We can all agree, the 620+ hp and 635+ lb-ft 2015 Corvette Z06 is some type of nasty. So nasty, that it’s estimated to have a gaping 165 horsepower difference compared to the Corvette Stingray, with aerodynamic and cooling properties seemingly improved just as significantly. Looking back, the C6 Z06 jumped just 75 hp up from the base C6 to 505 horses, but for those who wanted to get a little more crazy, there was the awesome ZR1 model. So with the Z06 being the supercar that it is, many are left wondering as to whether or not the C7 Corvette will offer anything beyond it. Somberly, there are no such plans.
You read right; a C7 ZR1 is just not in the cards right now, based on what Corvette engineers themselves have told us. So with that in mind, the Corvette team set out to make the Z06 the best it could be, with the goal of ascending the Corvette to never-before-seen levels of performance.
That said, the C7 is still early in its life cycle. And it was once said that the Z06 would benchmark the next ZR1, so that however good of a track monster the Z06 is, the ZR1 would be that much better. And being the optimists that we are, it’s hard to imagine the zenith of the C7 program happening so soon, and that we have nothing more awe-inspiring to look forward to.
Comments
It makes sense to me. GM complained recently that this Z06 might be the last if sales didn’t improve. I think it was because the ZR1 sales cannibalized the C6 Z06.
The world can live without a C7 ZR1, but we would have withdrawal symptoms if there wasn’t a Z06.
Just today, in a Q&A period with the Jalopnik community, Corvette Chief Engineer, Tadge Juechter, responded to the question: “Since the new Z06 has truly awesome performance, there was word today from several outlets that the ZR-1 will be no longer necessary. Is there a possibility of an even more ridiculous Vette in the future?”
His answer, very simply: “nothing is impossible”.
I bet as soon as work on the LT4 was finished, power plant engineers turned their attention to an even more powerful V8. Once development work on the Z06 was finalized, attention was turned to beating the now range topping Z06, ‘Z06 Z07’, with the next gen ZR1.
The C6 was in production almost 5 years before the ZR1 came along. I’m sure mid-life of the C7 we will see a similar release.
I’m not so sure… I’m thinking the next ZR1 will come late in the C7 life cycle kinda like the 427 conv swan song for the C6. I’m thinking a 5.5 liter twin turbo V8 with overhead cams (I know blasphemy, I’m no OHV hater either). Expect a detuned version of said engine in the top spec version of the Caddy flagship or V series version of it. Close to 650hp on motor alone but no doubt augmented by either a mechanical KERS or electrical hybrid system to boost output and efficiency (ruess has already alluded to a hybrid vette) . Lot more use of carbon fiber with a curb weight around ~3100lbs and a dual clutch trans. Similar aero treatment as Z06 and the carbon ceramics and pilot sport cups as well. Basically a technology demonstrator for GM as a whole with the DCT and DOHC V8 filtering down to other models (camaro, v-series, etc).
Considering that the 2015 Z06 has carryover tires, wheels and brakes from the C6 ZR1, and uses the magnetic ride system from the Stingray, there’s definitely some room to grow in those departments, and not just horsepower.
As soon as I saw it was supercharged and had every performance bell and whistle in GM’s bag thrown at it; I knew there would be no ZR1 (at least not anytime soon). This car is for all intents and purposes a ZR1.
I do wish they had stayed N/A in the motor department as well as kept it closer to it’s “stripped down” race roots. But the C6 Z06 had long since evolved from that realm by the end of it’s reign, so this is a natural evolution for the C7 model.
The model I am hoping for is a C7 GS! As much as I love the C7 Z51, and the Z06, I’d prefer something like the last GS. A Vette that bridges the gap between the more exciting and hardcore Z06 and ZR1 looks wise with the straight forward – maybe even sensible – mechanicals of the standard Vette. We all know that just like with the previous LS3, the LT1 is no slouch and ridiculously receptive to simple mods.
Gimmie a factory wide body C7 and let me cam/supercharge/turbo it my way with the left-over change!
Besides, by the time the C6 was ending it’s run the GS was the best seller!
What is important here is what they did not say.
First off at the end of the C6 the Z07 package was basically a ZR1 only less the engine and better suspension. It was about $100K and it was nearly as fast as the ZR1.
Here in lies the problem does GM need to ultra expensive Corvette models? No! .
Now what they did not say is there may be added options to the Z06. Who is to say special performance options will not be offered like a even more powerful engine and even a higher content carbon fiber body option to kill even more weight.
Think of it this way how about a Z07 Carbon option on the Z06 with a L88 engine options with 700 HP. This way they can sell one model and just add bits to make the car more special vs. a whole separate model. It would be easier to do and give you the same results.
The reality is the ZR1 was not selling in very large numbers and I can say few will be disappointed as the present car will fill the gap just fine.
The fact it ZR1 is just a name but the car we will be left with will not only have the power but even more handling.
…of course they don’t. They just rolled out “Big Nasty’ and someone at GM is going to spoil it with ZR1 talk? I don’t think so. Everyone’s always talking about what’s next, even while something is being unveiled. The ZR1 could have been a one gen and done, but anybody with half a brain from Team Corvette and GM overall is going to keep their mouths shut even if they are woking on something. This is not news. The same could be said of a Silverado or Colorado Raptor fighter, higher HP SS sedan, convertible ATS, new CTS-V wagon, etc. no plans officially.
Maybe the ZR1 will be like originally intended in the 60’s, an almost stripped down street/strip car, like the new Z28 Camaro
First of all, I totally disagree with any idea about ZR-1 not being part of the C7’s program. These are my reasons.
