Tuesday 2nd August 2016

Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Spotted

Does 'The Big Nasty' really make sense in the UK?

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As has been discussed recently, the current Corvette Z06 is one of those American performance cars that is hugely exciting for a UK audience. Alongside the Mustang GT350R and Viper ACR, this new breed of US track special no longer requires qualification; they're no longer quick on a circuit "for an American car", they're just plain quick. Really, really quick, in fact, with a level of dynamism unknown to even their most direct predecessors. Put simply, we really, really want a go in all three, and that's not always something you've been able to say about American sports cars.

Pls change the numberplate

So while we did feature a standard Corvette C7 recently, this Z06 is most definitely worth a mention too as it is a very, very different car. There's the small matter of another 190hp (!) for a start, the Z06's V8 supercharged to 650hp against the standard car's 460hp. The compression ratio was upped, it was dry sumped and the Z06 also gained expensive internals like titanium intake valves and forged pistons. It's not messing around, put simply.

But then neither is it brute force and belligerence either. The aero was revised, the tracks widened and the magnetic dampers redone too. With the Z07 performance pack fitted - as is here - the Corvette also gets carbon ceramic brakes, an adjustable rear spoiler and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. Even without the Z07 kit the Z06 is one intimidating Corvette as well, all in your face aggression and US bravado. In the confines of a Hampshire Bentley dealer, it looks like when Dwayne Johnson wears a suit - it just squeezes in, and looks smart enough, but you can tell it's not especially comfortable. And everyone else around is still scared.

For full driving god points, this Corvette also comes with a manual gearbox. Reckon more than 600hp needs an automatic? Chevrolet doesn't! And what else can you buy with a manual gearbox and more than 600hp? Not a lot, actually. A 911 GT2 RS, a Carrera GT, a few mental Mustangs a Noble M600. All incredible cars, but all are going to be more expensive than the Corvette.

Seven on the floor!

Even though this Z06 is listed as POA, a little delving on the automotive treasure trove that is mobile.de reveals similar cars in Germany at around 140,000 euros. At the current rate, that's a little under £120,000. A lot of money for the Corvette, but arguably not that much for the performance. What a dilemma...

The same hurdles all American cars face will be present here - left-hand drive, potential issues with maintenance, explaining what it is - but it's also a rare opportunity to buy what sounds like one of the most thrilling sports cars around today. If you think too many fast cars do too much for the driver, this could be the answer. Just get that numberplate changed pronto.

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CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06
Engine: 6,162cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: 7-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 650@6,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 650@3,600rpm
MPG: 15/22 (EPA estimated city/highway)
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 255
Price new: $78,995 (US)
Price now: £POA

See the original advert here

[jayemm89]

I visited Ian Allen Motors some time ago when looking at a C7. They'd just got their Z06 demonstrator in. The salesperson described it as "undriveable" on the standard tyres.

What it's like on more UK-friendly rubber, I have no idea. The regular car can be quite interesting!

[jayemm89]

The price quoted by PH may be a little misleading, there are a few trim levels and things which mean it is possible to option a Vette way beyond it's "base" price.

The Euro-spec cars (if this is one) tend to have the highest spec as standard. The pricing isn't always as unfair as it may seem.