel to the combustion
chamber
? Larger axle designed to withstand the
rigors of high-power acceleration
Powertrain Cooling
System
The power increase and high-speed
potential of the 2006 Z06 necessitated
significant additions and modifications
to the powertrain cooling system.
Additions to this system include:
? Auxiliary engine oil cooler, which helps
alleviate the additional demand on the
engine oil created by the increased
power output
? Manual transmission cooler
? Differential cooler, which utilizes the
transmission cooling system to prevent
overheating during extended
high-performance operation
? High-output radiator, featuring
increased engine coolant capacity
Enhancements to existing
components include:
? Redesigned fan shroud to reduce
airflow restrictions at vehicle speeds
greater than 90 mph
? Beefier radiator fan, which is
necessary for ultra-high-speed driving
(greater than 170 mph)
Exhaust System
The 2006 Z06 utilizes a stainless
steel exhaust system.
? Instead of a conventional exhaust
manifold which tends to restrict
exhaust flow from the engine, creating
backpressure, LS7 engineers designed
a four-into-one collector design header,
much like those developed for racing
and high performance street enthusiasts,
to minimize exhaust flow restrictions.
? Dual exhaust muffler for a pleasant,
quiet tone during normal driving and
optimal performance during passing on
the highway or competition driving
? Enhanced exhaust pipe results in a
significant reduction in backpressure
Tremec T56 6-speed
Manual Transmission
As with the previous-generation Z06,
the 2006 version utilizes the Tremec
T56. However, the 2006 version has
been modified to accommodate the
additional horsepower and torque
of the LS7.
? Lower numerical gear ratios than
previous-generation Z06; higher gears
would limit the traction/acceleration of
the Z06 and its 475 lb.-ft. of torque. The
lower numerical gears also enable a
quicker 0 to 60 mph in first gear
? One-piece countershaft helps increase
durability; the standard Tremec, found
on the standard Corvette, features a
two-piece shaft
P E R F O R M A N C E
4
Chassis
Performance
The horses (all 500 of them) are
there. But you also need something
to harness that power. That’s where
the chassis comes into play. Corvette
engineers sought to improve upon
the previous-generation Z06’s
exceptional handling by targeting
another vehicle—the C5-R—as the
benchmark.
Braking System
? Utilization of individual brake pads in a
multi-piston caliper is a first for
General Motors and a rarity in the
industry. This virtually eliminates taper
wear since each pad wears at the
same rate
? Large vented and cross-drilled brakes
(14-inch front and 13.4-inch rear)
feature increased thermal mass to
absorb heat to keep rotor temperatures
low, which in turn helps resist
brake fade
? Large monoblock calipers—typically
limited to use in race cars or the
high-performance aftermarket—are
made from a single solid casting and
feature multiple opposing pistons,
providing a larger braking area
? Six-piston front calipers and four-piston
rear calipers operate in opposing pairs,
applying brake pressure equally to
each side of the rotor
? High-performance friction materials
are used on brake pads
? Enlarged rear brake air ducts (see
Exterior Design section on page 5
for more details)
? Front calipers are powder coated in
bright red to emphasize their
massive size
Chassis Enhancements
? Active handling, ABS and traction
control systems recalibrated to help
the Z06 perform at its optimum
high-performance capability
? Front and rear upper control arms bolt
directly into the frame for easier
camber adjustment; this allows the
owner to adjust from racetrack settings
to more street-friendly performance,
and vice versa
Suspension System
? Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone
front and rear suspension systems
? Highly damped for tight, high-speed
cornering and precise handling control
Wheels and Tires
? 12-inch-wide rear wheels help manage
the high horsepower and extreme
cornering capability of the Z06
? Standard wheel is silver with an
available polished aluminum version
? P275/35R18 and P325/39R19 Goodyear
Eagle F1 Supercar tires with an
asymmetric tread design
P E R F O R M A N C E
5
E X T E R I O R
Exterior Design
If it looks like a race car and
performs like a race car...
The Z06 certainly looks the part,
utilizing several racing cues in its
exterior design to achieve enhanced
aerodynamics, reduced weight and
an intimidating appearance.
