Still pretty much a garage queen this early in life (one week old) but have formulated a few more first impressions in addition to my earlier post.
PROS:
+ first and foremost, the LS7 "427" cubes is an incredible engine worthy of GREAT admiration . . . (I like it even better from a heritage standpoint and similarity to the C5-R and C6-Rs, than the ZR1 of old or new)
+ At first I though the MSRP was too much but then I read somwhere that in 1998 dollars the old 1990 ZR-1 would cost over $90k in today's dollars. . . GM Employee pricing and available GMAC financing at 0% APR (for new 2008) even better
+ C6 FRC fastback styling has much better body lines and now has much more storage space than old Z06
+ fixed headlights are growing on me, even though somewhat Viper-esque looking
+ Center console "faux" carbon fiber paneling looks very nice looking
+ short shifter six speed manual is vastly improved over prior C5, but STILL can't quite get use to the "cement mixer" sounds at low speeds
+ pleasant SURPRISE, the clutch is actually quite easy to operate
+ no more ugly (screw on) radio mast antenna
+ EPA rated highway MPG not as good as before (but still best in class)
+ Curb wt. still best in class and almost same as old Z06 (3130#s) . . . new Z still "looks" much heavier (and roomier) than it actually is
+ NAV does a good job in realtime tracking on city streets and I'm told you can play regular DVDs when you don't need the NAV or can't receive GPS
+ door sills "Corvette" logo is a nice touch (has "Z06" logos on 2009 Zs)
+ 3" exhaust at WOT sounds awesome . . . there's even a subdued burble on decel that sounds kind of cool. but where's the fuse to defeat butterflies?
+ pushbutton start and totally keyless operations is BEYOND high tech
+ backlighting of instrument cluster looks sensational at night
+ OnStar and XM (now merged with Sirius) are now standard features
+ competition (blackened) and cheaper whls helps to conceal brake pad dust but arguably far less attractive than 2k extra for chrome wheel option
+ LTPWS (which should of been on old Z as very useful added "safety" feature)
+ Optional chromies look sensation and for the first time GM got it right . . . no balancing wts. visibile on the outer rims
CONS (aka, nitpicks):
- should have "427ci" on the red engine beauty covers vs. "7.0L"
- HUD readouts would look better in Red vs. Green
- still not enough tire sidewall overlap to protect wheel rims from curb rash
- Shouldn't have to get upgraded leather option to get two tone seats
- too much sunlight glare on NAV LCD screen . . . need tilt adjustment
- no Artic White paint job on Z06
- paying extra for ANY so-called "special" exterior color is rip off
- the vote is still out on 7 speaker BOSE sound system, but heard its not nearly as good as it should be in such an expensive car
- no auxilary input or MP3 player support on radio used with NAV system
- Hard to close rear trunk lid (fixed in 2009)
- Extended warranty costs way too much (originally quoted $7800 by dlr)
These are mostly nitpicks which can mostly be excused considering the performance pedigree of this car for the asking price. The Z06 Corvette has a WHOLE lot of bang for the buck going for it and that's an undeniable fact.
Bottom line, the C6 Z06 looks absolutely fantastic and like I always remind my wife, the most "awesome" part of my anatomy, isn't generally visible, but most certainly is ALWAYS at the ready for added pleasure and excitement.
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