BY PETER BARNWELL
The wait is almost over for the first batch of locally fettled Chevy Corvette Z06s that are due later this year.
The model is the first factory-built Corvette with right-hand drive and they are being Australianised by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) that includes alterations to satisfy Australian Design Rules.
In the meantime, ‘numero uno’ has already been processed through the GMSV’s Victoria factory ahead of a series of ‘activations’ planned around the country throughout the year. Translated that means…. showing the car to various interested parties.
The Aussie ‘Vette Z06 arrives almost 70 years to the day since the first model was unveiled in New York on 17 January 1953.
It was a decent thing, but the hard core, track-focused Z06 model coming here is worlds apart even allowing for the decades in between.
The newbie uses a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated, all aluminium, LT6 5.5-litre V8 engine with race-style flat plane crankshaft design and thunderous 8600rpm redline that generates 500kW of power and 623Nm of torque.
It’s sufficient to push the ‘Vette from 0-100km/h in a hyper-car quick 2.6 seconds as, tested by US magazine Road & Track.
The Z06’s reinforced chassis and widened wheel track accommodates improved braking capabilities; the model offers larger 370mm front and 380mm rear rotors when compared with the standard Stingray. The front discs are clamped by six-piston Brembo callipers.
GMSV says the Z06 features the largest wheels ever offered on a production Corvette measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The forged aluminium wheels are finished in a Spider design and are said to provide “surefooted grip to get power to the ground”.
Victorian manufacturer Carbon Revolution produces the Z06’s optional factory-fit carbon-fibre rims, as featured on the show car GMSV has imported along with a raft of cosmetic, comfort and performance upgrades.
Inside, the tech-laden, driver focused cockpit is said to relay all of the vehicle’s necessary driving data quickly and concisely.
“This new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard,” said GMSV director Greg Rowe.
“This includes a steering wheel beautified with carbon-fibre, shift paddles made from carbon-fibre, sueded micro-fibre on the upper interior trim, leather-wrapped interior door panels and instrument panel, as well as GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnish.
“Our new show car also features the Z07 Performance Package, which makes it even more eye-catching and enhances its performance prowess thanks to the addition of larger brakes with carbon-ceramic rotors, carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements, unique suspension tuning, ultra-performance tyres as well as optional carbon fibre wheels.
“The Z06 will be on the road around Melbourne and surrounds over coming weeks and Corvette fans and performance car enthusiasts alike are welcome to stop and grab a photo when they see this amazing new model.”
The Z06 lands in Australia just days after Chevrolet released details of its new electrified Corvette, the E-Ray hybrid that delivers similar performance but potentially uses less fuel.
Promising all-season performance and composure, and a blistering 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.5 seconds, the third, all-wheel drive C8 model combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LT2 small block V8 – developing 370kW at 6450rpm and 637Nm at 5150rpm – to drive rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with electric propulsion adding 119kW and 170Nm to the front wheels.
Total system power is rated at 488kW with battery energy sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion unit. Chevrolet quotes a quarter mile (0-400m) time of 10.5 seconds – a tenth quicker than the Z06.
GMSV has yet to confirm if the Corvette E-Ray will be offered in Australia and New Zealand.
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