Form Following
Function
It’s a Corvette, so it has to look good.
But first and foremost, it has to
perform. The exterior elements that
distinguish the Z06 from the standard
Corvette all serve a purpose,
whether it’s to optimize braking,
handling or aerodynamics.
Dimensionally Different Than
Standard Corvette
? Wider, more aggressive stance; the
front fenders add 2-3/4 inches to the
width at the fenders, while fender flares
add 3-1/2 inches of width at the rear
? One inch longer overall, with the front
end receiving most of the added length
Aerodynamically Advanced
? Front air splitter, a wedge-shaped aero
device attached to the lower portion of
the fascia, serves two purposes
– Acts like a lower spoiler and creates
down force to help keep the front end
stable in corners and at high speeds
– Channels air up into the intake which
routes it to the radiator and engine
throttle body
? Gurney lips, a two-piece front wheel
liner system, help channel air away
from the wheelhouse and along the
side of the car, ensuring clean air
around the front tires; also help apply
down force at the front wheels for
more stable cornering
? Unique rear spoiler is significantly
taller than the one on the
standard Corvette
– One inch taller, with a very sharp,
pronounced upward curve
– Aerodynamically, it exerts down force
on the rear end to keep it planted in
corners and at high speeds
Functional Front
? New lower grille assembly features a
cross hatch pattern
– Design of the cross-hatching and
airfoil shape of the grille vanes
refined to eliminate turbulence, air
separation and other airflow issues
– Grille opening size is larger than the
standard Corvette to accommodate
more air volume for the 7.0L engine
? Unique front fascia matches the more
pronounced curve and muscular shape
of the wider fenders
– Unlike previous-generation Z06, the
2006 Z06 does not feature exposed
front brake air ducts in the fascia
– 2006 Z06 takes advantage of the
high-pressure area under the car to
scoop air from underneath the fascia
for the front calipers
– Slot-like inlet air scoop with bezel
grille is integrated into the upper
part of the fascia near the hood;
aesthetically, this feature adds to
Z06’s aggressive attitude.
Functionally, it helps extract heat
from the engine compartment while
admitting cool air
6
E X T E R I O R
? Carbon fiber fenders lighten the front
end and help achieve a near 50/50
weight distribution balance
– Carbon fiber fenders are three
times lighter than the R-RIM
(urethane-based reinforced reaction
injection molded composite) material
used on the standard Corvette
Revised Rear
? Rear fascia and its elements
emphasize the horizontal flow of the
vehicle’s design
? Rear wheel flares were added to
accommodate the wider tires, but also
serve a secondary purpose—protecting
the quarter panel sides from rocks and
other debris thrown up from the road
? Integrated brake cooling ducts are
larger than the previous-generation Z06
and are capable of moving three times
as much air to cool the rear brake
rotors and calipers
? Four 4-inch circular exhaust tips—
1/2-inch bigger than the standard
Corvette—are integrated into the rear
diffuser and pick up the circular theme
established by the four round taillamps
Exterior
Structure
You need a few things to be able to
go fast. Power is one. Traction is
another. But often overlooked is the
weight of a vehicle. One of the most
critical factors contributing to the
2006 Z06’s performance is the use of
lightweight material technology.
