When it comes to Corvettes, there’s no topping the amazing ZR1. Packing a supercharged V8 that develops a pavement-pounding 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, numerous carbon-fiber body components and a top speed of 205 mph, the ZR1 is the fastest, most expensive Corvette available. But there’s a new version of the ‘Vette coming this summer that just might go faster—at least in terms of sales—than the current King of the Corvettes: the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
According to Tadge Juechter, the Corvette’s chief engineer, “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.”
And that’s pretty much the story here: The Carbon maintains the “regular” Z06′s big 7-liter V8, capable of making a none-too-shabby 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, but adds many of the ZR1′s other enhancements. These include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, a ZR1-style spoiler, and carbon-fiber hood, rockers and splitter. It even comes with its own easy-to-apply “Euro-styled racing numbers.”
As befitting its limited-edition status, customers also get a limited choice of exterior colors for the Z06 Carbon: Either Inferno Orange or the new Supersonic Blue. The sharp Chevy gets a premium interior, too, with plenty of leather and suede, along with a model-specific steering-wheel emblem, door-sill plates and headrests. Tysons Corner Chevorlet dealerships believe that this is one ‘Vette that shouldn’t be missed by Corvette enthusiasts.
The Z06 is designed to recognize the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first foray into the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where the Team Corvette has won six class victories in the past decade.
Coincidentally, with just 500 Z06 Carbons being built, 24 hours also might be how long it takes for the car to sell out.
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