2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a remarkable machine that provides Ferrari-level performance at a fraction of the cost.
Model Overview
The Z06 is a performance-tuned variant of the legendary Corvette. Long hailed as America's sweetheart, the classic 'Vette has seen numerous iterations since its 1953 debut. None, however, have been as capable as the Z06 ... until, of course, this year's unveiling of the ZR1.
Nevertheless, critics hail the Z06 as an engineering marvel, because it handles both the road and track with extraordinary ease. And while the all-new ZR1 supersedes the Z06 as the top-of-the-line Corvette, test drivers don't seem to mind. Road and Track writes: "[B]eing the wingman to the baddest 2-seater on the planet is no small thing. The Z06 is rightfully credited with being able to say 'Corvette' and 'Ferrari' in the same breath and not get laughed at." Besides, the Z06 costs roughly $30,000 less than the ZR1.
Though General Motors has recently filed for bankruptcy and is undergoing massive restructuring to cope with a record downturn in sales, it has no plans to discontinue the Corvette Z06. Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Corvette Z06. Buy a 2009 or 2010 model before November 30 and take advantage of GM's new 60-day money-back guarantee.
The 2009 Z06 coupe is available in three trims: 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ.
- "If you love your cars American and iconic, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car purist's dream come true. Drivers experience awesome V8 power, amazing handling and an interior filled with more creature comforts than some luxury cars." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Even if 'all' the 2009 Corvette provided was performance equal to high-dollar exotics but at half the price, it would still be high on our list of recommended cars. But a surprising level of utility comes along for the ride, too. The Corvette offers a massive amount of luggage space and a user-friendly cockpit, along with enough ride compliance for daily-driving duty." -- Edmunds
- "The Z06 offers a blend of refinement, speed, and athleticism that's unbeatable for the money, but its place at the head of the Vette table has been usurped by the beastly ZR1. With a 505-hp, 7.0-liter V-8 underhood, the Z06 flies from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and has race-car reflexes." -- Car and Driver
- "The Z06 taught me two things: Racy moves on blacktop should be left to professionals, and nobody puts this baby in a corner. Not even the ZR1." -- Detroit News
The Bottom Line
If you want a Ferrari, but can't afford to drop a couple hundred thousand dollars to buy one, consider the Corvette the next best thing. Starting at $74,875, the Z06 can blast from 0 to 60 mph faster than the F430, 612 Scaglietti, and all-new California. For $30K more car shoppers can splurge for the Corvette ZR1, but why bother when this one's so great?
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the Corvette Z06 is a phenomenal performer that boasts a level of speed and agility that even some high-price exotics can't match.
The Z06 features a 7.0-liter V8 engine that produces 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A short-throw six-speed manual transmission is standard. According to Chevrolet, the Z06 has a top speed of 198 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The EPA reports that the Corvette Z06 nets a city/highway fuel economy of 15/24 mpg.
The rear-wheel-drive Z06 is equipped with a new variable-ratio steering set-up, double-wishbone suspension system and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. What's more, an Active Handling System aids overall performance. This system compares driver inputs with vehicle response and utilizes a range of technologies -- including Traction Control, ABS, microcomputers, accelerometers and stability sensors -- to maximize stability. The icing on the cake is a dual-mode performance exhaust system that provides an aggressive snarl.
- "Thanks to a snarling V8 and an engaging view of the raised front fenders through the windshield, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that never ceases to put a smile on your face." -- Edmunds
- "To handle the increased power and torque, the Z06's clutch, transmission, and half-shafts have been beefed up. The frame is aluminum instead of steel, and there are cast suspension pieces in place of welded items. There's even a magnesium front cradle instead of aluminum to save weight and add strength. The suspension design is carried over from the base car, with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. The brakes are uprated, with 14.0-inch-diameter front and 13.4-inch rear rotors and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers." -- Car and Driver
- "American highways make two-thirds of the Z06's speedometer illegal -- something police will quickly teach the accelerating inattentive." -- Detroit News
- "Chevrolet's latest short-throw six-speed manual transmission makes the shifter in past Corvette models feel like something pulled out of a 1966 Chevy pickup." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Quick steering, tenacious smooth-road grip, and little cornering lean make Corvette, and particularly the ZR1, among the world's best-handling cars. In fast turns, the Z06, more than the ZR1, requires careful use of the throttle, or the rear end will fishtail. Big, powerful brakes provide short, stable stops." -- Consumer Guide
- "Perhaps the most pleasant aspect of the Z06 is how docile it is on the highway and puttering around town: It is not remotely high-strung, demanding or hard to drive. It does not overheat in traffic, its spark plugs don't foul during rush hour. Most amazing of all: With 505 horsepower, I averaged 23.6 mpg, one reason the Z06 isn't saddled with the federal 'gas guzzler' tax. No one buys a Z06 with an eye toward fuel economy, but that does, at least, let you save a little money for tires and insurance." -- Orlando Sentinel
