Unveiling the Track-Ready Powerhouse: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
With the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the iconic American carmaker marks a new milestone in their history. As the most track-focused Corvette to date, the Z06 amplifies its performance heritage by integrating an innovative array of technical advancements, including aerodynamic enhancement, an all-new supercharged engine, and a high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission. This remarkable vehicle builds upon the foundation laid by the Corvette Stingray, pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
A First in Corvette History: The Supercharged Z06
The 2015 model becomes the pioneer Corvette Z06 to incorporate a supercharged engine, an automatic transmission, and a removable roof panel, thanks to a fortified aluminum frame. Boasting a powerful, supercharged 6.2L engine, the new Z06 is anticipated to produce no less than 625 horsepower. Paired with a choice of either a seven-speed manual or a high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine ensures an exhilarating drive while maintaining Corvette's characteristic fuel efficiency.
Unleashing the Power: The All-New LT4 6.2L Supercharged V-8 Engine
At the core of the 2015 Corvette Z06 lies the heart-pounding, all-new LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine. This motor is projected to offer a massive 625 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque, promising thrilling performance. Despite its potent power, the LT4 manages to balance performance and efficiency using a triumvirate of advanced technologies initially introduced in the Corvette Stingray, namely Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing.
Setting the Pace: Advanced Transmission Options
The 2015 Corvette Z06 caters to different driving styles with its two transmission options - a seven-speed manual with Active Rev Match, and a state-of-the-art 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. This eight-speed automatic transmission outperforms the competition, boasting shift-response times rivaling dual-clutch transmissions found in many high-end supercars, but with the refinement that comes with a conventional automatic equipped with a torque converter.
Aerodynamics Reimagined: The Z06 Design
Every design element of the Z06 serves a functional purpose, contributing to its overall performance. Its flared fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for improved grip, while the larger vents provide increased cooling air to the engine, brakes, transmission, and differential. Moreover, the aerodynamic package contributes to the downforce, enhancing cornering grip and high-speed stability. The exterior design further incorporates large front fender vents and unique air blades over the rear fender inlets, funneling more air into the cooling ducts for the transmission and differential.
Track-Ready Interior: Focused on the Driver
The interior of the Corvette Z06 is crafted with a driver-focused mindset, characterized by unique color schemes and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The 2015 model offers two seating choices - a GT seat for all-round comfort, and a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering for greater support during track driving. In addition, the Z06 also incorporates interior elements designed for high-performance driving, including a steel-reinforced grab bar on the center console for the passenger, and soft-touch materials on the edge of the console for the driver.
Next-Level Performance Innovations
In continuing the legacy of its predecessors, the 2015 Corvette Z06 takes inspiration from the formidable Corvette Stingray, integrating several of its technologies and combining them with unique elements to match the enhanced performance of this model. Lightweight materials are used strategically throughout the vehicle to improve speed and maneuverability, while advanced driver technologies have been tailored specifically to the Z06's capabilities.
“Our primary aim with the seventh-generation Corvette was to make these high performance levels more accessible to the driver. This means harnessing every ounce of torque, each "g" of grip and each pound of downforce to create a seamless driving experience,” explained Juechter. “This ideology, which was also incorporated in the design of the 460-horsepower Corvette Stingray, takes on greater significance when you consider the Z06’s estimated horsepower of 625."
Setting a new precedent, the Corvette Z06’s aluminum frame will now be manufactured in-house at General Motors’ Bowling Green assembly plant. This robust, lightweight frame, identical to the one used in the Corvette Stingray, will also be employed with no significant changes for the C7.R race cars.
The rigidity of the aluminum frame's design has allowed the Corvette Z06 to feature a removable roof panel for the first time in its history. With the lightweight, carbon fiber roof panel detached, the new Z06's structural rigidity is enhanced by 20 percent compared to its predecessor's fixed-roof design. Even when the roof panel is fitted, the vehicle is still 60 percent stiffer than the previous model.
The new Z06 maintains the SLA-type front and rear suspension design found in the Corvette Stingray, although it is uniquely calibrated to accommodate higher performance limits. The standard third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers can be modified for either touring comfort or peak track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector.
Much like the Stingray, the Z06’s Driver Mode Selector can adjust up to twelve features to align with the driver's environment. This includes:
- Launch control: Accessible in Track mode for both manual and automatic transmissions, allowing for optimal acceleration from a stationary position
- Active handling (StabiliTrak electronic stability control): This "competitive" setting is more adapted to on-track conditions and can be found in Track mode. It can also be disabled, granting the driver full control
- Traction control: In Weather mode, the system fine-tunes traction control and engine torque for driving in adverse weather conditions
- Performance Traction Management: Also found in Track mode, this feature provides five different settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for driving on a racetrack
- Electronic Limited Slip Differential: Modulates the rate of limited slip engagement, striking a balance between steering response and stability under various driving conditions. This feature is more aggressive in Sport and Track modes.
The Z06 is standard-equipped with an intelligent electronic limited-slip differential, or eLSD, to optimize the torque split between the rear wheels. This hydraulic clutch-based system can seamlessly vary clutch engagement and can shift from open to full engagement in mere tenths of a second. It adjusts torque based on a specific algorithm that takes into account vehicle speed, steering input, and throttle position, enhancing steering feel, handling balance, and traction.
The eLSD is fully compatible with the Electronic Stability Control and Performance Traction Management systems. It provides three modes, each with distinct calibrations, selectable via the Drive Mode Selector:
- Mode 1 is the default setting for normal driving, prioritizing vehicle stability
- Mode 2 is enabled when the electronic stability control is turned off in the Sport or Track modes. This setting allows for agile turn-in and improved traction when accelerating out of a corner
- Mode 3 is automatically selected when Performance Traction Management is engaged. This mode functions like Mode 2, but is further optimized to operate in conjunction with Performance Traction Management.
The 2015 Corvette Z06 is slated for release in early 2015. More detailed performance data and pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.
