Pics Aplenty: Katech Corvette Z06 ClubSport
We loved the look and concept of Katech's Corvette Z06 ClubSport that we showed you last month, as did many of our readers. The emphasis on light weight components and track-ready components make it suitable for both street and racing duties, plus it's one of the most beautiful renditions of the Corvette we've seen to date. Our only complaint was that Katech provided just one photo to drool over. Fortunately, they remedied the situation by sending us a set of beautiful high-resolution photos, which we've added to the gallery below. You can also view more info on the car in the press release after the jump in case you missed it the first time around.
Gallery: Katech Corvette Z06 ClubSport
[Source: Katech]
PRESS RELEASE:
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Katech Performance, ever attuned to the collective conscious of the Corvette universe, knew this – enthusiasts wanted a lighter weight Z06 tuned for the track. Now they have it.
The Corvette Z06 ClubSport package – available exclusively from Katech Performance and Les Stanford Chevrolet (Dearborn, Mich.) – incorporates an array of aftermarket products that, in unison, reduce curb weight to 2,915 lbs. (2,825 lbs. fully optimized) while improving grip, cornering, braking and downforce.
"The Z06 is already wonderfully light weight," commented Jason Harding, performance parts sales, Katech Performance. "We knew, however, that we could improve the power-to-weight ratio with several select modifications. Lamborghini has its Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari its F430 Scuderia and Dodge its Viper ACR. Now the Corvette Z06 has the ClubSport package from Katech Performance."
What does one feed Chevrolet's already well-conditioned athlete to shed pounds and improve its game? The ClubSport diet calls for:
Brembo® Gran Turismo Brake Kit
Two-piece cross-drilled rotors significantly reduce un-sprung rotating mass; front six-piston monobloc calipers squeeze 14-inch rotors; rear four-piston monobloc calipers pinch 13.6-inch rotors
Moton Clubsport Suspension
Double-adjustable coil-overs enhance power-to-the-pavement delivery while offering seven individually adjustable rebound and compression settings; system is specially tuned by Moton engineers and SCCA World Challenge professional driver Andy Pilgrim
Katech Performance ClubSport Wheels
15-spoke, single-piece forged aluminum wheels (18x9.5-inch front; 19x12-inch rear) further reduce un-sprung rotating mass; finished in attractive gray powder coat
Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Tires
Enhance grip and handling while reducing total mass (285/30R18 front; 325/30R19 rear)
Katech Performance Appearance Package
Carbon fiber front splitter improves aerodynamics and is complemented by a matching carbon fiber rear spoiler that improves downforce; lift-off carbon fiber World Challenge hood vents the engine compartment, reduces weight by 50% and provides more downforce; ClubSport racing stripe on front fenders and rear fascia identifies vehicle as an exclusive Katech Performance creation
Halltech Killer Bee™ Air Intake
Carbon fiber intake designed specifically to complement Katech Performance's carbon fiber valve covers
Katech Performance Exhaust System
Lightweight 18-gauge stainless steel design incorporating X-pipe, two lightweight mufflers, over-axle pipes and CORSA® quad tips; reduces weight and produces a deep, racecar-like tone while maintaining a civil pitch on public roads
Exedy Twin-Disc Clutch
Reduces drivetrain mass and makes for easy rev-matched downshifts
Braille Battery
All-season; reduces weight in the rear
Several optional supplements are also available including: Caravaggio leather race seats; A/C and/or radio delete as well as carpet delete to further reduce weight; roll bar or harness bar and six-point harnesses; and an ARE dry sump system.
So what's the final verdict? A power-to-weight ratio of 5.45 lbs./horsepower (standard) or 5.28 lbs./horsepower (fully optimized).
Complete with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, the Katech Performance Z06 ClubSport starts at $109,000 (standard) and is expected to maintain 50-state emissions compliance*. Power plant improvements – including an array of modified LS7 engine packages – are also available for customers who want to upgrade to a true Katech Performance "Street Attack" Z06.
To purchase a brand new ClubSport Z06 from Les Stanford Chevrolet – "America's Corvette King" – call 800.699.VETT or visit www.lesstanford.com. Already own a 2006-2009 Z06? Bring your Vette to Katech to get started on the ClubSport plan. Call 866.KATECH1 or visit www.katechengines.com.
Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.
Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, American Speed Association (ASA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.
