In all honesty, the Z06 is new KOTH Corvette with all the appropriate "bragging rights" bestowed that come with that title.
But, to me and perhaps more importantly, it is the long awaited restoration of "pride in the USA" that has rightfully returned to Corvette.
The 2002 Z06 exceeds the former milestone set by the 1990 ZR-1 with the magnificent (but still foreign) Lotus LT5 engine. Now, that same (actually higher) level of engine performance is available in the latest reincarnation of an American original, a small block Chevy V8. Thanks to Corvette Development and GM Powertrain engineers who do "more with less", we have a 400 pound lighter (and safer) car with an American pedigree with all the right credentials. The illustrious #s of 405hp and 400ft-lbs in the enhanced (yet still relatively "low tech") all aluminum LS6 engine is a very
significant milestone in the 48 year history of Corvettes. In equivalent gross horsepower #s before the advent of "net" SAE measured HP in all cars since 1972, the new LS6 is the highest specific engine power output in a production built Corvette ever, even more
than the best of the big blocks of the mid
60s. And with immensely better gas mileage, virtually no pollution, and actually far less
cubic inches.
I didn't think this was ever going to happen again, and the muscle car era was never to be again. Guys, this is truly something to stand up and cheer about!!!
Unlike the ZR-1, the Z06 as successor to the title of KOTH, some 12 years later, is 100%
All AMERICAN. We can all take great pride in being owners of the best of the best, and such a history making car.
But, to me and perhaps more importantly, it is the long awaited restoration of "pride in the USA" that has rightfully returned to Corvette.
The 2002 Z06 exceeds the former milestone set by the 1990 ZR-1 with the magnificent (but still foreign) Lotus LT5 engine. Now, that same (actually higher) level of engine performance is available in the latest reincarnation of an American original, a small block Chevy V8. Thanks to Corvette Development and GM Powertrain engineers who do "more with less", we have a 400 pound lighter (and safer) car with an American pedigree with all the right credentials. The illustrious #s of 405hp and 400ft-lbs in the enhanced (yet still relatively "low tech") all aluminum LS6 engine is a very
significant milestone in the 48 year history of Corvettes. In equivalent gross horsepower #s before the advent of "net" SAE measured HP in all cars since 1972, the new LS6 is the highest specific engine power output in a production built Corvette ever, even more
than the best of the big blocks of the mid
60s. And with immensely better gas mileage, virtually no pollution, and actually far less
cubic inches.
I didn't think this was ever going to happen again, and the muscle car era was never to be again. Guys, this is truly something to stand up and cheer about!!!
Unlike the ZR-1, the Z06 as successor to the title of KOTH, some 12 years later, is 100%
All AMERICAN. We can all take great pride in being owners of the best of the best, and such a history making car.
