CD Article: 2006 Corvette Coupe Z51 and Z06

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
First Drive:

The "best 'Vette yet", the 2006 Corvette Coupe Z51 is a true grand tourer, says Michael La Fave. "With the optional Z51 suspension system, a roomy comfortable interior, a huge trunk, comfortable ride quality and rafts of luxury and convenience features, the 2006 Corvette Coupe Z51 "is a great GT similar to an Aston DB9 or BMW 645Ci," he says.  Michael's second choice?  The 7.0-litre, 505-hp Z06.     More...

[mdxtasy]

The Z51 for $80K and the Z06 for $90K?  What would be your choice?  I'd be all over the Z06.  The extra $10K is a deal in my opinion.  What an amazing vehicle with great performance.   

[wing]

Z06 no question

[mdxtasy]

From the article:
"The only thing that makes the Z06 my second choice as the best Corvette yet is that the extra performance it offers is impossible to use in any prudent or responsible way on public roads. That combined with its lack of a removable roof panel and its $90,000 base price mean that, for me at least, the Z51 coupe is the best 'Vette yet."

The extra performance is impossible to use on public roads?  Come on, a Honda Insight can break the speed limit.  Hell, the Z51 performance is also impossible to use in any prudent or responsible way on public roads.  That's just nonsense in my opinion.   

[Snowman]

The ZO6 is the logical choice but I know people who have gone the Lingenfelter route with success by spending less than $10k to achieve +500HP.

[wing]

Yes Z06 then add Supercharger == HANG ON!

P.S.  Wow I used double equals, how geeky is that? 

[mdxtasy]

What's a total cost of a suspension/engine/brake work required to have it keep up with a factory Z06?

[mdxtasy]

Yes Z06 then add Supercharger == HANG ON!

P.S.  Wow I used double equals, how geeky is that? 

Somebody needs help.   

[Bullet Blue]

The real question is:

Would you rather have the 400 hp Z51, the 505 hp ZO6 or a possible 600 hp Corvette SS??


 


600 Horses: Chevy Working on '08 Corvette SS?
Date posted: 12-06-2005

DETROIT — Corvette rumors are as rampant these days as tabloid stories about Nick and Jessica. But aficionados' antennae are picking up emanations from deep inside General Motors that Chevrolet is readying an ultra Vette for 2008 that should outgun the new Z06.

According to the Web site, DigitalCorvettes.com, the so-called Corvette SS will be the ultimate Vette, although details at this stage are pretty slim. The rumor mill has a "charged" LS9 engine under the hood as a Corvette exclusive, not to be shared with Cadillac, Pontiac or any other GM brand. Although smaller in displacement than the massive 7.0-liter LS7, the blown LS9 allegedly will churn out more than 600 horsepower — considerably more muscle than the 500-hp Z06.
One insider claims the new Super Vette is not the long-rumored "Blue Devil" car and, in fact, insists that no running prototypes exist yet.

Stay tuned…

From edmunds

[The Fuzz]

Both are great cars. I'd be happy to have either one! The pics are nice too, one is now my desktop.

[safristi]

Whine WINE  whine  the WINE coloured one fer me..I buy the logic in the article..save the $10 K fer trips ta the southern deserts....and save UP fer the 600HP..........(rollin DICE @ the Bellagio...c'mon #600HP...)... TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM..........

[johngenx]

I am willing to bet the tuners are already working on a Z-06 package that will break the 600hp barrier.

I can see some of the logic in chosing the Z51 "normal" Vette, but when shopping for cars that make 400 or 500hp, where does "logical" EVER get into the equation?

What would be the "prudent" reason to buy the Z-06?  I am willing to bet that the $10K premium would be regained and more on resale.  Z-06's hold their value much better than their normal brothers.

[Snowman]

I am willing to bet the tuners are already working on a Z-06 package that will break the 600hp barrier.

I can see some of the logic in chosing the Z51 "normal" Vette, but when shopping for cars that make 400 or 500hp, where does "logical" EVER get into the equation?

What would be the "prudent" reason to buy the Z-06?  I am willing to bet that the $10K premium would be regained and more on resale.  Z-06's hold their value much better than their normal brothers.

Agreed, If ones disposable income is sufficient for $80k the extra $10k is not that much of a jump…..relatively speaking.

[mdxtasy]

I am willing to bet the tuners are already working on a Z-06 package that will break the 600hp barrier.

I can see some of the logic in chosing the Z51 "normal" Vette, but when shopping for cars that make 400 or 500hp, where does "logical" EVER get into the equation?

What would be the "prudent" reason to buy the Z-06?  I am willing to bet that the $10K premium would be regained and more on resale.  Z-06's hold their value much better than their normal brothers.

That's the biggest plus, the exclusivity of the Z06....makes things more collectable and desirable to the used car market.  Plus it goes like stink too.

[random006]

Exactly so.  Logical, prudent and especially practical have no place in this discussion.  If the car makes you smile and you can afford it, that's all that matters when dealing with this calibre of vehicle. 

[safristi]

OK OK QUIT SHOUTING here's my $10K in TWENTIES...I earned it the HARD WAY.....

[Arthur Dent]

yeah the Z06 is a great deal.

Do all the slushbox equipped Vettes come with the flappy padels for shifting? If so then that is a good thing since 95% of them seem to be equipped with the autobox. I've thought of buying a C4 before but almost all are automatic and the few manuals are much more expensive. A manumatic would make a it bearable comprimise for a year or two of ownership. See you in 15 years or so!

[Snowman]

Vettes have slushboxes?….I have never seen one.

[wing]

Are you serious Snowman?

When I peaked in the Vettes at the local car show this summer, a line up of about 20 of them I would say 2 where manual!

[Snowman]

Every Corvette I have driven or been in has had an MT, why would anybody get a homomatice Vette? Does the S2000 come with a slushbox? I guess I hang around with the cool kids.