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The Z06 is the first production car to have a supercharger which can function in three distinct modes, as a four-cylinder developing approximately 225 TQ, as an eight- cylinder developing approximately 450 TQ, and as a ravishing V8 beast developing 650 TQ.
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Supercharged 2015 Corvette Z06 engine SAE-certified at 650 horsepowersportscarillustrated said:Supercharged 2015 Corvette Z06 engine SAE-certified at 650 horsepower!
By Bruce Troxell Sports Car Illustrated Contributor
The all-new 2015 Corvette Z06 is now officially the most powerful production car ever made by General Motors. The Z06’s LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine is SAE-certified at 650 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, making it one the most powerful production engines available in the U.S. and giving the Z06 a bona fide membership in the supercar club.
Back in the old days of not too long ago, engines producing gobs of horsepower had to have a large displacement, which meant big, heavy engine blocks, or they needed many overhead cams whirling around to let the engines rev higher, creating potentially catastrophic reliability issues.
No longer. The all-new supercharged LT4 engine from General Motors is almost the same size as the compact LT1 engine recently introduced in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. Getting big block performance out of small-block sized engines sounds almost like magic, but it’s just taking advantage of the ever-expanding boundaries of technology. All C7 Corvette engines, including the Z06, have direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation based upon driving parameters, continuously variable valve timing, and an advanced combustion system. Add a 1.7-lilter supercharger that spins at up to 20,000 rpm and dry sump lubrication specific to the Z06, and you have an engine that is ready to deliver anything you ask of it.
Z06 racing heritage
Those of us of a certain age will remember that Z06 was originally a Regular Production Option for Chevrolet’s brand-new Stingray in 1963. The option included the fuel-injected engine, heavy-duty suspension, aluminum knock-off wheels, heavy duty brakes, 36-gallon fiberglass fuel tank, and limited slip rear end, just about everything needed to make the Stingray a full-fledged racecar.
We’re sure that the 2015 Z06 with its supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing 650 horsepower, a lightweight super-rigid aluminum frame, and racecar-inspired aerodynamics will be a formidable track car that will take its family performance heritage to supercar levels.
High performance and comfort
The C7 Z06 boldly goes where no Z06 has gone before with a host of comfort and convenience features. For the first time, it’s available as a convertible or a coupe with a removable roof panel. The interior has a new design with upgraded materials, a choice of seats, and quality interior components featuring a fully wrapped cabin with surfaces covered by premium, soft-touch materials. Depending on the trim level, the available materials include Napa leather, carbon fiber and micro-suede.
What separates the 2015 Z06 from other track-specific cars is that it can play many roles with aplomb. The new 8-speed automatic transmission gives an added dimension to the Z06. There aren’t many competitors with supercar performance that also have the flexibility of being used for daily driving and commuting like the Z06.
The 2015 Corvette Z06 goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2014. Prices will be announced as we approach the sale date. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks.