Carbon Fiber
? Carbon fiber fenders are six pounds
lighter than the R-RIM fenders on the
the standard Corvette, for a total
weight savings of 12 pounds. This
savings helps bring weight distribution
closer to 50/50
? Carbon fiber features a low coefficient
of expansion, meaning it remains
relatively inert in all seasonal
conditions. This allows for better fit
and finish at all times
? Other carbon fiber components
include:
– Floor panels
– Wheelhouse outer
Magnesium
? Magnesium engine cradle and inner
roof frame account for a weight
savings of 13.2 pounds compared to
the aluminum structure in the
standard Corvette
? Believed to be the first time any
manufacturer has been able to
successfully use magnesium for a
non-interior suspension structural
member by solving two critical
problems with magnesium: corrosion
and brittleness
Aluminum Structure
Although one-third as heavy as steel,
aluminum is only one-third as strong,
necessitating a design that gets the
appropriate strength and stiffness of
steel without tripling the mass. The 2006
Z06 features the strength and torsional
rigidity needed yet is 30% lighter than a
comparable steel structure. This was
achieved by doing the following:
? Designing the Z06 as a coupe with the
roof serving as an integral part of the
overall structure. A convertible version
would need a much stiffer frame to
compensate for the lack of a roof
structure
? Using extensive math data to simulate
stiffness and crash strength
requirements to determine where
thicker and thinner gauge materials
were required to achieve the maximum
mass benefit of aluminum
? Utilizing beefier hydroformed rails than
those in the standard Corvette
(4 mm compared to 2 mm) to meet
crashworthiness and global torsional
requirements
Interior
Much like the exterior, the interior
styling of the Z06 reflects the
influence of the C6-R race car. Many
of the systems and design cues are
consistent with the standard
Corvette. All Z06 interiors will be
Ebony—including the headliner, door
inserts, carpeting, instrument panel
and console—with three seat styles:
all-Ebony, Ebony with Red inserts or
Ebony with Titanium inserts.
Two Seat Options
One for the extreme enthusiast, one
with a few added features. Both
seating options feature Nuance
leather with a sandstone finish.
? Low-mass standard seats are designed
for extreme performance enthusiasts
who are more interested in getting the
ultimate performance, which in this
case means minimal mass, rather than
extra features
? Standard seats include perforated
leather inserts, two-tone accents with
contrasting stitching, ZO6 emblem
embroidery and a 6-way power
driver seat
? ZO6 emblem embroidered into the top
of the headrest has a defined red “Z”
with a silver/gray outline
? All Z06 models will have manual
passenger seats in the interest of
lower mass
? The available seats add side airbags,
memory and heat
Driver Interface
The ultimate driving goal is to focus
solely on the road in front of you.
This requires ergonomic controls
and easy-to-understand, efficient use
of them.
Analog Instrumentation
? Easy to read and understand
? White LED backlighting enhances
clarity in all lighting conditions
? White-on-black numerals and graphics
? New Driver Information center is a
two-line display that displays such
items as fuel economy, range and oil
life remaining
Steering Wheel
? New, smaller three-spoke design helps
provide increased responsiveness and
driver control
? More ergonomic, more competitioncar-
like
Headliner
? Reshaped to allow clearance for a
helmeted driver, since the Z06 is
expected to be driven competitively
Enhanced Safety
The 2006 Z06 is the first Corvette
equipped with an automatic
occupant detection system for the
passenger seat.
? Suppresses air bag deployment if a
child or small adult is detected in
the seat
? Standard on all GM cars beginning
with the 2006 model year
7
Introducing the 2006 Corvette Z06. The most exotic performance car
General Motors has ever produced.
Created from the same strand of DNA as the all-new C6-R race car and
the previous-generation C5-R race car, the Z06 looks and behaves like its
track twins. Featuring an array of advanced technologies that were
developed and fine-tuned by these race relatives, Z06 is the supercar
ordinary people can afford.
Z06 is scheduled to begin production in third quarter of 2005, and is
expected to make up as much as 20% of total Corvette sales. This will
position Z06 as the highest volume supercar in the segment.
THE 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
2
Powertrain
Performance
The phrase “racing technology for the
street” is never more evident than
when you look at the performance
aspect of the Z06. Developed alongside
the C6-R race car, the Corvette team
has integrated that same race pedigree
into the Z06 to achieve maximum
production sports car performance.
All-new 7.0-liter (427
cubic inch) LS7 Engine
With the 2005 Corvette having as much
horsepower (400) as the previousgeneration
Z06, Corvette engineers
needed to raise the performance bar
even higher for the 2006 Z06. That was
achieved by dropping in the largest
displacement, most powerful
small-block engine GM has
ever produced.
