[NickJ]

Chevrolet calls the new Corvette Z06 its most track-focused Corvette model ever, yet a possible contradiction has been revealed in the form of the new Z06 Convertible at the 2014 New York motor show. The good news, though, is that it apparently weighs exactly the same as its hard-top sibling, unusual for a convertible car with its inevitable extra chassis strengthening.

Just like the coupe, it’s powered by Chevrolet’s new 6.2-litre supercharged LT4 V8 engine serving up 625bhp and 635lb ft of torque. The new engine features dry sump lubrication for track use, as well as direct injection and variable valve timing.

No definitive performance or fuel economy figures have been announced yet, but Chevrolet has confirmed that for there'll be a standard seven-speed manual gearbox, with an eight-speed automatic optional.

Suspension is largely the same as the standard C7 Corvette Stingray, featuring double-wishbone suspension all-round. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard on the Z06, allowing three stages of stiffness. This, along with the launch control and the electronically controlled limited slip diff can be selected via the Driver Mode Selector. The company says that (in coupe form, at least) with the track-focused Z07 performance pack, the Z06 delivers faster lap times than 2013 Corvette ZR1.

With added vents and cooling ducts, the Corvette’s extra performance has been carefully implemented for reliable track driving, with the changes meaning a 50 per cent increase in cooling. Track-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are fitted as standard, and to deal with heavy use on track, the Z06 gets six-pot front and four-pot rear brake calipers.

C7 Corvette Z06 Image Gallery

 

[NickJ]

​

 

[Chip]

I've read that the 2015 verts. will have a clear lexan wind deflector behind / between the seats. Is there any evidence of this seen at the bash?

 

[elegant]

No evidence at the Bash, nor on GM's website, nor on their recently released 2014 StingRay accessories catalog, but have heard that GM is developing a convertible wind deflector that will allow it to be permanently mounted in place, yet still allow the convertible top to be raised or lowered without it being removed.

Hopefully you are right, Chip, that it will appear as a 2015 option, and as there are no changes to that part of the car's structure, would be retrofittable to the '14 convertibles. We will definitively know within the next four to six weeks.