2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Stage whispers are everywhere about the new ZR1 Corvette. When it arrives later this year, the new King of the Hill will boast a power output of more than 620 horsepower, thanks to a supercharged small block V-8. Until then, those in search of the top fiberglass flier will have to “make do” with the Z06. Make do, indeed. The 2009 Corvette Z06 posts some pretty gaudy numbers in its own right. Power is provided by the LS7 engine. It measures 7.0 liters, which translates into roughly 427 cubic inches of displacement—magical numbers for old school, Chevy buffs. The LS7 generates 505 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm, and 470 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,800 rpm. Those numbers lead to these numbers: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds; a quarter mile time of 11.7 seconds @ 125 mph; top speed 198 mph; max lateral grip 1.04 g; 60 mph to zero braking in 111.3 feet. Of course, cars are about more than just numbers, but those stats sketch a picture of a world-class performer.

Design Elements

And a handsome picture at that. Chevy wrapped the Z06 in a sinewy body with enough styling cues to separate it from the standard Corvettes. The face view shows a functional hood scoop above, a splitter down below, and a wide-mouth, blacked out, egg crate grille. The profile features new Z06 “spider-design” 10-spoke wheels (18-inch front, 19-inch rear), capped by the rounded contour of the fixed roof. Carbon fiber front fenders wear Z06 badging, rear fenders flare noticeably and both ends are fitted with cooling scoops. In back, the posterior pruning that came with the last redesign continues to pay dividends. The trimmed down tail sports double- barreled dual exhaust outlets, and a stubby, deck spoiler.


The 427 is built with plenty of racing bits inside. Hardware highlights include a 10.5 quart dry-sump oiling system (same as ZR1), high-lift cam, aluminum flat-top pistons, high (11.0:1) compression, ported aluminum cylinder heads, titanium connecting rods and intake valves and hydroformed exhaust headers.

Exhaust Notes

Linked to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission, beefed up to handle the added torque output of the LS7. There is no automatic option on the Z06. While the stick-only status may eliminate some sales, it’s entirely fitting in the top Corvette. The shifter has a short throw, and the gearing is well suited to the motor’s massive range. There is a comfortable excess of power available at any time in the first four gears. The top two cogs have more of an overdrive feel. Indeed, at 65 mph the LS7 is only turning about 1,400 rpm in sixth gear. This “sleep” mode allows the Corvette to post better than expected mileage, given its performance potential. EPA says that the Z06 will get 15 mpg in town and 24 on the highway, and we posted 17 over a week’s worth of driving. As impressive as the powertrain’s performance is its easygoing nature. The first time that Corvettes had 427s available (the big blocks of 1966-69), they were also known for tire-shredding torque. But, those engines were happiest wide open. Any ‘round town puttering made them prone to overheating, loading up and being generally disagreeable. Different engines, different times. These days, the beast is much more civilized.


Too civilized, we would argue, in one respect. For 505 horsepower, the exhaust note is audibly too tame. When wound up near the 7,000 rpm redline, the motor is a symphony of machine work. But, that sound is mainly coming from the engine, not the exhaust. A little more snarl and V8 rumble courtesy of the tail pipes would be a welcome addition.