The first factory-built right-hand drive Corvette Z06 has gotten ever an inch closer to New Zealand, with our Australian neighbours seeing their first Z06 reach their shores today.
Marketed by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) in Australia, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 made every car enthusiast’s jaw drop when it debuted.
The Z06’s 5.5-litre naturally aspirated LT6 V8 engine is Kentucky’s homage to Maranello. It produces 500kW and 624Nm, redlining at a howling 8600 rpm. Of course, the headline figures were only part of the story. The new LT6 features a flat-plane crank, a dry sump, forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, and sodium filled exhaust valves.
GMSV Director, Greg Rowe said “this new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard”.
“This includes a steering wheel beautified with carbon fibre, shift paddles made from carbon fibre, sueded microfibre on the upper interior trim, leather-wrapped interior door panels and instrument panel, as well as GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon fibre garnish.”
The Z06’s enhanced track performance ability is also matched with greater braking capability, with larger 14.6’’ (370mm) front and 15’’ (380mm) rear Brembo rotors, compared with the Stingray. The Z06 also has six-piston front callipers compared to four-piston callipers on the Stingray. 20’’ forged aluminium ‘Spider’ wheels at the front and 21’’ at the rear, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres provide surefooted grip to get all 670 horses onto the tarmac.
The first Aussie car also features the Z07 Performance Package, which adds larger brakes with carbon ceramic rotors, carbon fibre aero, unique suspension tuning, Michelin Cup 2 tyres and the optional carbon fibre wheels.
There’s still little word on when New Zealand will see its first example, but we speculate it shouldn’t be too far away.
