Among other modifications that cannot be seen from the exterior, let's mention a better clutch to withstand the torque of the new engine. Suspension was slightly retouched with new cast aluminum front stabilizer links weighing 0.2 kg less and cast-spun aluminum wheels (versus the older forged aluminum wheels) that shave another 0.6 kg off the total weight. Inside, the Z06 remains almost the same except for a new head-up display (HUD) that shows the speed in the windshield.
I tried the car briefly on a short slalom course in California as a passenger to a few very capable drivers and behind the wheel myself. Let's be honest. To really appreciate the new Z06's capabilities, I should have had the "older" one to drive at the same time. But it was not the case. Nonetheless, I can say that the car was fast, very fast! Probably those 20 additional horsepower are not a big thing on paper but in real life, it could very well be what makes the new Z06 come alive, to quote Dave Hill, Corvette's chief engineer.
