2011 Corvette Z06 Review.
Included in the list are highly acclaimed and all-new Goodyear F1 Supercar Generation 2 tires, several optional carbon fiber replacement parts from the ZR1 in addition to other suspension and braking components from the range-topping ZR1 Corvette.
The C5/C6 Corvette birthday bash was recently held at the Corvette Museum, and Motor Authority noticed one of the attendees, Corvette Blogger, managed to capture some video of the presentation and details on the upcoming changes for the 2011 Corvette Z06.
The change was meant to make the sound more aggressive, keeping in line with changes to other Corvette models. Leftlane had also previously confirmed the addition of available carbon fiber bits from the ZR1 Corvette for the 2011 Z06 by way of the CFZ Carbon Fiber package, but Chevrolet has given more details about the pieces themselves.
(We preferred the departed Z51 Vette’s poise and livability to the Z06’s hairiness.) Enter the Z06 Carbon. Positioned to bridge the gap between the Z06 and ZR1, this special-edition Z06 adds the ZR1’s 15-inch carbon-ceramic brakes, driver-adjustable magnetorheological shocks, black 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and Michelin Pilot PS2 rubber. A carbon-patterned engine cover also is included, as are black headlight surrounds, door mirrors, carbon-fiber ZR1 rocker extensions, a carbon-fiber ZR1 front splitter, and numbered door decals for when you take your Carbon to the track. A raised carbon-fiber hood like the ZR1’s (but without the plastic window to the engine bay), a carbon roof panel, and a body-color, full-width rear spoiler round out the exterior mods. For 2011, GM is offering the ZR1-inspired tweaks to normal Z06 buyers through two new option packages: the Z07 group of mechanical upgrades includes the Carbon’s shocks, brakes, and various cooling improvements, as well as Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels. The CFZ carbon-fiber package features the rockers, splitter, roof panel, and full-width rear spoiler.
For 2011 the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is now available with a new Ultimate Performance option package ("Z07"), which incorporates the Corvette ZR1's adaptive suspension and wheel-and-tire fitment. Other notable changes this year include upgraded tires for the Z06; option package for the Corvette Grand Sport that combines Z06 tires with ZR1's Magnetic Ride Control suspension; and the addition of a USB port and auxiliary audio jack for the navigation system. Finally, the Corvette Engine Build Experience option allows a Z06 or ZR1 buyer to help assemble the car's engine at the GM facility in Wixom, Michigan.
The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is pretty much the automotive equivalent of a summer action movie. On the cheaper end, Ford's 2011 Shelby GT500 is a very worthy competitor to a base Corvette. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe with a removable roof panel, a fixed-roof coupe or a convertible. Trim levels include the base Corvette, Grand Sport (GS), Z06 and ZR1. Standard on the base (1LT) coupe and convertible are 18-inch front cast-aluminum wheels and 19-inch rears, xenon headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, OnStar, leather seating, a six-way power driver seat, a manual tilt steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. The top-of-the line ZR1 boasts a supercharged V8, even larger wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), special tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive dampers and additional lightweight body panels that include a carbon-fiber roof panel and a carbon-fiber hood with a clear polycarbonate window that reveals the engine's intercooler.
New this year is the Ultimate Performance package for the Z06 that adds the ZR1's adaptive dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, wheels and tires. Further ZR1 imitation comes from the Z06's Carbon Fiber package, which adds most of the ZR1's lightweight panels.
All 2011 Chevrolet Corvettes have a six-speed manual gearbox with launch control as standard, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is a no-cost option for the base and GS models.
Regardless of which Corvette you choose, you'll get stunning performance. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a manual-transmission Corvette. The ZR1 gets the even more sophisticated Performance Traction Management system.
