Chevy Releases More Pics of Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition might just be the sexiest looking Vette ever created. That’s why when Chevy released a new selection of photos of the stunning Supersonic Blue sports car, we thought it warranted a whole new post.
Created to celebrate 50 years since a Corvette first competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition gets brake and suspension upgrades, as well as a lighter overall weight thanks to plenty of carbon fiber. The changes, says Chief Corvette Engineer Tadge Juechter, are enough to shave up to 3.0 seconds per lap off a standard Z06 on a track like Laguna Seca.
“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,” he comments.
Upgrades include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, straight from the ZR1, as well as 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, coated in Michelin PS2 tires. Upgraded engine and transmissions coolers are part of the package, as is a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system. And let’s not forget a special carbon fiber hood (lighter than the one used on the ZR1), as well as a carbon fiber engine cover, carbon fiber rocker panels and front splitter. There’s even a ZR1-inspired rear spoiler, plus black headlights and mirrors.
The body of the Carbon Edition Vette will be offered in two colors (either, Inferno Orange or the all-new Supersonic Blue, pictured above), while the interior gets ebony leather and suede with blue or orange stitching. Suede is used for the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors. Unfortunately, we can also tell from some of the photos that there’s still some el cheapo plastics used on places like the steering wheel.
Just 500 Carbon Edition models will be made, although Chevy will make some of the items available in packages for Z06 models. A Z07 Performance Package includes the performance upgrades, while a CFZ Z06 Carbon Fiber package includes many of the carbon fiber components (but not the hood) as well as a rear spoiler.
The Z06 Carbon Edition will be available this summer.
Now you’ve probably heard all this before (when we posted the original story earlier this week), so stop reading and get to the gallery.
GALLERY: 2011 Chevy Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I waited months and months for a first edition ZO6. I have been tempted over the years to purchase a replacement ZO6, but have always fought the temptation. I may have to finally give in.