Corvette zo6

The Corvette ZO6 is one of the most popular cars in the C5 series. The C5 series began production in 1997. The C5 saw a drastic change from the previous models of the Corvette. For the first time, the car had a hydro-formed box frame. Transmission was moved to the rear. The C4 had faced some stiff criticism for its squeaky frame. In making the car one of the easiest to handle, Chevrolet had to make some compromise in riding comfort. A superbly strong frame and a smooth ride were the sterling features of the C5.

The Corvette zo6 was the successor of the ZR-1. The main thrust of the zo6 was its agility and its lightweight frame that made driving particularly fast and pleasurable. The heavy double overhead engine was now replaced with a high performance version of the Corvette V8. Though the engine produced only 385 hp, its performance in terms of speed was greatly increased because of the much lighter frame and body. Side mounted brakes further added to the riding pleasure.

Various design features were introduced in the zo6 to make it a huge success. Again, the emphasis was on increasing driving comfort, not by putting in too many new options, but by replacing the existing heavy materials with lightweight, durable materials. The ZO6 was about 50 kilos lighter than the standard C5 models. Titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheels and a lighter battery made this huge model of a car a resounding success. Stiffer hard top design and a stiffer suspension gave the car more balance, both visually as well as mechanically. Larger wheels added to the driving comfort of the Corvette zo6. Functional brake cooling ducts were put in to increase performance of the car and the six-speed manual transmission system worked wonders.

In 2002, the ZO6 Corvette produced 405 hp. And some car enthusiasts have been able to push their new lightweight car to the extreme limits of speed and durability. The 2006 edition of the zo6 came with a hood that was made of carbon fiber. This further reduced the weight of this stunning vehicle by another quarter. Handling was remarkably improved in this model because of its shock damping tuning.

The latest Corvette ZO6 came in the last part of 2005 and is officially the 2006 model of the car. A Small-Block engine codenamed LS7 has been put into this car. Official records peg the output of the car at an electric 505-hp. Official records state that the 2006 Corvette ZO6 is similar to the Ford GT and the Dodge Viper SRT-10 in performance.

The car has the capacity to reach 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. The ZO6 also has something that is traditionally found only in racing cars - a dry sump oiling system. Titanium connecting rods serve to decrease the weight of the car while increasing the strength of the frame. Yet another first about the 2006 Corvette ZO6 is that this is the first Corvette that has aluminum as the primary structural element, instead of steel. So, though the car looks structurally similar to its predecessors, it is now much lighter. Front fenders made of carbon fibers help in making the vehicle sleek as well as light. The increased power of the engine needs wider tires and this is provided for by the wider rear fenders.

The Corvette ZO6 is in a class of its own. It produces more power and also revs faster than any other of its predecessors. The C6 Corvette zo6 also has the distinction of being the first 500+ hp car that does not qualify for the gas-guzzler tax imposed by the US Government. The Corvette ZO6, while in keeping with true blue Chevrolet Corvette traditions, has managed to strike out a niche for itself, by being the only car with its capabilities that costs below US$85,000.