The Corvette Z06 is the best performance value in the world, period. GM wants the world to know that it can take on the best of Europe with the new 505-hp Z06, the fastest Corvette the company has ever produced. Under the Skin of the Corvette Z06 takes an interactive look at the comprehensive attention to detail that makes the Z06 remarkable

The Corvette Z06 is a modern day muscular sports car. For the 2008 Corvette Z06 has a lateral acceleration of 1 g. No doubt, the Corvette's credentials are impressive. Producing 505 naturally aspirated bhp and 470 lb. And when you consider its price tag of $79,595, the Corvette Z06 is still one of the best deals on the planet. Credit Chevy for doing it right instead of simply slamming a bigger engine under the Corvette's hood and slapping on a set of Z06 badges.

Because the production Corvette Z06 is so racing-ready with 505 horsepower capable of 198 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds. The Corvette Z06 accelerates faster, grips better and stops shorter than European sports cars that cost twice as much. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package includes a host of high-performance components, starting with hydro-formed aluminum frame rails (rather than the steel rails used in the standard Corvette). The Z06 features a unique-to-the-car front fascia and upper air inlet, specific grille, fenders, quarter panels and rear spoiler to set it apart from the stock C6 Corvette.

The Corvette Z06 is the best performance value in the world, period. GM wants the world to know that it can take on the best of Europe with the new 505-hp Z06, the fastest Corvette the company has ever produced. Under the Skin of the Z06. Take an interactive look at the comprehensive attention to detail that makes the Z06 remarkable. The Corvette Z06 looks low, mean, powerful, purposeful and all its body panels fit as well as any in the industry. The Z06's expanded power comes from a new pushrod 7. Oil capacity is eight quarts for the Z06 versus 5. When all was said and done to the Z06, it weighed in at 3147 pounds, or 141 less than the base Vette. The Z06's engine has crazy power all the time, at any rpm, in any gear.

To accommodate the wider rear tires (325/30ZR-19s versus stock 285/35ZR-19s), the Z06's tail bulges an extra 3 inches. The Corvette Z06 has some aero tweaks, such as a deeper front spoiler and a small rear spoiler, that help keep the car planted as the rushing air tries to lift it off the ground. Despite the excellent grip provided by the fattest tires of the group — 275/35ZR-18s front and 325/30ZR-19s rear — and its state-of-the-art yaw-control system, the Z06's rear end danced around through low- and mid-speed corners. With the traction/yaw control set to Competition Driving Mode, the Z06 allows more yaw than you might expect.

This is a world-class sports car with its own racing-style dry sump lubrication system, as well as its own exhaust, flywheel and clutch, strengthened six-speed manual (this is a real sports car: buy the Corvette Z06 and you have to shift for yourself), strengthened rear-axle half shafts to deal with the extra power, unique aluminum and carbon fiber rather than steel underpinnings, wider front wheelhouses, magnesium engine cradle and (some) front suspension components, some unique rear suspension components, as well as larger wheels and tires and brakes, serious 14-inch discs in front and 13 inch discs in the rear. Sure, acceleration that blurs your vision is fun, but the real joy comes in turning, loading up those lateral gs, and to turn you also have to be able to slow down just a tad and those big brakes on the Z06 not only help balance the car for such maneuvers, but they also can bring you to a quick and safe stop when needed. The Corvette Z06 gets the 505-hp LS7 V8, high-tech, weight trimming chassis features and upgraded brakes. GM engineers have refined the Z06's shock damping characteristics to provide improved handling in the most challenging conditions, while maintaining good ride control for the demands of daily driving. "While the Corvette Z06 already had an excellent blend of extreme handling capability and surprising ride quality, we're never satisfied," Hill says. Corvette Z06 is one of only a precious few cars to have broken the 8-minute barrier for lap times at Nurburg. Corvette testing at Nurburgring isn't just about raw speed, as the Z06 provides plenty of that.

The folks at Chevrolet spent considerable time developing the Corvette Z06 ensuring not to make adjustments that compromise the normal daily driving character of the car. On the Road: Even at idle, it's thrilling the Z06 makes you feel on start-up that something is about to happen. Engage the clutch, push a button and Z06 roars to life. A moderately strong push is necessary on the clutch pedal to change gears; might dissuade those planning to use Z06 daily. The Corvette Z06 has plenty of legroom; stiff seat backs keep driver and passenger alert and engaged. The Z06-specific fully-independent four-wheel suspension is tuned to “sport”. Like race cars, Z06 acceleration is brutally efficient, but braking is even more impressive. But the Corvette Z06 seamlessly melds horsepower, electronics, safety and appearance in a single package like no other car at this price.