I had an interesting and lengthy discussion with a GM engineer at the recent NCM Bash about the handling of the Z06 with and without 1) the CF rims (41 lbs less weight), and 2) the Z07 package. He’d ++ driven all Z06 variants. I was told there was a negligible difference with street driving, since the base Z06 was such a great performance car already. I thought you’d notice more responsive steering on the streets with the CF rims but he said no, based upon his extensive miles behind the wheel of the Z06. As for the track, the base Z06 also handles ++ well. If you want to up your game on the track, he said the biggest difference was the Cup 2R tires: a set would improve track handling and bring the base Z06 closer to a Z07 equipped car and eventually, you’ll be able to buy Cup 2R tires separately. BUT if you were ++ into getting the absolute most performance and especially squeezing EVERYTHING you could to achieve the FASTEST track time, then the Z07 package with CF rims was the way to go. So the main point was just how well designed the base Z06 already was for performance…and only those truly into competition racing, would benefit from the Z07 package and CF rims. I also asked a Michelin engineer if the white ceramic coating on the CF rims (meant to dissipate heat) would also reduce heat to the tire and improve tire longevity. He said no: the benefit was a cooler rim, protecting it and other braking components during ++ track use.
I asked the GM engineer about the durability of the CF rims, which was another concern I had. He said the manufacturer had met a high spec for them and he’d hit many bad potholes with them, with no damage. So he was satisfied they’d withstand a fair bit of abuse. But that’s not saying they’re indestructible: any rim will crack with a bad enough impact and replacing a CF rim will be ++ costly compared to an already expensive Corvette aluminum rim and they might be hard to find for retail purchase initially.
I suspect just like the Z51 package on the C8 Stingray, those who don’t track the Z06 won’t benefit much from the Z07 package or that package with the CF rims. And even if you track the Z06, a small segment that are ++ focused on lap times will truly notice the difference with the Z07 package with or without the CF rims.
Having said that and when standing next to them, the GM engineer and I agreed that the visible CF rims LOOKED GREAT! So if you have the money and simply MUST have them for aesthetics, that’s a value benefit you might appreciate. But to get those CF rims, you first need to buy the Z07 package...
And no doubt many people will buy the Z07 package with CF rims, to get “the best” and achieve the high-wing RACING CAR LOOK with corresponding aero components. But “be careful what you wish for” with the already stiffer ride of the base Z06, made 8% stiffer with the Z07 package. Think about that and your intended use of the car, since it may not fit everyone’s comfort preferences. I know I loved my C8 Stingray’s ride over long distances and when using it as a daily-driver. I know I won’t mind a stiffer ride and I’m looking forward to the more precise handling, so the Z06 should work for me. I also know I won’t see my spouse much as a passenger in the Z06, since she wasn’t keen to begin with on the Stingray’s ride and performance exhaust note (the Z06 sound is an entirely different story).
Some things to consider once Z06 pricing info is released and you’re deciding on options; more so for those of us with financial constraints. The Z07 package won’t be cheap with the ceramic brakes included in the package, and the CF rims will also be a costly option. My 2 cents.
I asked the GM engineer about the durability of the CF rims, which was another concern I had. He said the manufacturer had met a high spec for them and he’d hit many bad potholes with them, with no damage. So he was satisfied they’d withstand a fair bit of abuse. But that’s not saying they’re indestructible: any rim will crack with a bad enough impact and replacing a CF rim will be ++ costly compared to an already expensive Corvette aluminum rim and they might be hard to find for retail purchase initially.
I suspect just like the Z51 package on the C8 Stingray, those who don’t track the Z06 won’t benefit much from the Z07 package or that package with the CF rims. And even if you track the Z06, a small segment that are ++ focused on lap times will truly notice the difference with the Z07 package with or without the CF rims.
Having said that and when standing next to them, the GM engineer and I agreed that the visible CF rims LOOKED GREAT! So if you have the money and simply MUST have them for aesthetics, that’s a value benefit you might appreciate. But to get those CF rims, you first need to buy the Z07 package...
And no doubt many people will buy the Z07 package with CF rims, to get “the best” and achieve the high-wing RACING CAR LOOK with corresponding aero components. But “be careful what you wish for” with the already stiffer ride of the base Z06, made 8% stiffer with the Z07 package. Think about that and your intended use of the car, since it may not fit everyone’s comfort preferences. I know I loved my C8 Stingray’s ride over long distances and when using it as a daily-driver. I know I won’t mind a stiffer ride and I’m looking forward to the more precise handling, so the Z06 should work for me. I also know I won’t see my spouse much as a passenger in the Z06, since she wasn’t keen to begin with on the Stingray’s ride and performance exhaust note (the Z06 sound is an entirely different story).
Some things to consider once Z06 pricing info is released and you’re deciding on options; more so for those of us with financial constraints. The Z07 package won’t be cheap with the ceramic brakes included in the package, and the CF rims will also be a costly option. My 2 cents.