1. Image to any automaker increases its credibility and competitiveness in the industry as whole. Hence, this is why Toyota recently created the ultra expensive Lexus LFA and Chrysler introduced the Viper back in 1991. These top models are not just meant for profit, but to create a following, that when people buy any vehicle from the parent company, their will always feels justified to own a lesser model from that automaker, knowing their capabilities
2. Now folks, we all remember when the C6 Z06 was first introduced in 2006, and how it made cars like the Lamborghini Murcielago up their game (increase power and performance) in order to maintain their image in the market place. While the C6 Z06 was at first dominant, other automakers increase the performance of their sports, cars or like Nissan introduced the GT-R that kick the Z06’s ass soundly. Hence, that is when the ZR-1 was introduced in 2009 to be GM’s top performer and regained some credibility loss to other sports cars. However, the ZR-1 was powerful enough to remain competitive up to the last one delivered, even though other super cars such as the Aventador blew it out of the water performance wise.
3. The Z06 suffered in sales because, GM engineers refused to up the car’s power figures from 505 bhp even mildly, in order to improve the Z06 performance. GM only used color schemes, a convertible and later a suspension upgrade to remedy lagging sales. All this, while Nissan Porsche and Ferrari increase the Performance of their cars through engine and transmission and suspension upgrades.
Solution: Make sure this C7 Z06 has more than enough power (660 bhp and 665+ lb-ft), with its modern transmissions to remained competitive performance wise. However, the idea of using a DOHC V-8 for the Corvette is counterintuitive. Why? We have clearly seen that the LT1 is the most fuel efficient engine producing over 450 bhp available on the market today. Now, we also know that OHV 2 valve engines produce more torque than DOHC engines, especially when force induced, Just ask the VW/Audi group with the Bentley Arnage etc. Also, the OHV engine is what makes the Corvette and Vipers unique among sports cars the world over, along with being a reliable and much less complicated than DOHC engines.
Now GM should introduce the ZR-1 as a 2017/2018 model in limited numbers with the twin turbo LT1 V-8. GM should make sure the ZR-1 produce approx. 775 bhp and 790 lb-ft, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Hence, performance should see, 0-60 mph sub 2.8 seconds with a ¼ mile in sub 10 seconds and a top speed of 215 mph drag limited. While it should be price at least $ 40,000.00 above the ZO6. The ZR-1 could also integrate electric motors to up performance and price figures as well. Hence, this will make the ZR-1 more exclusive. GM should also increase all Corvettes engine output over there product life cycle, to remained competitive.
they actually made a c4 zr1 for several years, and the c6, as well as a small production zr1 model in the late 60’s. you obviously arent a true corvette fan… i dont know why everyone thinks the zr1 was introduced in 2009? as a c6 it was but they had it way before that, whats even more pathetic is that some people thought the zo6 came out in 06’… how many people know they had a grand sport in 96? so many people talk about vettes but dont own or know anything about them… and theyve been around for over 60 years!
2 versions is enough for now. By the end of the run for the C6, there were simply too many models/packages, etc…I know they were trying anything and everything to keep people interested, but the “base” cars were nearly impossible to move without enormous rebates. They need the “base” C7 (with or without Z51) to be accessible and in demand in order to maintain enough sales momentum to insure that there is a “C8”.
Watch for this. Chevy will take a Z06 and make it a track car with less weight and minimal options. While it will be legal on the road it will be a car that could easily race much in the way the new Z/28 does not. It will be limited in numbers and may even get more power and yes it will not be cheap.
What we will see is a car that will be the fastest and best handling Vette ever and make you forget about the ZR1
Note the present Z06 while higher in performance it is also higher in options than the last track like version. The roof comes off and even a Automatic. Now enters a Version that will be more race car than street car with no lift off roof or even an auto option. Even a factory roll cage would be interesting. Think of the new car as being a Pratt and Miller car for the street.
They only said no ZR1 they did not say no more higher performance models.
Keep in mind this is the same company that internally called the Z/28 Steve to keep even insiders in the dark on what they were doing.
As I said when listening to GM it is what they did not say you have to pay attention too.
Maybe GM will just improve the C7 Z06 every couple of years.
You might not want to count out a C7 ZR1 just yet…
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/136819-c7-corvette-zr1-truly-off-radar.html
MT isn’t always on base with this stuff. While I’m a believer that a C7 ZR1 could be coming, a twin-turbo model is probably not what it’s going to be.
Zr1 needs to be built and it will be!
IN the 2015 z06 I was looking forward to a direct injection version of the natural aspirated champion just to add some bolt on as usual in the hope of 600 wheel hp in a much lighter car with an 8 speed dual clutch auto trannie however the addition of headers and some massaging to the throttle body and supercharger will accomplish even more and adds the whine and torq to boot to me is a must have.
Scott you made a comment that the new zo6 will make owners of c6zr1 owners forget about their cars I dont think so.The car is incredible all around.Looks better than new c7 and horse power can be easily boosted up 700 hp.C7 zr1 will escalate in value every year.
I own a 2008 Z06 and I am just getting used to the c7 Z06 with the Z07 package. A GS model would make most corvette fans happy (the economy has not fully recovered yet). IMO the Sting Ray was not masculine enough and needs to be a wide body. I could talk about the Z06 but we have the internet for that. The future corvette should be lighter and some type of all wheel drive or partial all wheel drive (to be a world class car). It does not have to be a mid engine car! Its almost 50/50 now. This car has improved by leaps and bounds. Whether evolutionary or revolutionary (mid engine) we will have to wait and see what Chevy has up their sleeve.
The new zo6 does not and will not make c6zr1 owners forget about their Zr1s.
THE INTERIOR IS NO BETTER AND IT’S CRAMPED INSIDE THE CABIN.
THE C6ZR1 WILL OUT RUN THE C7ZO6.