Before gushing about the Corvette's acceleration ability, which is usually foremost on everyone's mind, I'm going to cover
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| A substantial degree of finesse was needed to dance with the Corvette without appearing like a clumsy partner with oversized feet. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
other aspects of the C6, beginning with its manual stick, and hold the best for last. My Z51 test rocket came equipped with a short throw, six-speed Tremec gearbox that mixed the cogs very smartly. The notchy feel and certainty of the short stick's actuation left little doubt about whether a cog was fully inserted or not, and just which of the six it was to be. The clutch on the other hand, or should I say foot, was on the grabby side and less agreeable to ease of operation. This may be more related to the ongoing abuse that journalists subject their test subjects to than either engineering or parts selection. Whichever, a substantial degree of finesse was needed to dance with the Corvette without appearing like a clumsy partner with oversized feet.
Countering the forward mobility of the Z51 C6 is a huge set of antilock disc brakes, with cross-drilled 340-mm (13.4 in) rotors up front and 330-mm (13.0 in) plates out back. Controlling its massive, fade-free braking ability is a pedal that communicates effectively and predictably with the driver. I was impressed with
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| I was impressed with how rapidly the Corvette could dissipate speed without triggering an intervention by its antilock system. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
how rapidly the Corvette could dissipate speed without triggering an intervention by its antilock system. However, when forced to prevent wheel lockup, the system actuates more rapidly and with less intrusion than typical antilock technologies. In addition to being very brief, full-blown emergency stops were straight and easily controlled, with nosedive not being a factor. Much of the C6's ability to reposition hairpieces can be attributed to the grippier tires that accompany the Z51 package. Unfortunately, these wide, low profile run-flat boots tend to tram when the road becomes rutted, occasionally making it a chore to keep the Vette's nose riding dead centre in its lane.
