Skip to main content
HOME   |   ABOUT   |   NEWS   |   TECH ARTICLES   |   AT THE TRACK   |   REVIEWS   |   VIDEOS   |   CONTACT ME

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Test Numbers

Image
By



This isn't "A Closer Look". I don't have a second opinion, criticism or a different view. I simply have to include the performance numbers of a new Corvette Z06. Especially when they're blistering. 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds. 3 seconds flat. From a front (mid) engine, RWD car with a starting price under $80,000. With a manual, this number drops to 3.2 seconds. The full acceleration numbers are:

0-30 mph (auto/manual): 1.3 sec/1.5 sec
0-40 mph (auto/manual): 1.7 sec/2.1 sec
0-50 mph (auto/manual): 2.3 sec/2.6 sec
0-60 mph (auto/manual): 3.0 sec/3.2 sec
0-70 mph (auto/manual): 3.8 sec/4.1 sec
0-80 mph (auto/manual): 4.7 sec/4.9 sec
0-90 mph (auto/manual): 5.6 sec/5.9 sec
0-100 mph (auto/manual): 6.8 sec/7.2 sec
1/4 mile (auto/manual): 11.1 sec @ 127 mph/11.3 sec @ 126 mph




It is worth mentioning that the numbers were recorded by different sources. Car and Driver tested the automatic and Motor Trend tested the manual but the gap makes sense so take that for what it's worth. Handling shouldn't be different between the manual and the auto. Braking from 60 mph to 0 took just 91 ft. Braking from 70 mph took 128 ft. That's just mind boggling compared to cars either magazine have been testing.

Motor Trend got 94 ft from 60 mph from a Porsche 918 Spyder. Average lateral g was 1.12 g for the 918 Spyder. For the Z06? 1.16 g. The only handling number that's lower for the Corvette is Motor Trend's figure eight which was 22.2 sec @ 1.06 g average for the 918 Spyder and 22.5 sec @ 0.98 g average. Remember, though, the Porsche has a 237 hp advantage. Randy Pobst said that the Corvette's chassis could use another 100 hp. With another hp, you can look for that figure eight to be even tighter. Still, the 22.5 sec time makes it the second fastest ever, only after the hyper fast 918 Spyder. 




The reviews from both magazines are filled with comments about it being incredibly fast, stable, and easy to drive. It comes with an automatic. It comes as a convertible without a performance penalty. For a purist, that's blasphemy. But as an accomplishment, it's astonishing. 

The only thing you could complain about is that it weighs 3,533 lb which is nudging 4 seater territory of this caliber but how can you complain when the numbers are that fast? I have recently learned that an electronic differential can be over 60 lb heavier than a Torsen limited slip differential because of all the clutches and motors (Source: Car and Driver on the Lexus RC F). Chevy also says that, with the third stage aero package, it produces more downforce than any other car they have ever tested including Porsche 911 Turbo S, Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12C and I'm sure the aero components add a few pounds. I would like it, though, if GM did a more focused version without the luxuries like heated and cooled seats, WiFi, and many others that I'm sure the Vette has.

The standard Corvette with the Z51 package already stunned me at Car and Driver's Lightning Lap 2014 with a lap time of just 2:53.8. I have no doubt that this car will be well within the 2:40's at next year's Lightning Lap, probably with a lap time in the 2:45 to 2:48 range. I can't wait to see it. Ford cannot come back with a new Ford GT soon enough! For full test reviews, here are links to tests done by Motor Trend (manual) and Car and Driver (auto).


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment






Does An Aftermarket Grille Really Increase Airflow?
I put a Saleen S281 grille to the test to answer that question.

Stock Suspension S197 Mustang With Square 305/30/19's
What you need to fit a proper size square tire setup.

How Limited Slip Diffs Make You Faster on Track
What you need to know about how they put power down and pros and cons.

Can Telemetry Explain Schumacher's Talent?
A comparison between Schumacher's and then team mate Herbert's data.