? Estimated 500 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
? Estimated 475 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm
? Estimated top speed: 190+ mph
? Designed to redline at 7,000 rpm—the
highest small-block redline ever for a
GM production engine
? Additional displacement achieved by
enlarging cylinder bores from 99 mm
(currently found in the LS6) to 104.775
mm and lengthening the stroke from 92
mm (LS6) to 101.6 mm
Racing-related Features
Behind every good sports car is a
successful race car. The Corvette C5-R
dominated the American Le Mans
Series (ALMS) in 2004, winning every
ALMS event as well as the 24 Hours
of Le Mans. The 2006 Corvette Z06
features powertrain technology
derived from the successful C5-R
program, including:
Dry Sump Lubrication
? Consists of an external oil reservoir that
protects the engine from running out
of oil during high-speed/high-revving
situations and when undergoing high
lateral G forces encountered during
road racing
Ultra-high-flow Cylinder Heads
? Cylinder heads extended 6 mm to
increase airflow
? Component shapes refined to minimize
potential air restriction
? As a result, airflow has been increased
by one-third
Defining a
Supercar
The term “supercar” is reserved
for cars situated at the upper end
of the High Sport category that
offer ultimate performance. Basic
supercar characteristics include:
? Speed capability of more than 186
mph and more than 1 G cornering
? More than 400 hp
? Exotic technologies—aerodynamics,
engine and suspension—to
maximize handling and speed, and
managing it safely
? Lightweight premium materials to
lower mass without degrading
performance.
? Large tire footprint for getting
power to the street and enhancing
cornering capability.
The price of admission for the
supercar category is typically in the
six figure range and production
volume is usually quite low.
P E R F O R M A N C E
3
Lightweight Titanium Valves and
Connecting Rods
? Titanium valves reduce valve mass
significantly, allowing an increase in
rpm range
? Titanium connecting rods feature a
lower mass and keep loads off the
lubricant film on the rod bearings from
being excessive and causing undue
wear and stress
Other Racing-related Features
? High-profile cam allows more air to
reach the combustion chambers more
quickly, which is a major contributor to
the increased horsepower of the LS7
? New air induction system that allows
air to come in at a more direct path
through the 14-inch x 5-inch intake duct
? Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor increases
air intake and enables the Engine
Control Module (ECM) to adjust for
optimal performance at any given air
temperature
? High-flow intake manifold designed for
high airflow to the intake ports
? High-flow injectors deliver the optimum
amount of fuel to the combustion
chamber
? Larger axle designed to withstand the
rigors of high-power acceleration
Powertrain Cooling
System
The power increase and high-speed
potential of the 2006 Z06 necessitated
significant additions and modifications
to the powertrain cooling system.
Additions to this system include:
? Auxiliary engine oil cooler, which helps
alleviate the additional demand on the
engine oil created by the increased
power output
? Manual transmission cooler
? Differential cooler, which utilizes the
transmission cooling system to prevent
overheating during extended
high-performance operation
? High-output radiator, featuring
increased engine coolant capacity
Enhancements to existing
components include:
? Redesigned fan shroud to reduce
airflow restrictions at vehicle speeds
greater than 90 mph
? Beefier radiator fan, which is
necessary for ultra-high-speed driving
(greater than 170 mph)
Exhaust System
The 2006 Z06 utilizes a stainless
steel exhaust system.
? Instead of a conventional exhaust
manifold which tends to restrict
exhaust flow from the engine, creating
backpressure, LS7 engineers designed
a four-into-one collector design header,
much like those developed for racing
and high performance street enthusiasts,
to minimize exhaust flow restrictions.
? Dual exhaust muffler for a pleasant,
quiet tone during normal driving and
optimal performance during passing on
the highway or competition driving
? Enhanced exhaust pipe results in a
significant reduction in backpressure
Tremec T56 6-speed
Manual Transmission
As with the previous-generation Z06,
the 2006 version utilizes the Tremec
T56. However, the 2006 version has
been modified to accommodate the
additional horsepower and torque
of the LS7.
? Lower numerical gear ratios than
previous-generation Z06; higher gears
would limit the traction/acceleration of
the Z06 and its 475 lb.-ft. of torque. The
lower numerical gears also enable a
quicker 0 to 60 mph in first gear
? One-piece countershaft helps increase
durability; the standard Tremec, found
on the standard Corvette, features a
two-piece shaft
P E R F O R M A N C E
4
Chassis
Performance
The horses (all 500 of them) are
there. But you also need something
to harness that power. That’s where
the chassis comes into play. Corvette
engineers sought to improve upon
the previous-generation Z06’s
exceptional handling by targeting
another vehicle—the C5-R—as the
benchmark.