Katech Performance is located at 24324 Sorrentino Court, Clinton Township, MI, 48035. Contact the company by phone at 866-KATECH1 or visit online at www.katechengines.com.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jcar302 12:09PM (9/26/2008)
Seems a little late considering the ZR1 comes in at just about that price.
The specs also read as if, basically you get no more hp for your 110 grand. If you want more power i'm guessing you will be paying even more.
As far as looks go, i like it, but the hood is too busy and the clubsport decal is misplaced, i find that my eyes are drawn to the decal in the profile view, which should not be the focal point on this car.
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tenfifteen 12:22PM (9/26/2008)
Yeah, intake/exhaust aren't going to do much good by themselves. Throw in a dyno-tune and maybe you find another 30hp or so, but +$50k an *awful* lot of money for Brembos, Moton, clutch, wheels and -200 pounds. I have always hated that hood btw. Been around for a long while.
Jason Harding 12:43PM (9/26/2008)
This car is not designed to compete with the ZR1. It is designed to be something different for somebody who wants a more aggressive Z06 but doesn't want a ZR1. That being said, find me a ZR1 for $109,000 and I'll give you a $1000 finder's fee.
jcar302 3:14PM (9/26/2008)
Jason,
The Zr1 is a more aggressive Z06. Everything about the ZR1 is better than this car, other than the weight, but an extra 135hp more than makes up for the weight difference.
As far as finding a ZR1, mark-ups dissappear after a while, so for those people that have patience, they probably won't land up paying too much over sticker.
3seriesisking 12:16PM (9/26/2008)
Think it's got enough hood vents?
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Torrent 12:22PM (9/26/2008)
Not nearly enough.....
pmalloy4391 12:43PM (9/26/2008)
speed holes..... they are speed holes
Jason Harding 12:48PM (9/26/2008)
The vents are a functional aerodynamic component to the car. The hood was wind tunnel tested for the World Challenge racing series and this hood was lifted directly from that. In a picture it may seem like a lot of louvers, but coming down the road it looks very menacing.
Bungle 7:30PM (9/26/2008)
GM has finally learned a lesson from Honda tuners. You get 5 horsepower from every vent, scoop, or NOS decal.
GiantkillerSS 12:23PM (9/26/2008)
Great looking car. If you only GM would offer something similar right from the factory with ZR1!
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Christian de Saint Preux 12:31PM (9/26/2008)
from the aesthetic point of view.. yes there are too many hood vents. From the functional point of view. It is what it needs to disipate HEAT and reduce weight on the hood. Since this is primarily a functional vette....So stop complaining. Why do people always complain about the hood on a chevy?
That means the car is so wonderful that the only piss you can throw is the hood is ugly? Wao, that means gm and now Katech did a wonderful job on their cars.
Awesome corvette and I LOVE the weight. I am wondering if the weight is achieved by removing the A/C.
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Jason Harding 12:55PM (9/26/2008)
2915lbs is achieved without removing the AC, but it can be removed as an option for additional weight savings.
rushmo1 12:47PM (9/26/2008)
Superb! It's not in the same class as a ZR1. It's a track car with adjustability for the person who isn't looking for a smoothe ride and civil car like the ZR1 is. Very basic spartan type kick in the pants car. Me likey veddy veddy much. Now, if I only had the wad of mullah!
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Parkerman 12:52PM (9/26/2008)
Why would Vette owners want that when they dog on the viper so much for being un civil and not refined?
rushmo1 1:38PM (9/26/2008)
This is a race car tuned for the street. It has nothing to do with "why this over a Viper". It's an adjustable tool for someone who wants a "lightweight" street/track/race vehicle. Just the type of car I like which may include a variety of other vehicle's that can be set up the same way.
tankd0g 1:59PM (9/26/2008)
For some reason I read that as "Kitsch", and then I looked at it and realized why.
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Jason Harding 1:04PM (9/26/2008)
The ClubSport is still more civil than a Viper.
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Racingvette 2:12PM (9/26/2008)
IMHO,
Katech is junk, way overpriced and little performance gains. They make claims to fame when really Pratt and Miller make the GM race program a sucess.
For a vendor claiming they are so hot they run around all day on forums and blogs kissing their owns butts.
A lot more can be done with far less costs buying the parts directly from the vendors who make the parts and not some middleman who just jacks up the hype and costs.
I put them at the same level as John H who hacks on vipers.
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Jason Harding 2:34PM (9/26/2008)
Here is a video of the ClubSport in action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugykbf6t8Vo
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McLovin 5:59PM (9/26/2008)
I get a chubby just looking at this car.
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