The M6 transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, Muscaro says, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.
Hill makes a big deal of the fact that the Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof bodystyle. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Other castings, stampings and extrusions are combined into the innovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
A new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components in the regular 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, since magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong.
''The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution,'' Hill explains, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
''This is an instance where the street car uses more advanced material than the racecar,'' says Hill. ''We're constrained by rules to run the steel frame in the racecars, but we stretched to bring even more performance technology to the street for out customers.''
The Z06 retains the 2686-mm wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse leaf spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.
Hill says the firmer suspension works ''harmoniously'' with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear, which is the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette.
The tires use the latest extended-mobility (i.e. run flat) technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride, but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tires eliminate the need for a spare tire and jack or inflator kit as well as their weight, and reduces the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability.
''The Z06 enables the driver to turn excellent track lap times,'' Hill notes, ''but it also is quick to learn and is very forgiving for its performance level. We tested its capability around the world to ensure it will feel at home on any road or race track.''
Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is a four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 355-mm vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 340-mm vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by huge, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Hill explains that individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used.
Hill says the large brakes bring an excellent level of stopping capability with the Z06, and with their four-wheel brake cooling provide excellent fade resistance and lining life during track duties.
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A new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components in the regular 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, since magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong.
''The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution,'' Hill explains, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
''This is an instance where the street car uses more advanced material than the racecar,'' says Hill. ''We're constrained by rules to run the steel frame in the racecars, but we stretched to bring even more performance technology to the street for out customers.''
The Z06 retains the 2686-mm wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse leaf spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.
Hill says the firmer suspension works ''harmoniously'' with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear, which is the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette.
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''The Z06 enables the driver to turn excellent track lap times,'' Hill notes, ''but it also is quick to learn and is very forgiving for its performance level. We tested its capability around the world to ensure it will feel at home on any road or race track.''
Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is a four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 355-mm vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 340-mm vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by huge, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Hill explains that individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used.
Hill says the large brakes bring an excellent level of stopping capability with the Z06, and with their four-wheel brake cooling provide excellent fade resistance and lining life during track duties.