2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 10th 2010 at 12:01AM 
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the truly hard-core Corvette fanatic who likes to spend weekends thrashing his or her car at the track, there is only one Corvette worthy of consideration: the Z06. However, thanks to the ZR1, the lightweight, normally aspirated 7.0-liter coupe is no longer the absolute quickest Vette, but it is felt to have the most responsive handling. What it doesn't have is the uber-cool carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber body panels and magnetic ride active damping system of its supercharged sibling. That can now be changed to past tense with the birth of the Z06 Carbon edition announced today by General Motors.
The Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans when John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham won their class and finished eighth overall. The Carbon edition is essentially a Z06 with a ZR1 chassis and some of the carbon skin. When production starts this fall, only 500 examples will be made and they will only come in two colors, Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. All examples get black-painted wheels and a black interior upholstered in leather and suede. Follow the jump and we'll tell you more.
Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon
[Source: Chevrolet]
One element unique to the Z06 Carbon is its hood. The profile of the new carbon fiber hood is identical to that on the ZR1 but without a transparent window. That makes it the lightest hood ever on a Corvette and, according to chief engineer Tadge Juechter, it truly is a featherweight. ZR1 owners looking to swap out their hoods will be disappointed to learn that the Carbon hood will not fit their cars. Because of the absent window, the Z06 hood has different structure underneath that won't clear the ZR1 engine's intercooler.
The splitter, rocker extensions and roof of the Carbon are painted black instead of the super-expensive clear-coat used on the ZR1. The headlamp pockets and wheels are also painted a glossy black giving the Carbon a decidedly sinister appearance, particularly with the steel blue paint combination.
According to Juechter, the upgraded suspension and brakes give the Z06 a real boost on the track too. Even with the same powertrain, the Corvette circulates both Laguna Seca and the Milford Road Course three seconds a lap faster than a 2010 Z06. The addition of the magnetic ride damping system should also make the Z06 Carbon more livable on the road as well.
For those who don't manage to get one of the 500 Carbon editions, most of the good bits will be available as part of two option packages available for 2011 models. The Z07 package provides all the mechanical goodness of the Brembo brake system, wheels and tires and the MR suspension. The carbon fiber package includes the splitter, sill extensions and rear lip spoiler. Unfortunately, the hood is only available on the 500 limited edition cars. The Carbon and new option packages go on sale in late summer at prices that will be announced closer to launch date, so stay tuned.
2011 CORVETTE Z06 CARBON LIMITED EDITION
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level
DETROIT -- When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
"Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. "With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast."
The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.
"For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. "For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time."
This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.
The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.
The Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.
An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.
The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level
DETROIT -- When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
"Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. "With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast."
The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.
"For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. "For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time."
This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.
The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.
The Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.
An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.
The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
DiRF 12:05AM (3/10/2010)
Part of me wants to say, "Oh... yeah... another version of the C6... great..."
...but another part of me wants to clobber that first part, because this seems really REALLY neat. :D
Reply
spin cycle 12:22AM (3/10/2010)
With this, that means Chevy offers 7 versions of the Corvette right now.
This is probably a couple too many.
John H. 12:34AM (3/10/2010)
Well, how many flavors of 911 are there?
Kevin 1:30AM (3/10/2010)
Good Point, John.
I think it's sick! I need wallpaper versions!!! Anyone know where I could get one? 1440x900 at least...
BoxerFanatic 1:32AM (3/10/2010)
@John H....
Most of the different 997 variants are quite distinct.
Convertible or not.
2wd C2, and C2S
4wd C4 and C4S
race ready GT3 Street and RSR (coupe only)
Turbo AWD
GT2 Turbo RWD (coupe only)
Those are pretty distinct.
Corvette has coupe and convertible for each.
Base C7
Grand Sport
Z06
** Z06 Carbon
ZR1 (coupe only)
Five lines for each, but no driveline changes for RWD or AWD, which account for a lot of 997's differentiation. I also lumped C2 and C2S together, despite the power upgrade from 3.6 to 3.8 liters, and likewise with the C4 and C4S.
The distinctions between Base and GS, and also between Z06 and Z06 Carbon are not that drastic, so one could argue that 5 levels should really be 3 levels... that GS should be entry level, and Z06 Carbon should be standard Z06 specs, and an optional appearance package for the looks, with the ZR1 rounding out the top.
spin cycle 3:03AM (3/10/2010)
The GT3 is made in the regular GT3, GT3 RS and GT3 RSR as far as I know.
You also missed the Targa 4 and Targa 4S.
Porsche shows 14 911s, and they don't even show the GT3 RSR or the GT2. And that's only in the US and doesn't count any special editions.
That's probably too many 911s.
Also, there isn't a Z06 (Carbon or no) convertible.
And for the record, I'd cut the Corvette GS right out, convertible and coupe. That'd leave the coupe, convertible, Z06, ZR1 and the limited edition Carbon Z06.
