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| Best of Show: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 |
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By Steve Litscher
Editor in Chief
(January 15, 2005) |
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When Chevrolet took the wraps off its all new, 2006 Z06 Corvette, there were more than a few gasps from fellow auto makers. By utilizing what is essentially a no holds-barred approach to redesigning the Z06, Chevrolet has firmly staked its claim in the high performance world of supercars. Forget the notion of cramming a big motor into a tired old chassis - the 2006 Z06 is as serious as a heart attack and boasts a pedigree rich with racing history and experience.
We awarded our highest honor, Best of Show, to the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 because quite simply, it made us weak in the knees. Its sleek, muscular body has just enough edge to help it stand out from its lesser endowed siblings. It features carbon-fiber and composite body and sub-floor pieces, which is amazing considering its bargain price of approximately $65,000 (prices weren't announced, but all best guesses point to the mid-sixties). An all aluminum chassis lays the ground work for a world-class suspension and drivetrain, and features a magnesium (on a production car!) engine cradle.
And speaking of the drivetrain, when was the last time a domestic auto maker was able to generate 500 horsepower from an all aluminum small-block V8? Well, ok... at 7.0-liters, the dry-sump lubricated LS7 may not be your typical small-block, but it's definitely smaller than the Dodge Viper's mammoth 8.0-liter V10. Inside the LS7, titanium connecting rods swing from a forged-steel crankshaft, while titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves control the combustion process as this monster screams its way to a 7,000 rpm redline. Sprints to sixty will happen in less than four seconds. The quarter-mile will flash by in around 11.5 seconds. The speedo will register well over 190 mph, and the pavement will beg for mercy when the six-piston calipers grab hold of 14-inch disc brakes to haul you down to responsible speeds. This is truly the stuff that any self-respecting, car-loving guy dreams of.
No sir, we can't think of a vehicle more worthy of our Best of Show award. We could go on and on for pages about all of the race-inspired technology, but let's just say the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 simply does too many amazing things at a price that's just plain unbelievable. We can't wait to see this puppy on show room floors, and we certainly can't wait to see the look of fear wash over the competition. Kudos, GM. 
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