The best Vette for track use yet
Chevrolet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Corvette's first race at Le Mans with the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
500 examples will be built, featuring the carbon fibre body panels, magnetic active ride damping and ceramic carbon brakes from the supercharged ZR1, but you can also buy the key upgrades as new Corvette option packages.
"For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. "For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time."
The limited edition Z06's ZR1-sourced running gear includes Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic callipers. Black 20-spoke 19ins front/20ins rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires, and other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a carbon pattern engine cover.
Carbon Edition on sale this summer
The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colours: Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body colour spoiler, body colour door handles, carbon fibre raised hood, and black carbon fibre sills and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift.
Inside, the Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and headrest logo.
An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a 'regular' Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
The CFZ Z06 carbon fibre package includes black carbon fibre sills, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body colour spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.
The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer, says Chevrolet, when they'll probably tell you how much it's all going to cost.