Speak about large sport looking. The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has its sights firmly set on the Porsche 911 GT3 and targets don’t come any extra formidable than that. Fortunately, for our first style on Australian soil, GMSV laid on Sandown Raceway to actually put it to the take a look at.
Simply as a GT3 differs radically from a Carrera, so too is the Z06 a really totally different proposition to a Stingray. The fundamentals are acquainted – mid-mounted V8 engine, eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, rear-wheel drive – however the nearer you look the broader the gulf turns into.
Let’s begin with the engine. Out goes the 6.2-litre LT2 V8 discovered within the Stingray and E-Ray, changed by a motorsport-derived 5.5-litre V8. The flat-plane crankshaft, along with dry-sump lubrication, cast pistons and titanium con-rods, raise the rev ceiling to 8600rpm.
It additionally takes outputs to 475kW/595Nm, however regardless of this grunt being despatched to solely the rear wheels, the claimed 0-100km/h time is simply 3.0-seconds. However the engine is simply the tip of the iceberg.
The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox stays, however a shorter 5.56:1 last drive improves acceleration. A 94mm wider rear finish permits huge 345/25 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres to be fitted to the 21-inch rims, whereas on the entrance 20 x 10s put on 275/30s.
Behind the edges are bigger brakes, 370mm discs with six-piston callipers on the entrance and 380mm discs with four-piston rears, Magnetic Journey Management adaptive dampers are customary, there’s extra cooling and the aero addenda supplies 166kg of downforce at 300km/h.
However this isn’t the actual Z06. To essentially fulfil its potential it is advisable dig a lot deeper into your pockets, effectively past the preliminary $336,000 (plus on-roads) buy worth. The Z07 Efficiency Bundle prices a unprecedented $50,000 extra, however provides loads.
This consists of big carbon-ceramic rotors (398mm entrance; 391mm rear), tremendous sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, a novel calibration for the Magnetic Journey Management and greater wings that greater than double the downforce to 333kg at 300km/h.
One other $23,000 consists of Geelong-built carbon fibre wheels that save 18.6kg of un-sprung mass. Fortunately, our take a look at automobile has the works – sure, that’s a complete of $409,000 (+ORCs) – so we’ll be experiencing the Z06 in its final type.
A lot of the inside is identical because the Stingray. Some huggier seats and extra carbon fibre however loads of leather-based, the unusual quartic steering wheel, the large strip of buttons that separates driver from passenger and takes a little bit of follow to navigate are all right here.
It’s questionable whether or not it’s a $400K inside, however that is all the time the problem with hero variants of cheaper – relative time period – vehicles. Externally it’s a distinct matter.
With the considerably fatter rear finish, shiny carbon fibre wings and wheels, it appears each inch a supercar, although a brighter color than the white or gray on the launch – the palette consists of purple, blue, purple, yellow and extra for those who so want – will surely assist.
I nestle into the Z06 driving seat having simply pushed the brand new Corvette E-Ray, which is able to present an fascinating level of reference being very comparable in outright efficiency, if fairly totally different in focus.
One of many variations turns into obvious the second you hit the starter button, the following exhaust notice extra Maranello than Detroit. Choose Monitor mode, click on D for Drive and M for guide and head out of Sandown’s pitlane – it’s time.
The drier, busier notice rises in depth, however there’s nonetheless a musicality to it that’s generally missing in flat-plane engines. The variations preserve coming thick and quick. The Z06 doesn’t really feel as instantly pressing because the hybrid-assisted E-Ray, nevertheless it’s not far off.
The 150kg weight benefit and shorter last drive compensate barely. On the E-Ray’s shift level the Z06’s LT6 nonetheless has round 2000rpm to go and it screams by means of the early gears on the way in which down to show one.
With huge Cup 2 R tyres – road-legal rubber doesn’t get any extra severe – hitting the apex is a breeze and traction isn’t any concern. That mentioned, mash the throttle greedily like within the all-wheel drive E-Ray and the Z06 traction management does step in.
Apply some development and the electronics will go away you alone. The brakes are excellent. If you happen to used them to their full impact on the – understandably conservative – braking markers GMSV has put out, you’ll come to a standstill earlier than the nook.
A full ABS cease from 200km/h has the Z06 shedding pace prefer it’s dropped an anchor into the tarmac. It’s totally different in character to the E-Ray, feeling skittish and virtually hyperactive, providing you with suggestions concerning the many lumps and bumps in Sandown’s floor.
That’s not as a result of it’s too stiff, because it fortunately runs over the kerbs with out drama. There’s little else to say, actually, besides that the allotted laps went far too rapidly and solely actually allowed us to scratch the floor of this superior machine.
It sounds sensible, is extremely quick, and the dealing with is safe but involving. It genuinely appears completely satisfied to flow into till both the driving force or the gas is exhausted. Is it higher than a Porsche 911 GT3?
That’s a name that’s too large to make with out driving them back-to-back on the identical highway (or observe), however the truth that the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is even within the dialog reveals how spectacular it’s.
The way it stacks up on the highway stays to be seen, particularly on the Cup R tyres. It is likely to be greatest left within the storage on a chilly or moist day, however one factor’s for certain, we will’t wait to search out out.
You could find out extra by visiting the GMSV web site, or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low fee finance quote in your subsequent automobile buy, discuss to Australia’s greatest reviewed automobile finance dealer; Credit score One.
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Our take a look at automobile was supplied by GM Australia for unbiased assessment functions.
