2001 Corvette Z06

Styling
Thirty-seven years later, the Z06 nameplate returns on a Corvette. Once again, it needs only a rollbar and a five-point harness to go racing. The 2001 Z06 is a step above the standard Corvette in all facets of performance, beginning with option availability. It can only be ordered as a hardtop, and all hardtops are Z06s.

Inside, the Z06 receives either a graphite or 2-tone red/black interior and a specific Z06 instrument cluster.

Although Chevrolet will surely get its share of criticism for this decision, it does make perfect sense. The hardtop has more torsional rigidity than the coupe and is lighter as well. Right from the beginning, Corvette Chief Engineer Dave Hill envisioned the hardtop as the only platform for the new Z06, and he's designed it to be more competitive than Zora could have ever dreamed.


Cosmetically, the Z06 is easily identified from earlier hardtop models by the brake-cooling ducts ahead of the rear wheels, the screened air ducts in the front, wider, five-spoke wheels, red brake calipers and Z06 badges on the fenders. Inside, the Z06 receives either a graphite or 2-tone red/black interior and a specific Z06 instrument cluster. The shifter has been reworked for shorter throws and a more positive feel.

Suspension
Underneath, the Z06's suspension and brake package is the equivalent of an SCCA World Challenge car of just 10 years ago. The FE4 package consists of a thicker rear transverse spring and fatter stabilizers front and rear than the already-impressive Z51 setup. (The bar wall thickness is greater, and the shocks are bigger.) For even greater control, the MagnaSteer steering system is ratcheted up for a slightly tighter lock-to-lock ratio to compensate for the wider front tires' larger turning circle. The Z06 shares the 2001 Corvette's second-generation Active Handling system, which has been significantly improved with new computerized algorithms to eliminate the rear brake proportioning valve. In real-world terms, this mean a less-intrusive sideslip angle rate or more lenience with rear stability and wheelspin. Experiencing drivers will appreciate being able to hang the car out without the computer assuming it's out of control. For the novice, Active Handling will help keep the driver out of trouble. Furthermore, the system has a "competitive mode" that allows the driver to disengage traction control on the fly without losing Active Handling.