2001 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette

Last summer, as I was shamelessly basking in the stupendous good fortune of two Porsches, an Audi TT and a Honda S2000 back to back, a reader asked why I never mentioned the Corvette in the comparative reviews that followed. The best reason is that, well, I simply didn't have one handy. But that doesn't mean I dismissed the Corvette mentally or emotionally as I ranked these imported two-seaters. Indeed, America has plenty to be proud of in this remarkable sports car, ever moreso with this year's introduction of the venerable Z06.
The designation honors Corvette's first chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who created the first Z06 in 1963. Both cars were developed with showroom-to-racetrack capability in mind. I can't vouch for Arkus-Duntov's baby, but this 2001 version Z06 certainly has what it takes to grab the racing enthusiast's attention. Not to mention the Highway Patrol's.

THE GOOD NEWS
As with any racing machine, power and weight are the Z06's hallmarks. It is based on the former hardtop model, Corvette's lightest, stiffest and quickest model. By switching to a titanium exhaust (yes, titanium), lighter wheels/tires and other weight-saving measures (even the windshield is thinner), Chevy pares the Z06 down to an impressive fighting weight and makes it second only to Dodge's Viper in power-to-weight ratio.

Under the hood is a new version of the LS6, another designation nod to early racing-tuned 'Vettes. This one is based on the Corvette's standard 5.7-liter LS1 engine, modified to deliver 385 horses at 6000 rpm and 385 foot pounds of torque at 4800 rpm. Compare that to 350 horses/375 torque for the standard Corvette LS1 with 6-speed manual transmission.

The Z06 is only available with 6-speed manual, one uniquely designed for more aggressive gearing and better torque management to optimize the Z06's increased power. Redline on the Z06 also increases to 6500 rpm from 6000 on the standard Corvette. All this adds up to 0-60 in a paint-peeling 4 seconds flat, the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds, says Chevrolet. Even though independent road tests temper those numbers somewhat, acceleration performance still places the Z06 in the company of the Viper, Porsche 911 and other much more expensive racers for the sake of comparison.

The Z06 is equipped with a second generation Active Handling system, as are all new Corvettes, which offers automatic correction in both oversteer and understeer situations. But Chevrolet wisely avoided neutering the truly active driving experience (the one initiated by humans) by adding a "Competitive Mode" which allows traction control to be shut down. Suddenly, the rear end becomes your partner in the dance.

There are many other characteristics unique to the Z06, from its special FE4 suspension to its functional front grilles and air scoops on the rear rocker panels to its bolstered leather seats, stylish instrument cluster and Z06 badging. For the sake of summation, however, suffice to say this Z06 puts the edge on traditional Corvette performance in every way, giving the hard-driving enthusiast a machine with teeth. BIG teeth. But, most remarkably, this Z06 exhibits little of the brutality you experience in a Viper.

THE BAD NEWS
This racer may not punish like the Viper, but it doesn't exactly coddle its cargo either. The steering may be fluid and the ride reasonable by racing standards, but you can forget the double latte in a to-go-cup, putting on lipstick in the rear-view mirror or even holding long, vigorous notes of your favorite song. Every bump in the road punches right through to the cabin, making great mischief with contents and passengers. I must also say the Z06 is not the prettiest Corvette I've ever seen, the coupe and convertible having much more eye appeal. But pretty is as pretty does.

GAS MILEAGE
EPA rated 19 mpg city/28 highway, actually a full mile-per-gallon improvement over last year's engines.

PRICE
Manufacturer's base, $47,045;
As tested, $47,690

IS IT WORTH IT?
The Z06 doesn't offer many options, since excess weight is prime concern. It's by no means spare, but neither can you load it up. So the base price is pretty close to what you'll pay. Even at $47 large ones, the Corvette Z06 impresses me as a stunning value. I think that's true of all Corvettes, really. They are all well-priced, marvelous machines for those who love to drive.

But there are those who love to drive and those who want to race. The former is not willing to put up with the raw suspension and other discomforts that mark the level of performance the latter craves. For those select few in the second category, the selection is narrow and the price tag well over $50,000 That is, until now.

BAD NEWS
Can't sing in a Corvette. Take traction control off and you can do whatever you want with its rear end. Can't carry your Starbucks Grande Latte. Sloshes everywhere.

Front end drags. Not for those with bad knees. Visibility little scary.

GOOD NEWS
Remarkably roomy trunk