 IMAGE CREDITS -Chevrolet |
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GM's Chevrolet introduced the 2006 Corvette Z06 at the North
American International Auto Show. It is the fastest, most powerful
car ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. It is comprised of
an unprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one
of the greatest performance values on the market. And with an
unmistakably muscular appearance, the '06 Z06 has a visual attitude
that always looks ready to demonstrate Corvette's winning attitude
to any challenger around the globe.
The
new Corvette Z06 achieves 500 horsepower in an approximately
3130-pound (1419.7 kg) package and is expected to deliver 0-60
performance of less than 4 seconds, eclipse the quarter-mile in less
than 12 seconds and deliver a top speed of more than 190 mph on a
race track. The all-new LS7 of the '06 Z06 reintroduces the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. Unlike the previous 427 engine, which was a big-block design, the new 7.0-liter LS7 is a small-block V-8 – the largest-displacement small-block ever produced by GM and a tribute to its 50 years as a performance icon. With 500 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque, it also is the most powerful passenger car engine ever produced by Chevrolet and GM. The LS7 is easily identified under the hood by red engine covers with black lettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Corvette's 6.0-liter LS2, but the LS7 uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine's wide, 104.8-mm-wide cylinder bores; the LS2 has 101.6-mm bores. And when compared to the LS2, the LS7 also has a different front cover, oil pan, exhaust manifolds and cylinder heads.Internally, the LS7's reciprocating components make use of racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. The rpm fuel shut-off limit is 7000 rpm. The LS7's CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads are all-new and designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine's 7.0-liter displacement, as it ingests approximately 100 cubic feet more air per minute than the Corvette's 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 – an 18-percent increase in airflow. Consequently, a hydraulic roller camshaft with .591/.591-inch valve lift is used to allow plenty of air to circulate in and out of the engine. All LS7 engines are assembled by hand at GM Powertrain's new Performance Build Center in Wixom , Mich. The exacting standards to which they are built include deck-plate honing of the cylinders – a procedure normally associated with the building of racing engines and almost unheard of in a production-vehicle engine Drivetrain The Corvette Z06's powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7's performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge in to new, close-coupled catalytic converters and through to new “bi-modal” mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power. At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7's increased torque load. The transmission includes a pump which sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The M6 transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Chassis system The 2006 Corvette Z06 has a new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels. “This is an instance where the street car uses more advanced material than the racecar,” said Hill. “We're constrained by rules to run the steel frame in the racecars, but we stretched to bring even more performance technology to the street for out customers.” The mass reductions are offset by some added performance enablers, including dry-sump lubrication, 3-inch (76.2-mm) exhaust with outlet valves, larger wheels and tires, more power brake and stiffer roll stabilizers. Distinct design The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance, with design cues that include a wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and “Gurney lips” along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce and a cold air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine The trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is located behind the wheel
While the function of the Z06's design is to move air efficiently over the body and reduce lift, the net effect is a car that looks like a weight lifter whose muscles are straining the seams of his shirt.“The Z06 has been sculpted very carefully, with every element in its design serving a performance function,” said Hill. “It also has a purposeful, menacing resemblance to the C6-R.” The aerodynamics of the Z06's exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the racecars use large rear wings, the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06's Cd is .31. Corvette Z06 Uncompromising amenities For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily drivable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. HID lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and Head-Up Display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter are standard. Z06 options include a
Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, polished wheels, a
telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, side air bags, a
navigation system with GPS, Homelink and XM Satellite Radio.
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