First Test: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

For years, the Z06 was the baddest factory-built Corvette that General Motors had to offer. That is, of course, until the introduction of the almighty ZR1.

It's 2010 and GM is going with a less is more mentality for its all-new Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Corvette. You get the look, feel, sound, and most of the capabilities of the ZR1 without the six-figure price tag.

The carmaker starts out with a 505-horsepower 7.0-liter V-8 from the Z06 and adds the wheels, tires, and brakes from the ZR1. The Carbon's body kit includes black headlamp surrounds and black mirrors along with a ZR1-style body-color spoiler, a carbon-fiber raised hood, black carbon-fiber rockers, and a front splitter with a carbon-fiber roof available as well.

Despite its 133 horsepower disadvantage when compared to the ZR1, the Z06 Carbon's performance isn't far off that of its big brother, ripping to 60 in 3.7 seconds and burning the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 123.6 mph, compared with the ZR1's 3.3 seconds to 60 and 11.2 seconds at 130.5 mph in the quarter mile.

The Carbon also stops and corners just like its big brother, coming to a halt from 60 mph in 93 feet (97 in the ZR1) and lapping the Motor Trend figure eight in just 23.3 seconds with 1.07 lateral g (23.1 seconds and 1.10 lateral g in the ZR1).

There is no real weight loss in the Carbon compared with other Z06s, but the weight is distributed better, giving you more confidence to push it harder. But again, like the ZR1, when she goes, she goes quick, and your hands better be as quick dialing in that opposite lock to keep things pointed in the right direction.

Even with all this good, there's still some bad; you know where I'm going: the interior. We can accept the material quality, even the unmistakable aroma, but we can't accept the seats. With a car that can pull over 1 g laterally, we need a seat that holds us in place, and these don't. That said, the Z06 Carbon is another GM product added to our wish list.


2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon
Price as tested N/A
Vehicle layout Front engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
Engine 7.0L/505-hp/470-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmission 6-speed manual
Curb weight (dist f/r) 3207 lb (50/50%)
0-60 mph 3.7 sec
Quarter mile 11.6 sec @ 123.6 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 93 ft
Lateral accel 1.07 g (avg)
MT figure eight 23.3 sec @ 0.90 g (avg)

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