2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The LS6's aluminum block provides better management of crankcase pressures and improved oiling during high-speed operation. Its cam profile is more aggressive and its 10.5:1 high-compression cylinder heads have improved porting, stronger valve springs and larger fuel injectors. A low-restriction titanium exhaust system—the first-ever in a mass-produced automobile—is 50-percent lighter than the stainless steel system it replaces. It delivers power through an exclusive 6-speed manual transmission with more aggressive gearing that increases torque multiplication in almost every gear for quicker acceleration.

The leather-trimmed seats have additional side support for high-G maneuvers and embroidered Z06 logos in the headrests.

The Z06's FE4 suspension has a larger front stabilizer bar, a stiffer rear leaf spring and revised camber settings for maximum control during high-speed operation. Unique aluminum wheels are an inch wider front and rear than those on standard Vettes. New wider and stickier, yet lighter weight, Goodyear Eagle F1 SC (for Supercar) tires created specifically for the Z06 (P265/40ZR17 front, P295/35ZR18 rear) have asymmetrical treads for optimum grip on wet and dry surfaces, a more compliant sidewall and better wear characteristics for on-track durability.


Besides the titanium exhaust system and lighter wheels and tires, the Z06 has a lighter, more compact battery and thinner windshield and rear window glass to keep its weight down. The front air inlets have wire mesh grilles, rear rocker scoops help rear brake cooling, and both the brake calipers and the LS6 engine cover are red to differentiate the Z06 from standard Corvettes.


Inside, the Z06 instrument cluster has special stylized graphics, and the tachometer shows a 6,500-rpm redline—not bad for a pushrod engine. The leather-trimmed seats have additional side support for high-G maneuvers and embroidered Z06 logos in the headrests.


Driving our bright yellow test Z06 from Lansing, MI to Toronto, Canada to interview Corvette racer Ron Fellows, we couldn't get enough of its rocket-ship performance and truly incredible handling. Lead driver for GM's highly successful C5-R racing team, Fellows has scored back-to-back class wins (2001 and 2002) in the grueling 24-Hours of Le Mans, overall victory in the 2001 Daytona 24-Hour and 12 wins in 18 starts in the 2001 and '02 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). "Corvettes are terrific cars, especially for the money," he said, "and the Z06 is fantastic!"