click above for more high-res photos of the 427 Limited Edition Z06
Beginning this spring, those of you with enough coin in your Corvette-shaped piggy bank can order the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06. The special edition C6 comes with with Crystal Red Tintcoat, new exclusive wheels, a titanium-colored leather interior, 427-embroidered seats and floor mats, and Z06 sill plates. Pedestrians will know how special your car is when they see the "427" badges and graphics adorning the exterior. Inside, Wil Cooksey, the soon-to-retire Bowling Green Corvette plant manager of 15 years, will personally sign each model's armrest.
Chevy will only build 427 of the cars for the North American market and another 78 for everyone else, for a total run of only 505. That is, not coincidentally, the horsepower rating of this American sports car. Buyers will have to come up with $84,195 to park one in their garage -- about a $13,000 premium over the mass-production Z06. Want nav? That'll be another $1,750. Thanks, Keith, for the tip!
[Source: GM via Corvette Blogger]
PRESS RELEASE:
Chevrolet's Special '427 Limited Edition Z06' Salutes Classic 427 Corvettes
DETROIT – Chevrolet announced the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, a limited-production model that pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and '69 – and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06's 7.0L LS7 small-block V-8.
The 427 Limited Edition Z06 features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. It also features graphics on the hood and fascia that evoke the style of the famed "stinger" hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Also unique to this model are "427" hood badges. Each example is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager who is retiring after 15 years on the job, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
"The heritage of the 427 designation with the Corvette is legendary," said Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. "Recognizing the tie-in of the original 427 engine and the LS7's 427-inch displacement has been on the Corvette team's mind since the Z06 was introduced, and we're thrilled to express it in this special model."
Available under order code Z44, this special Z06 enters production this spring. Only 427 will be offered in the United States and Canada, with 78 more exported outside North America. That's a total of 505 production vehicles – the same number of horsepower produced by the LS7 engine.
The special-edition Corvette carries a MSRP of $84,195 and includes the 3LZ premium equipment package with a custom, leather-wrapped interior. A navigation system is the only option ($1,750). As with other Corvette models, customer delivery is available at the Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
A breakdown of the 427 Limited Edition Z06's unique content includes:
* Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior paint with stinger-style graphics and 427 hood badges
* Exclusive, new chrome wheels
* Body-color rear spoiler and door handles
* Exclusive dark titanium custom leather-wrapped interior
* Special Crystal Red interior trim plate graphic pattern
* Console armrest signed and numbered by Wil Cooksey
* "427"-embroidered seats and floor mats
* "Z06" sill plates
The 427 Limited Edition Z06 joins the Indy 500 Pace Car replica – available in coupe and convertible configurations – as the second limited-production Corvette model introduced for 2008, giving enthusiasts and collectors a wealth of choices. In January, Chevrolet also announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1, which enters production later this summer.
"There's never been a better time to be a Corvette enthusiast," said Charles. "The performance and refinement are exemplary and special editions, like the 427 model, enrich the heritage of America's sports car."
Corvette Z06 details
The Corvette Z06 that is the foundation for the 427 Limited Edition offers carefully executed levels of capability and technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market.
The Z06's LS7 7.0L engine reintroduced the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. It uses racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability – it is rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW).* The only transmission offered with the Z06 is a six-speed manual.
In the car's 3,162-pound (1,437 kg) package, the LS7 engine helps deliver 0-60 mph performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany's Autobahn) – the Z06 also circuited Germany's famed N ü rburgring racetrack in a time of 7:43.
The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. Wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
A firm, race-proven suspension works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355 mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A Delphi four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.
History of the Corvette and the 427 engine
The Chevrolet Mark IV V-8 debuted in the Corvette in 1965 and was dubbed the big-block, because it was physically larger in all respects than Chevy's other V-8 engine, which became known as the small-block. In '65, the big-block was offered in a 396-cubic-inch displacement, with a maximum rating of 425 gross horsepower (317 kW). In 1966, the big-block received larger cylinder bores and grew to its legendary 427-cubic-inch form. It came in two power levels: 390 hp (291 kW) and 425 hp.
By 1967, the Corvette's 427 engine was a legend in its own time and was offered with a unique induction system that featured an inline trio of two-barrel carburetors. Known as the "L71" (its order code), it was characterized by a large, chrome triangular air cleaner assembly. It was rated at 435 gross horsepower (324 kW). The '67 big-block Corvettes were easily distinguished from their small-block brethren by a raised "stinger" hood.
A handful of Corvettes with the "L88"-code 427 engine slipped out of the factory in 1967, each rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW), but the L88 would be more closely associated with the redesigned 1968 and '69 models. The L88 breathed through a single four-barrel carburetor rather than the L71's three two-barrels. The triple-carburetor induction system was still available, however, as the Corvette was offered with both the L88 and L71 versions of the 427.
