“Unlike the last-generation Z06, this new model feels far more refined and manageable. Sure, it's remarkably powerful, but the throttle is easy to modulate, even if it is a little slow to respond to light inputs.” – Motor1
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, lies the furious heart of this car which is a 6.2L V8 that churns out a massive 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque which enough to smoke any last decade supercar out there. The burbling engine under the hood produces a sonorous and rich sound while under city speed limits. When taken to the track, it unleashes the beast hidden and thus produces the powerful ear-numbing roar that lets you get your adrenaline fix every time you pin the throttle.
The behemoth engine can be paired with an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifts, though real petrolheads would opt for the 7-speed manual that comes with active rev-matching to make each of your shifts smooth without dropping revs. It lets you truly appreciate the V8 for all its glory, giving the most intense experience you can ever expect out of an American supercar.
Models
|
Corvette Z06 3LZ convertible
|
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
|
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
|
Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible |
MSRP
|
$95,440
|
$113,550
|
$125,850
|
$117,400 |
Engine
|
LT4 supercharged V8
|
4.7L Biturbo V8
|
5.0L Supercharged V8
|
3.0L Twin-turbo H-6 |
Transmission
|
7-speed Manual with Active Rev Matching
|
9-speed SpeedShift Automatic
|
8-speed ZF Automatic
|
7-Speed PDK Automatic |
Horsepower
|
650
|
449
|
575
|
420 |
Torque (lb-ft)
|
650
|
516
|
516
|
368 |
When compared to its competitors, the Vette takes the pole position as it has the highest number of horses present under the hood. Other sports roadsters simply fall short of power relative to the Corvette, with the Jaguar SVR Convertible coming the closest with 575 hp. However, there are cars that make use of their power more efficiently. The Porsche 911 aces the segment in this aspect. Its slick PDK transmission allows its subtle power output to give tremendous performance figures.
Acceleration
As soon as the rider puts the pedal to the metal, the monstrous V8 starts rumbling and the horses under the hood give out an amazing amount of thrust. The gas pedal is highly responsive and well-tuned so even a little push to it is enough to make the engine unleash its true power. Unless you are using performance tires, expect a lot of wheelspin when launching the car at full throttle.
Models
|
Corvette Z06 3LZ convertible
|
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
|
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
|
Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible |
0-60 MPH (sec)
|
2.95
|
4.3
|
3.5
|
3.2 |
Quarter mile (sec)
|
10.9
|
12.9
|
11.8
|
11.6 |
Engine
|
LT4 supercharged V8
|
4.7L Biturbo V8
|
5.0L Supercharged V8
|
3.0L Twin-turbo H-6 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
|
13.11
|
7.48
|
11.36
|
6.94 |
The Corvette can leave its more expensive sports roadsters in the rearview mirror if any drag race is supposed to take place. What might surprise you is that the Porsche, which is the least powered of the bunch, comes closest to the Z06 with a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds. It is possible due to its slick PDK transmission, lightweight chassis, and a rear-engine configuration that minimizes power losses through the driveshaft.
Braking
The massive brakes on the C7 Corvette Z06 help it quickly decelerate without any loss in control. The brake pedal is responsive and feels easy to modulate. The Z07 package upgrades the discs to carbon-ceramic, making the Z06 Convertible stop from 60 mph within 100 feet. With such impressive braking performance, you always feel like you have a leash on this powerful beast.
Models
|
Corvette Z06 3LZ convertible
|
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
|
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
|
Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible |
Front Brake (in)
|
14.6
|
14.2
|
15.0
|
13.8 |
Rear Brake (in)
|
14.4
|
12.6
|
14.8
|
13.0 |
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3582
|
3959
|
3792
|
3329 |
60-0 MPH (ft)
|
99.6
|
115
|
108
|
93 |
Ride and Handling
Once behind the wheel, the ride feels thrilling yet under control. The electronically-assisted steering gets heavier, depending on the driving mode, and offers precise feedback to the driver. Despite being RWD, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has more than 1g of lateral grip around corners, providing no measure of the tail waggling out of control. The electronically adjustable differential offers the optimum handling capabilities to let even amateur drivers have some fun at the track.
The adjustable suspension of the Z06 can offer a relaxing drive on regular tarmac, absorbing most of the slight bumps on the road. Once on the track, it can be stiffened up to keep consistency in the traction. The adjustable bolsters can fit a driver of any size, so you can keep glued to your seat as the Z06 goes around a chicane. There is plenty of road noise at city speeds which can easily be minimized by the active noise cancellation of the Bose premium audio system.