Braking System
? Utilization of individual brake pads in a
multi-piston caliper is a first for
General Motors and a rarity in the
industry. This virtually eliminates taper
wear since each pad wears at the
same rate
? Large vented and cross-drilled brakes
(14-inch front and 13.4-inch rear)
feature increased thermal mass to
absorb heat to keep rotor temperatures
low, which in turn helps resist
brake fade
? Large monoblock calipers—typically
limited to use in race cars or the
high-performance aftermarket—are
made from a single solid casting and
feature multiple opposing pistons,
providing a larger braking area
? Six-piston front calipers and four-piston
rear calipers operate in opposing pairs,
applying brake pressure equally to
each side of the rotor
? High-performance friction materials
are used on brake pads
? Enlarged rear brake air ducts (see
Exterior Design section on page 5
for more details)
? Front calipers are powder coated in
bright red to emphasize their
massive size
Chassis Enhancements
? Active handling, ABS and traction
control systems recalibrated to help
the Z06 perform at its optimum
high-performance capability
? Front and rear upper control arms bolt
directly into the frame for easier
camber adjustment; this allows the
owner to adjust from racetrack settings
to more street-friendly performance,
and vice versa
Suspension System
? Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone
front and rear suspension systems
? Highly damped for tight, high-speed
cornering and precise handling control
Wheels and Tires
? 12-inch-wide rear wheels help manage
the high horsepower and extreme
cornering capability of the Z06
? Standard wheel is silver with an
available polished aluminum version
? P275/35R18 and P325/39R19 Goodyear
Eagle F1 Supercar tires with an
asymmetric tread design
P E R F O R M A N C E
5
E X T E R I O R
Exterior Design
If it looks like a race car and
performs like a race car...
The Z06 certainly looks the part,
utilizing several racing cues in its
exterior design to achieve enhanced
aerodynamics, reduced weight and
an intimidating appearance.
Form Following
Function
It’s a Corvette, so it has to look good.
But first and foremost, it has to
perform. The exterior elements that
distinguish the Z06 from the standard
Corvette all serve a purpose,
whether it’s to optimize braking,
handling or aerodynamics.
Dimensionally Different Than
Standard Corvette
? Wider, more aggressive stance; the
front fenders add 2-3/4 inches to the
width at the fenders, while fender flares
add 3-1/2 inches of width at the rear
? One inch longer overall, with the front
end receiving most of the added length
Aerodynamically Advanced
? Front air splitter, a wedge-shaped aero
device attached to the lower portion of
the fascia, serves two purposes
– Acts like a lower spoiler and creates
down force to help keep the front end
stable in corners and at high speeds
– Channels air up into the intake which
routes it to the radiator and engine
throttle body
? Gurney lips, a two-piece front wheel
liner system, help channel air away
from the wheelhouse and along the
side of the car, ensuring clean air
around the front tires; also help apply
down force at the front wheels for
more stable cornering
? Unique rear spoiler is significantly
taller than the one on the
standard Corvette
– One inch taller, with a very sharp,
pronounced upward curve
– Aerodynamically, it exerts down force
on the rear end to keep it planted in
corners and at high speeds
Functional Front
? New lower grille assembly features a
cross hatch pattern
– Design of the cross-hatching and
airfoil shape of the grille vanes
refined to eliminate turbulence, air
separation and other airflow issues
– Grille opening size is larger than the
standard Corvette to accommodate
more air volume for the 7.0L engine
? Unique front fascia matches the more
pronounced curve and muscular shape
of the wider fenders
– Unlike previous-generation Z06, the
2006 Z06 does not feature exposed
front brake air ducts in the fascia
– 2006 Z06 takes advantage of the
high-pressure area under the car to
scoop air from underneath the fascia
for the front calipers
– Slot-like inlet air scoop with bezel
grille is integrated into the upper
part of the fascia near the hood;
aesthetically, this feature adds to
Z06’s aggressive attitude.