No less than six versions of the engine were offered in 1969, the final year for the 427. They included the L88, the L71 and a very rare ZL1 427 that was built with a lightweight aluminum cylinder block. Only two regular-production Corvettes were built with the ZL1 engine, putting them on the short list of the most collectible Corvettes in history.
The big-block increased in size to 454 cubic inches in 1970, and the original big-block engine family exited the Corvette lineup after the 1974 model year. The 2008 Corvette Z06's LS7 engine offers big-block displacement and horsepower, but in a more efficient small-block architecture.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Richard @ Feb 14th 2008 8:59AM
With the way they are going the Corvette is going to be as thinly spread as the Mustang. There are seemingly endless variations and "special editions" of the Mustang and it appears they are doing the same with this. Sad really.
Andrew @ Feb 14th 2008 10:43AM
My thoughts exactly. This is really tacky, and furthers my reasoning for not taking the Corvette seriously.
Corey W. @ Feb 14th 2008 9:01AM
Nothing on the performance side?!?!? I guess at that price, another 13K for cosmetics is nothing for those that can afford it.
Love the Vette, but this seems geared more towards collectors, I'd rather pick up a used one, then put money into performance upgrades.
Corey W. @ Feb 14th 2008 9:07AM
Nah, GM has never taken the Vette to the level of factory special editions that Ford has with the Stang.
Mobius_1 @ Feb 14th 2008 9:21AM
I don't like the red background front lights, but other than that, it's a cool car
meshies @ Feb 14th 2008 9:35AM
Im loving the wheels.
DIRETTORE @ Feb 14th 2008 8:47PM
* These Wheels are Amazing!!! Freakin' Orgasmic!
Guys, I dont know what your talking about, this aint no stang. What, your dream is to drive a factory ride like everyone else? I like special editions when they have substantial content, not just graphics & stickers.
This is one sweet ride, although I dont know how much I care for that cowlick sticker stripe makes it look kind of 'Pepe Le Piu!' Skunky no?
Does it come with heated seats?
Im just wondering if it is a FULLY, TOTALLY loaded Z06, maybe it actually comes out cheaper than ordering a base Z & adding all the options???
2009 Vette will have 450 HP STANDARD! Add that kick ass Huge Eaton Super Charger & God bless you! ;)
henrykrinkle @ Feb 14th 2008 9:42AM
Yet.
henrykrinkle @ Feb 14th 2008 10:03AM
Sorry. Reply must not work.
Playdrv4me @ Feb 14th 2008 10:47AM
Sooo... someone ordered a little too much Cadillac "Crimson Pearl" this year, eh?
TriShield @ Feb 14th 2008 11:04AM
It looks excellent.
I have been saying since the LS7 debuted that it should be called the 427 instead and be directly linked to the original 427 Corvette. It looks like someone within GM agrees, it's not every decade that the world is blessed with a Corvette packing that famous number of cubes that rolls off the tongue.
I guess styling and heritage is lost on some of the "real" auto enthusiasts that read this site. The Gulf Oil Theme Ford GT and Porsche GT3 RS don't water down those cars, that's a ridiculous thing to say. Packages like this pay proper homage to their heritage of these cars which is important and give some of us something more fun and unique to own instead of just a plain model.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 14th 2008 11:08AM
Rather ugly.
In terms of cash-in/exploitation, this isn't really any worse than GM making pace car replica runs every other year now.
Bill @ Feb 14th 2008 11:19AM
Somehow I think it's ludicrous to even mention a Mustang in comparison to this Corvette since I know how pathetic my daughters pathetic 2006 Mustang convertible is.
HotRodzNKustoms @ Feb 14th 2008 11:20AM
It certainly is a handsome car. But that price does seem a little steep.
LoneWolf @ Feb 14th 2008 11:37AM
If I got the money, I would buy it right now. Nice wheels, nice engine and a classical name - this is how a special edition should be.
Franz @ Feb 14th 2008 12:00PM
Nice wheels. Too bad I'm not a 'Vette fan.
2004m3driver @ Feb 14th 2008 12:04PM
Yeah those wheels are nice.
phil.gappa @ Feb 14th 2008 12:05PM
Why do people get so upset if special editions are made? So what? More choices for all. You want something popular because you like the design, but want it a bit more unique? Here you go. Quit being commies and let people buy stuff in different colors and wheels if they want. So the F-what.
Tim @ Feb 14th 2008 12:07PM
Cars like this, great though the 'Vette may be, start to make you think about horsepower per dollar (http://goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com/search/label/Dreams%20VS%20Reality). It's not all about performance; sure, but the special edition version forces an awfully greater cost per horse.
Cameron @ Feb 14th 2008 12:26PM
Agreed. I also like the homage to the people who actually put them together, having the plant manager sign the car is cool. Sure I'd love to see the signatures of the people working the line, but I don't think that's realistic, so having just the manager sign is a good compromise.