2015 Corvette Z06: Because The C7.R Is Not For Sale

The 2015 Corvette Z06. Just wow. Just… wow. We’re beyond words, mostly because of the following specs:

• An estimated 620 horsepower and 635 lb.-ft. of torque from a supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 that’s wonderfully close in dimensions to the naturally-aspirated LT1 thanks to a purpose-built 1.7L Eaton supercharger that spins faster than conventional setups (20,000 RPM, or 5,000 more than the ZR1’s LS9), with the supercharger/intercooler assembly mounted in the valley between the cylinder heads. In fact, the LT4 is only one inch taller than the LT1, and nearly identical in every other dimensional aspect, making it one of the most power-dense motors on the market, with an impressive 10.0:1 compression ratio. It has titanium intake valves, forged aluminum pistons, and a redline of around 6,500 RPM, impressive for an OHV motor with forced induction.
• As for the transmissions, buyers will choose between a seven-speed manual and a new 8L90E eight-speed automatic transmission that was designed in-house. This makes the 2015 Corvette Z06 the only supercar over 600 horsepower that offers both a manual and automatic gearbox. As for the haters whining about no dual clutch transmission; there isn’t a DCT in the world with the optimal combination of packaging and the ability to handle that mountain of torque without exploding into a thousand pieces. Go ahead and Google it. Maybe it’s the Corvette team’s fault for making a car so powerful that suppliers can’t match it yet, but that’s reaching. Oh, and the torque tube is made of carbon fiber.
• There will be three levels of aerodynamic packages for the 2015 Z06. And while the aerodynamic properties are not finalized, the Corvette team is expecting the 2015 Z06 to generate the most downforce of any vehicle GM has ever produced, citing aerodynamic estimations that would be close to the C7.R itself. In other worlds, a GT race car for the road. Helping the cause is a new carbon fiber splitter, a larger hood extractor, a composite spoiler, adjustable winglets and a unique grille design that allows for more airflow than if the 2015 Z06 just had an open mouth. Cooling to the transmission and differential are also 50 percent better than before. Meanwhile, the chassis of the C7 Z06 with an enclosed roof is 60 percent stiffer than the C6 Z06. With an open roof, it’s still 20 percent stiffer.
• As for the suspension, the 2015 Corvette Z06 continues to incorporate GM’s patented Magnetic Ride Control suspension, taming its otherwise wild side for daily use… sort of. The 2015 Z06 also adopts the same Michelin tires used by the C6 Corvette ZR1, with gains in braking, grip and just about anything else you can think of.
• The range-topping model of the Z06 will be the Z07 package.
• Lastly, the Performance Data Recorder system will also be offered for the 2015 Z06.