Functionally, it helps extract heat
from the engine compartment while
admitting cool air
6
E X T E R I O R
? Carbon fiber fenders lighten the front
end and help achieve a near 50/50
weight distribution balance
– Carbon fiber fenders are three
times lighter than the R-RIM
(urethane-based reinforced reaction
injection molded composite) material
used on the standard Corvette
Revised Rear
? Rear fascia and its elements
emphasize the horizontal flow of the
vehicle’s design
? Rear wheel flares were added to
accommodate the wider tires, but also
serve a secondary purpose—protecting
the quarter panel sides from rocks and
other debris thrown up from the road
? Integrated brake cooling ducts are
larger than the previous-generation Z06
and are capable of moving three times
as much air to cool the rear brake
rotors and calipers
? Four 4-inch circular exhaust tips—
1/2-inch bigger than the standard
Corvette—are integrated into the rear
diffuser and pick up the circular theme
established by the four round taillamps
Exterior
Structure
You need a few things to be able to
go fast. Power is one. Traction is
another. But often overlooked is the
weight of a vehicle. One of the most
critical factors contributing to the
2006 Z06’s performance is the use of
lightweight material technology.
Carbon Fiber
? Carbon fiber fenders are six pounds
lighter than the R-RIM fenders on the
the standard Corvette, for a total
weight savings of 12 pounds. This
savings helps bring weight distribution
closer to 50/50
? Carbon fiber features a low coefficient
of expansion, meaning it remains
relatively inert in all seasonal
conditions. This allows for better fit
and finish at all times
? Other carbon fiber components
include:
– Floor panels
– Wheelhouse outer
Magnesium
? Magnesium engine cradle and inner
roof frame account for a weight
savings of 13.2 pounds compared to
the aluminum structure in the
standard Corvette
? Believed to be the first time any
manufacturer has been able to
successfully use magnesium for a
non-interior suspension structural
member by solving two critical
problems with magnesium: corrosion
and brittleness
Aluminum Structure
Although one-third as heavy as steel,
aluminum is only one-third as strong,
necessitating a design that gets the
appropriate strength and stiffness of
steel without tripling the mass. The 2006
Z06 features the strength and torsional
rigidity needed yet is 30% lighter than a
comparable steel structure. This was
achieved by doing the following:
? Designing the Z06 as a coupe with the
roof serving as an integral part of the
overall structure. A convertible version
would need a much stiffer frame to
compensate for the lack of a roof
structure
? Using extensive math data to simulate
stiffness and crash strength
requirements to determine where
thicker and thinner gauge materials
were required to achieve the maximum
mass benefit of aluminum
? Utilizing beefier hydroformed rails than
those in the standard Corvette
(4 mm compared to 2 mm) to meet
crashworthiness and global torsional
requirements
Interior
Much like the exterior, the interior
styling of the Z06 reflects the
influence of the C6-R race car. Many
of the systems and design cues are
consistent with the standard
Corvette. All Z06 interiors will be
Ebony—including the headliner, door
inserts, carpeting, instrument panel
and console—with three seat styles:
all-Ebony, Ebony with Red inserts or
Ebony with Titanium inserts.
Two Seat Options
One for the extreme enthusiast, one
with a few added features. Both
seating options feature Nuance
leather with a sandstone finish.
? Low-mass standard seats are designed
for extreme performance enthusiasts
who are more interested in getting the
ultimate performance, which in this
case means minimal mass, rather than
extra features
? Standard seats include perforated
leather inserts, two-tone accents with
contrasting stitching, ZO6 emblem
embroidery and a 6-way power
driver seat
? ZO6 emblem embroidered into the top
of the headrest has a defined red “Z”
with a silver/gray outline
? All Z06 models will have manual
passenger seats in the interest of
lower mass
? The available seats add side airbags,
memory and heat
Driver Interface
The ultimate driving goal is to focus
solely on the road in front of you.
This requires ergonomic controls
and easy-to-understand, efficient use
of them.
