Corvette Model Gallery
2006 Z06
After the successful debut of both body styles, coupe and
convertible, of the C6 in 2005, GM released the amazing Z06 as a 2006 model
year. This car was developed alongside the C6-R race car. The new Z06
specific LS-7 engine is a 7 liter (427 cu in) evolution of the aluminum
LS-2 family. The connecting rods are titanium. It produces 505 horsepower and
470 lb-ft of torque. In order to keep oil pressure up even on continuous
high-g cornering, the car uses a dry sump oiling system. The car
uses aluminum extensively on the frame/chassis. Magnesium, titanium and carbon
fiber are also used on different parts of the car. The roof is a fixed
magnesium structure. The front fenders, its liners and the floorboards are all
carbon fiber. The result is a curb weight of only 3,147 pounds. Upon
close inspection, the body is quite different than that of the regular C6.
The rear of the car is 3.3 inches wider, to accommodate the massive wheels /
tires: 325/30ZR-19. Front fenders are wider as well. Air ducts behind the
doors direct cooling air to the rear brakes. The nose of the car is 1 inch
longer and it incorporates an air induction scoop. The front splitter is
bigger and the center mounted third brake lamp incorporates a bigger spoiler.
Numbers are impressive: 0-60 3.6 seconds, 1/4 mile: 11.7 s @ 125 mph, 1g
cornering, 60-0 braking in 113 feet, AND 28 mpg EPA hwy economy.
But this car is more than just numbers. I could
not come up with an appropriate description, so I'll quote some magazine
articles on the car: Corvette Quarterly: "By a
wholesome measure it is the most wicked Corvette in history and destined to
redefine the sports car performance-for-money equation worldwide."
Magazine Corvette: "For 2006, Chevrolet offers a GT
that combines the C6's everyday civility with output approaching an ALMS
competition car's." Car and Driver: "Supercar
performance at a reasonable price, everyday practicality. If the rest of
the GM line were as good as this, the company's troubles would be over"
Road and track: "The Z06 felt remarkably
stable at a buck-ninety"
In 2007, GM released the Ron Fellows commemorative special edition of the Z06. A beautiful white scheme with special accents and Ron Fellows himself signed all of the cars.
The model
Jay L. Kovar built this Ron Fellows Z06 and these are his comment on it: "I used the Revell kit and decals from the 2007 IPMS Nationals show in California. I scratch built to rear spoiler, oil sump, dip stick, and opened up the center console door to reveal Ron Fellows autograph #001! (I felt I had to since the decal sheet included it). The kit went together better that the Revell C5 kit. I'm glad I did the full kit and not the promo type Z06."
If you would like to contact Jay on this model his e-mail address is: Jlkovar@aol.com
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Page updated 12/18/07