The 2008 Corvette Z06 did 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and pulled 11.7 @ 125 MPH in the 1/4 mile. While the Viper did win, we would have expected some higher trap speeds from the milestone breaking 600HP V10 Viper. With 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the 2008 Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of more than 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium.

GM's recent decision to re-offer employee pricing on all new vehicles brings the 505 HP Corvette Z06 down to an astonishing base price of $62,653. Normally, these type of incentives don't include high horsepower and halo cars, but according to the boys at Kicking Tires , GM will include both the 2008 Corvette and the Chevy's up-powered big brother, the 2008 Corvette Z06 , in their current deal. GM Design developed a striking paint scheme with an exotic array of stunning hues of Gold, Red, Blue and White. The graphics scheme is accented with unique, gold iridescent-coated wheels. GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.

The 2008 Corvette Z06 wins this test against the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR by 28.6 points, and when you drive the Vette, you immediately understand why. This isn't a cobbled-together collector's special. The 2008 Corvette Z06 that has 505 horsepower will actually get 30 mpg or even a touch better on the interstate at a steady 70 mph.

The 2008 Corvette Z06 is a fast car, a great car but the ZR1 is close to being a world beater. Brakes (same as on an Enzo), power (20% more), suspension (magnetic, same as on Ferrari 599), exclusivity . Amazingly, the 505-horsepower LS7 V8 will plod along in heavy suburban traffic and cruise effortlessly on the expressway pretty much like any "normal" car on your daily commute to the office. But the Z06 has a little edge to it that lets you know it would be much happier thundering down to turn five at Road America rather than navigating I-94 entrance ramps and grocery store parking lots.

It's a heavy-hitting, no-holds-barred, brute-force monster at full throttle, yet a docile driver at more sedate speeds. And in the right hands, it brings remarkable agility to the art of driving on four wheels. Relatively short gearing makes it easy to generate smoky burnouts for the camera, but commands judicious throttle input to achieve the optimal hole-shot. For the first few runs, a 2000-2500-rev clutch drop generated minimal wheel spin with the tires hooked up at around 3500 revs.

Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. Chevrolet's on pace to sell almost 30,000 Corvettes in 2008, and 20 percent of them will be Z06s. Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, but earn only 10 percent of its income. They produce half the world's food, but own only 1% of its land.

Steering feel on all standard 2008 Chevrolet Corvette models is up, thanks to an entirely new rack. This revision should quiet those who felt the previous steering system wasn't spot-on. But there is a place for both models. Three years since its launch, the 2008 Corvette Z06 remains a great performance value. Each model has its own selection of proprietary electronic controls to enhance launch, braking, and stability.