Analog Instrumentation
? Easy to read and understand
? White LED backlighting enhances
clarity in all lighting conditions
? White-on-black numerals and graphics
? New Driver Information center is a
two-line display that displays such
items as fuel economy, range and oil
life remaining
Steering Wheel
? New, smaller three-spoke design helps
provide increased responsiveness and
driver control
? More ergonomic, more competitioncar-
like
Headliner
? Reshaped to allow clearance for a
helmeted driver, since the Z06 is
expected to be driven competitively
Enhanced Safety
The 2006 Z06 is the first Corvette
equipped with an automatic
occupant detection system for the
passenger seat.
? Suppresses air bag deployment if a
child or small adult is detected in
the seat
? Standard on all GM cars beginning
with the 2006 model year
7
Last edited by Rick @ Les Stanford; 02-01-2005 at 05:27 PM.
02-01-2005, 02:08 PM
#3
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: East of Hot Lanta Ga
Posts: 3,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by AP
Rick ... I duped you ... but I have pics in my thread with the same text ...
02-01-2005, 02:12 PM
#4
Team Owner
The site with the pics is my own, but the pictures were sent to me from an e-mail on my site, so I dont know either, I understand your position as a dealer and the fact that you cannot show the pics. But I just wanted to let you know that I put them up ...
for keeping us all informed on the latest. 
02-01-2005, 02:44 PM
#6
Safety Car
Yes ... some new details here. About the driveshaft, seats, frame composition, structural design, etc.
When they claim 1/3 more airflow to engine ... vs what ? The old LS6 engine or the new LS2?
When they claim 1/3 more airflow to engine ... vs what ? The old LS6 engine or the new LS2?
02-01-2005, 02:53 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
So the Automatic Occupant Detection is the big never before seen feature?
02-01-2005, 02:59 PM
#8
Team Owner
Originally Posted by Bwright
So the Automatic Occupant Detection is the big never before seen feature?
02-01-2005, 03:35 PM
#10
Team Owner
Originally Posted by BLU PIL
Rick, us peons can't get to the chevy launch web site. We don't have the access number. But thanks for all the information, you are great for sharing this.
02-01-2005, 04:07 PM
#11
Instructor
Member Since: Jan 2002
Location: Long Island N.Y.
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And all this for how much? Not to start the "Price Wars" again,but I wonder how they can make it affordable to us common folk!I can only hope I will be able to swing one,somehow. 
02-01-2005, 05:39 PM
#13
Safety Car
"Z06 is the Supercar, that ordinary people can afford"
Taken right out of the first paragraph of this GM promotional.
Are Vette fanatics ordinary ???
And, whatever we are .... could an ordinary person swing this car note?
I think not to both.
Taken right out of the first paragraph of this GM promotional.
Are Vette fanatics ordinary ???
And, whatever we are .... could an ordinary person swing this car note?
I think not to both.
02-01-2005, 06:19 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by bernrex
"Z06 is the Supercar, that ordinary people can afford"
Taken right out of the first paragraph of this GM promotional.
Are Vette fanatics ordinary ???
And, whatever we are .... could an ordinary person swing this car note?
I think not to both.
Taken right out of the first paragraph of this GM promotional.
Are Vette fanatics ordinary ???
And, whatever we are .... could an ordinary person swing this car note?
I think not to both.
02-01-2005, 06:39 PM
#15
Team Owner
That's the first I have seen that the gearing will be different. I'm not clear if that is the rear axle ratio, or the transmission ratios. I assumed by the way it read it mean the transmission ratio. Anybody know?
02-02-2005, 09:31 AM
#16
Originally Posted by jschindler
That's the first I have seen that the gearing will be different. I'm not clear if that is the rear axle ratio, or the transmission ratios. I assumed by the way it read it mean the transmission ratio. Anybody know?
Great info, Rick. Thanks.
02-02-2005, 11:54 AM
#18
Drifting
465 RWHP 533 FWHP for 1/3 more air flow
Originally Posted by bernrex
Yes ... some new details here. About the driveshaft, seats, frame composition, structural design, etc.
When they claim 1/3 more airflow to engine ... vs what ? The old LS6 engine or the new LS2?
When they claim 1/3 more airflow to engine ... vs what ? The old LS6 engine or the new LS2?
This may correlate to the dyno result rumors of 532 FWHP
If this is the case we should be seeing RWHP in the 465 hp range.
NOT SHABBY AT ALL!!!
CBGPE