Cayman GT4 Track Review
The first Cayman with proper (911-challenging) power.

Is an EcoBoost Mustang any good on Track?
Two days at the track in a Mustang short 4 cylinders.

2016 BMW M4 DCT Track Review
It's quick (properly quick). But is it fun?

Can a stock Golf Diesel handle a Track Day?
Not your every day track beater.



🔥 Most Visited This Week

Pedders eXtreme xA Coilover Kit (S197 2005-2014 Mustangs) First Impressions & Installation

By
If you've been following me, it's no secret by now that I recently got a sponsored set of Pedders eXtreme xA Coilovers to test, thanks to American Muscle. I have been wanting to do something about the stock suspension on my 2012 Boss 302 for a while but budget didn't allow. When the opportunity came knocking, I couldn't be happier. The kit includes coilovers only up front to replace the stock struts but maintains the separate "divorced" damper (shock/shock absorber) and spring setup in the back, a common solution for plenty of entry level/budget coil over options as well as more established brands like KW and Eibach until you get to their flagship or race kits. Even the Maximum Motorsport (MM) JRi coilover kit - a package that is far from a budget or mild street option - retains the divorced spring/damper mounting. While a true coilover setup in the back would be better, it would be more expensive and at this price point, I think the money is better spent on ...
1 comment
Read more

Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R Track Review

By
2012 Boss 302 on square 305/30/19 RE-71R's at AMP - Graham MacNeil © For better or for worse, I have heard and read so much about RE-71R's. Everyone swears by the grip but complains about the wear. Generally speaking, the pros are: 1. They grip as well or better than most R comps. 2. They don't wear as quickly as R comps if driven occasionally on the street. 3. They work better in the rain than R comps. The cons were limited to overheating quickly when used on track (being an autocross tire) and wearing too fast on heavy cars like mine. In the popular 200 TW category, they are faster than the popular Hankook RS-4's and BFGoodrich Rival S's according to published Tire Rack Tests. According to plenty of reviews, they are also faster than well established R comps like R888R's (which don't seem to work too well on heavy cars anyway) and the venerable NT01's. But I was still hesitant for a while until I talked to a tire tech support gentleman...
2 comments
Read more

Why an Open Differential Doesn't Work on Track

By
C7 Corvette Grand Sport... doing a burnout with a proper diff - Graham MacNeil  © I wrote a tech post comparing various open and limited slip diffs for a comparison and I found that a lot of people were asking questions. To simplify and make it easier to read, I decide to break them up for a future tech article about handling. Make sure to stay tuned for two posts on limited slip diffs this week!. WHY DO YOU EVEN NEED A DIFFERENTIAL? A differential's job is to allow two wheels on the same axle (or two axles in a 4WD drivetrain) to spin at different speeds so a car could smoothly go around a corner. Why do the wheels need to spin at different speeds? Each wheel on a car has to travel a different path to reach the end of the turn. You can see that for yourself every time you drive on snow covered roads or muddy trails. Four different tracks by four wheels/tires on one car going around a turn - Rams Eye The Track Guy  © If you take a turn, you'll see that each whe...
1 comment
Read more

Michelin Pilot Super Sports vs Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - Street Review

By
I've been a huge fan of Michelin PSS tires and exclusively bought them for the Mustang over the last four years. So how did I end up here? This year, I was hugely interested in trying an "R-comp" tire. I had my eyes set on Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R's for two simple reasons: price and reputation. Although not a true "R-comp" tire on paper, it performs like one by the account of every single test and review I've read (down to wear rates...). They seem like they're easily the most affordable (from a big brand) R-comp tire and combine that with a reputation for having tons of grip, it was an easy top contender. I had my concerns, though. For one, I'm told and have read that they are an autox tire, not really designed for high speed, pressure, and temps associated with open track. For another, the Mustang is a heavy car (as far as track cars are concerned) being roughly 3,800 lb. (including driver), which will amplify the unwanted open track load...
6 comments
Read more