2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 First Drive

The engine's equipment specs certainly read like a race car's. Unique cylinder block with wide bore spacing, titanium connecting rods

The new Chevy 427 (7.0-litre) V8 makes 505-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

and valves, forged steel crankshaft, ported aluminum cylinder heads, high-lift camshaft, 11.0:1 compression, dry-sump oiling system - there is nothing missing here. Output is 505 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
   
Thanks to this power and its 1,420-kg curbweight, the Z06 will do 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds - in first gear, 12-second quarter miles, and almost 200 mph - all while being easily drivable around town at low rpms. The wonders of modern electronics....
   
Putting that kind of power to the street requires a hefty drivetrain. The six-speed

The Z06 rides on all-new wheels, tires, brakes. The rolling stock comprises 18 x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7's increased torque load. It includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.
   
The Z06 rides on all-new wheels, tires, brakes. The rolling stock comprises 18 x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear - the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette.