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An interesting and mostly favorable story is in today's (3/23) issue of the Wall Street Journal; in the weekend section. Shows the Z06 beating the Viper in 0-60.
Article About Z06 in WSJ
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Here are two sections of the article. They are in jpg format.
The article:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1088179&a=8033832&p=44584579
and the table:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1088179&a=8033832&p=44584573
You might want to right click on the link and download it. Then open it in your own picture editor.
_________________
Paul
#13 and President, Torch Red Corvette Club, Texas Chapter
CAGS, V1, Plate,
Momo shift knob, Red/Black WheelSkin,
Vortex, Clear Euros with blink-blink,
Decals, APC bulbs<P> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoi
The article:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1088179&a=8033832&p=44584579
and the table:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1088179&a=8033832&p=44584573
You might want to right click on the link and download it. Then open it in your own picture editor.
_________________
Paul
#13 and President, Torch Red Corvette Club, Texas Chapter
CAGS, V1, Plate,
Momo shift knob, Red/Black WheelSkin,
Vortex, Clear Euros with blink-blink,
Decals, APC bulbs<P> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoi
Joined
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457 Posts
/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif Good Article /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif
Very well researched... and written /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif
They even got the " loud exhaust " right, too
/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif
Very well researched... and written /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif
They even got the " loud exhaust " right, too
/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gifFrom the other forum:
March 23, 2001
Drive Buys
The 2001 Corvette Z06 Finds
Its Element on Open Roads
By JONATHAN WELSH
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
On the way to a black-tie party, my friend Kerry, a public-relations executive, adjusts her hair and makeup in the vanity mirror while I dodge errant taxis.
By the time we arrive, she looks smashing. But it's the car that draws looks of longing from the guys in the valet-parking crew. To them, the macho rumble and Millennium Yellow paint of our Corvette Z06 test car trumps even a little black dress.
"This car is so cheesy!" says Kerry, who has little tolerance for the odd relationship between certain men and certain cars. "Come on," she says. "It's just a Corvette."
Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 is a souped-up version of Chevy's production-line model, with increased power and tighter handling. The result is muscle on muscle -- more than what's called for on the typical commute.
Well, not quite. The 2001 Z06 is a souped-up version of Chevrolet's Corvette hardtop, in a limited production of about 5,000 cars. For an extra $7,800 on the bottom line, Chevy engineers boosted power, reduced weight and made the car handle better than its production-line counterpart.
The result is noticeable as soon as one steps on the gas: Our test car's acceleration was striking -- zero to 60 in just over four seconds -- more like what one would expect from a turbo-charged European brand. While some big eight-cylinder engines produce great power at low RPMs but seem to run out of breath at the higher engine speeds, the Z06's 385-horsepower V8 engine surges quickly, all the way to the tachometer's red line. And the handling? It's as tight as a slot car's.
Naturally, there's a price to pay. The ride is harsh, especially while traversing the irregular surface of city streets. Potholes? Avoid them, or risk damaging one of those expensive, high-performance tires or denting an aluminum wheel. The bottom line: This Corvette isn't cut out for commuting. Though it isn't a race car, it's suited for hobbyists who want to take an occasional turn around a track, and for hard-core racer wannabes.
On a longer trip through New England, our Z06 was in its element, especially after we left the highway in favor of winding back roads. It's a big car compared with overseas rivals like the petite Porsche 911 and svelte Acura NSX. But it felt just as competent as the smaller competition through tight, twisty stretches. The six-speed transmission operated precisely, but it took a bit of effort to engage the gears. Still, its sturdy feel was in keeping with the rest of the car.
Among Corvettes, the Z06 actually has an understated look. Its flamboyant body is styled in a way people seem to love -- or else truly dislike. But beyond that, there are no gaudy fender flares, wings or spoilers to get in the way. Just a few details set it apart from run-of-the-mill 'Vettes, including proprietary aluminum wheels and small air scoops just ahead of the rear wheels, which channel cooling air to the brakes. Still, we noticed that other Corvette drivers seemed to know immediately what we were driving.
With a base price of $47,855, the Z06 costs more than a standard Corvette, but it's also better appointed. The only options on our test car were color-coordinated floor mats and that blinding yellow paint. Unlike other souped-up sports cars, which are stripped of creature comforts to save weight, the Z06 has air conditioning, a comfy leather interior and a booming sound system.
That last feature is a must, because the tunes have to overcome a lot of background noise. Thanks to weight-saving touches like thinner glass in the windshield, there's less to insulate the driver from road and wind noise. And the car generates plenty of its own racket: The exhaust system, made in part of titanium, is lighter but louder than the stainless steel version found on other Corvettes. A mechanical cacophony seeps in from under the hood as well; one can actually hear the engine sucking in air (and fuel) under fast acceleration. Remarkably, our tester's 5.7-liter engine managed to get 24 miles to the gallon, as long as we didn't mash the throttle.
Truthfully, though, during our stint, the Z06 did its best work at low speeds, or even parked -- so that passersby could get a good look.
March 23, 2001
Drive Buys
The 2001 Corvette Z06 Finds
Its Element on Open Roads
By JONATHAN WELSH
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
On the way to a black-tie party, my friend Kerry, a public-relations executive, adjusts her hair and makeup in the vanity mirror while I dodge errant taxis.
By the time we arrive, she looks smashing. But it's the car that draws looks of longing from the guys in the valet-parking crew. To them, the macho rumble and Millennium Yellow paint of our Corvette Z06 test car trumps even a little black dress.
"This car is so cheesy!" says Kerry, who has little tolerance for the odd relationship between certain men and certain cars. "Come on," she says. "It's just a Corvette."
Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 is a souped-up version of Chevy's production-line model, with increased power and tighter handling. The result is muscle on muscle -- more than what's called for on the typical commute.
Well, not quite. The 2001 Z06 is a souped-up version of Chevrolet's Corvette hardtop, in a limited production of about 5,000 cars. For an extra $7,800 on the bottom line, Chevy engineers boosted power, reduced weight and made the car handle better than its production-line counterpart.
The result is noticeable as soon as one steps on the gas: Our test car's acceleration was striking -- zero to 60 in just over four seconds -- more like what one would expect from a turbo-charged European brand. While some big eight-cylinder engines produce great power at low RPMs but seem to run out of breath at the higher engine speeds, the Z06's 385-horsepower V8 engine surges quickly, all the way to the tachometer's red line. And the handling? It's as tight as a slot car's.
Naturally, there's a price to pay. The ride is harsh, especially while traversing the irregular surface of city streets. Potholes? Avoid them, or risk damaging one of those expensive, high-performance tires or denting an aluminum wheel. The bottom line: This Corvette isn't cut out for commuting. Though it isn't a race car, it's suited for hobbyists who want to take an occasional turn around a track, and for hard-core racer wannabes.
On a longer trip through New England, our Z06 was in its element, especially after we left the highway in favor of winding back roads. It's a big car compared with overseas rivals like the petite Porsche 911 and svelte Acura NSX. But it felt just as competent as the smaller competition through tight, twisty stretches. The six-speed transmission operated precisely, but it took a bit of effort to engage the gears. Still, its sturdy feel was in keeping with the rest of the car.
Among Corvettes, the Z06 actually has an understated look. Its flamboyant body is styled in a way people seem to love -- or else truly dislike. But beyond that, there are no gaudy fender flares, wings or spoilers to get in the way. Just a few details set it apart from run-of-the-mill 'Vettes, including proprietary aluminum wheels and small air scoops just ahead of the rear wheels, which channel cooling air to the brakes. Still, we noticed that other Corvette drivers seemed to know immediately what we were driving.
With a base price of $47,855, the Z06 costs more than a standard Corvette, but it's also better appointed. The only options on our test car were color-coordinated floor mats and that blinding yellow paint. Unlike other souped-up sports cars, which are stripped of creature comforts to save weight, the Z06 has air conditioning, a comfy leather interior and a booming sound system.
That last feature is a must, because the tunes have to overcome a lot of background noise. Thanks to weight-saving touches like thinner glass in the windshield, there's less to insulate the driver from road and wind noise. And the car generates plenty of its own racket: The exhaust system, made in part of titanium, is lighter but louder than the stainless steel version found on other Corvettes. A mechanical cacophony seeps in from under the hood as well; one can actually hear the engine sucking in air (and fuel) under fast acceleration. Remarkably, our tester's 5.7-liter engine managed to get 24 miles to the gallon, as long as we didn't mash the throttle.
Truthfully, though, during our stint, the Z06 did its best work at low speeds, or even parked -- so that passersby could get a good look.
I ran (well drove the Shark) out and got a copy of the WSJ for the old Z06 files. Get 'em before they are all gone. Only $.75! All in all a good day... the 1/18th QS Z06 arrived from ChevyMall. (got the 1/18th auto trailer yesterday!) The desk is LOOKING GOOD!!
HarleyB
_________________
'73 Silver Roadster -gone
'89 Red Coupe -gone
'01 SLK320 Silver 6-Speed -Wife's vert/coupe
'01 Quicksilver/Black Z06 •SilverShark•
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Throttle Depressed. Driver Very Happy.
HarleyB
_________________
'73 Silver Roadster -gone
'89 Red Coupe -gone
'01 SLK320 Silver 6-Speed -Wife's vert/coupe
'01 Quicksilver/Black Z06 •SilverShark•
Throttle Depressed. Driver Very Happy.
Nice review, thanks for the posts. There's one comment that really resonates with me:
"It's a big car compared with overseas rivals like the petite Porsche 911 and svelte Acura NSX."
That's something I keep coming back to, as I drive hard on tiny two-lane back country roads. My initial impression of the Corvette (vs. my previous 911's) was that it felt like a bull in a china shop. I've since gotten used to the size. But I think you do have to work a lot harder on tight auto-cross type courses with lots of tight turns, where your max possible turn speed is maybe 40 to 50 mph. I think smaller cars are easier to drive on tighter courses. Just my opinion though.
Well, one other comment too. Smaller cars are easier to weave in and out of traffic too.
"It's a big car compared with overseas rivals like the petite Porsche 911 and svelte Acura NSX."
That's something I keep coming back to, as I drive hard on tiny two-lane back country roads. My initial impression of the Corvette (vs. my previous 911's) was that it felt like a bull in a china shop. I've since gotten used to the size. But I think you do have to work a lot harder on tight auto-cross type courses with lots of tight turns, where your max possible turn speed is maybe 40 to 50 mph. I think smaller cars are easier to drive on tighter courses. Just my opinion though.
Well, one other comment too. Smaller cars are easier to weave in and out of traffic too.
Zippy, Thanks. Your right, the "Man" constantly drives by and waves, even the StateBulls give a smile. I have had this plate for about 9 years....no tickets yet! /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif
Joined
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22 Posts
Thought you'd love to see this -- writen by guys who are waiting for the M3:
Not that I would consider buying one, but yesterday's Wall St. J had a review of a limited production Z06. Other than its 4.0 0-60, and pinpoint steering, the review was as harsh as the ride. Same engine, I think 385hp though. Very, very noisy, reviewer had to blast sound system to hear it. The guy ended the article noting it was not going to have a spare tire to save weight, just an aerosol can of fix-a-flat.
They're already convinced their standard Z06 can pull a 4.0sec 0-60 even though no one has reproduced faster then 4.5(C&D)in road tests. They'll be making up stories this 'special' Z06 will blow away McLaren F1s. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif
Not that I would consider buying one, but yesterday's Wall St. J had a review of a limited production Z06. Other than its 4.0 0-60, and pinpoint steering, the review was as harsh as the ride. Same engine, I think 385hp though. Very, very noisy, reviewer had to blast sound system to hear it. The guy ended the article noting it was not going to have a spare tire to save weight, just an aerosol can of fix-a-flat.
They're already convinced their standard Z06 can pull a 4.0sec 0-60 even though no one has reproduced faster then 4.5(C&D)in road tests. They'll be making up stories this 'special' Z06 will blow away McLaren F1s. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif
Decent article. But loud exhaust? /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif Maybe compared to a Lexus. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif If they think the stock exhaust is loud, I wonder what they would say about a Z06 with PRTs on it? /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif
I think I know now why Zippy has been complaining about the poor visibility and poor gas mileage he has been getting in his Z. (Look at his post two up from the bottom of page one) I don't have the heart to tell him..... who wants to?
_________________
'01, Z06, Millenium Yellow (electrochromics, BSMs, magnetic oil plug, cargo net,and velcro'd accessories), Everyday driver (such a treat to drive Automobile's car of the year!)
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_________________
'01, Z06, Millenium Yellow (electrochromics, BSMs, magnetic oil plug, cargo net,and velcro'd accessories), Everyday driver (such a treat to drive Automobile's car of the year!)
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