TheOriginalJared 8:56AM (3/10/2010)
The Corvette is a car for many different budgets. Hense why they have so many different flavors.
If you want to just get into a Vette (like a person buying a v6 mustang), the base model is for you. Plenty of horsepower and a price point below $50k so it's somewhat affordable.
Want more power? Maybe a hand built motor and some of the suspention goodies from the Z06. That's where the grandsport comes in.
But you want to hit the track with your new toy, and also want a little more power then the ls3 can put out. So you opt for the z06, with is aluminum frame and dry sump LS7.
Then you decide; Hey, I want to beat almost any car that pulls up next to me in a sports car, but I still want to drive a vette. Money isn't that big of a problem to me, so I'm going to get the GT500KR of Corvettes and drop my downpayment on a ZR1.
But the ZR1 is too expensive or too powerful for you? Or you like the powerband of a N/A motor. Well, there's the Carbon for you.
Many manufacturers have learned through time, you can not have an iconic sports car without offering it in many different flavors. Look at Lamborgini (LP540, The Balboni, etc. etc. etc), Porche (911 series anyone?), Ford (more mustang that you can shake a hoove at), and the list goes on into eternity.
Car makers are in the business of making money. Not everyone makes the same amount of money, so they gotta have their car fit into different price points and "driving attitudes"
abbas350 8:56AM (3/10/2010)
somewhere along the line you forgot it's a corvette, NOT a 911.
sparrk 9:15AM (3/10/2010)
there are many 911 variants because there is demand for them.
MeatLock 2:12PM (3/10/2010)
The GT3 RSR is a racing version, not a street car. Currently, Porsche sells 16 different flavours of the 911 for the street in the US if I can remember them all off the top of my head.
Carerra & Carerra Cabriolet
Carerra S & Carerra S Cabriolet
Carerra 4 & Carerra 4 Cabriolet
Carerra 4S & Carerra 4S Cabriolet
Targa 4 & Tagra 4S
Turbo & Turbo Cabriolet
Turbo S & Turbo S Cabriolet
GT3 & GT3 RS
Chris O 11:24AM (3/10/2010)
I don't have a problem with there being so many versions of the Corvette. I don't really get the GS, but the rest of the models seem fine to me, considering that many of the intermediate models are made with mix-and-match parts sets off of other models.
emperorkoku 11:43AM (3/10/2010)
"there are many 911 variants because there is demand for them."
Same for the Vette. Higher demand, even. That's why they sell so many.
chambo622 12:12AM (3/10/2010)
Corvette is King!
This is a sweet package! I envy those who get to own one, chances are they are all spoken for. While some folks I'm sure would prefer a 911 over this, I think that GM has some great stuff going on here.
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Adam Bruce 3:13AM (3/10/2010)
For the record I own a 2009 Nissan GT-R, this is the first Corvette that could tempt me away from Godzilla. Great job Chevy! The ZR1 is an amazing piece, but for a track weapon the Z06 has always had more appeal to me with it's honest 427 motor. Happy to see the best bits are working there way into the racers choice.
Still not ready to leave my Nissan though, but *VERY* happy to see the competitors continue to get better. When Nissan, Porsche and Chevy go after each other, it's folks like you and me that win with a constant array of ever better cars to satisfy our track lust with. :-)
TheOriginalJared 8:57AM (3/10/2010)
And the Corvette has honest to goodness rwd. No awd to save your ass when you plant your foot on that LS7 too quick.
spin cycle 12:21AM (3/10/2010)
Might this be the ultimate all motor Vette ever? I can't imagine the LS7 is long for this world and the next round Corvette is unlikely to feature a normally aspirated 500HP engine.
I love the Supersonic Blue color too.
Oh, and the black headlamps, awesome.
"Euro-styled racing numbers" - what does that even mean? Europeans have their own numbers?
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Franz 10:28AM (3/10/2010)
I think the blue (and the car wearing it) is awesome... probably the only new 'Vette I'd ever buy.
muttons 10:30AM (3/10/2010)
I'm a Ford guy and not normally a Corvette guy, but even I can admit that this looks pretty badass. Nice work.
Chris O 11:49AM (3/10/2010)
@LS2LS7:
I definitely agree on the headlamps. I have a blue tintcoat C6Z06, and the headlamp tubs look like the aftermarket C5 pop-up replacement kits... so cheap, in other words. The non-body color tubs on the Carbon look nice.
As far as the engine goes, I do like the LS7, but less than I thought I would. It's tough to reliably add FI to the LS7 (relative to the LS1/6/2/3). I also think they probably should have put in a hotter cam in the LS7, though I guess emissions would probably have suffered too much.
It looks like they grabbed the spoiler off of the ZR1 for this Z06. That's a good move, IMO.
neptronix 12:32AM (3/10/2010)
Oh my god, this is beautiful.
In terms of being a looker... this steps up to ultra $$$ import supercars... don't you think?
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