I have just finished having a C8 Z06 at my disposal for four days. Put about 800 kms on it. Here are my impressions.
1) The power is INSANE! I have raced (both drag and road course) for most of my adult life. I have driven around Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) in a previous C5, in a Lamborghini with Scott Goodyear at the wheel, in a C8 Z06 with Ron Fellows at the wheel. (even in a Subaru Imprezza with James Hinchcliffe at the wheel) and numerous other cars. None of those experiences comes close to the C8 Z06. Insane is the only word I can think of to describe the power.
2) The sound, with the exhaust valves wide open, is incredible. It is a shreeeeeek. It screams. It wails!
3) In Z mode in its most extreme settings will not shift until at least 4000 rpm, even if you are babying the throttle. Driving around town never gets out of 2nd gear. Z Mode is way more extreme compared to the Stingray Z Mode.
4) You can really feel those intake runner valves when they open or make whatever adjustments they make for max torque and power. It throws you even further back into the seat.
5) I never did a standing start, full throttle launch. (It wasn't my car!!) All of my observations are from around town and normal highway driving. I did definitely get into it, and did get the pedal to the floor. It was akin to the feeling you get with full throttle action on a 4 cyl sport motorcycle.
6) The ride, with mag ride and on its mild or softest settings, is nice. Just as nice as the Stingray. But the handling and cornering is definitely way more competitive. It really sticks. Those 13 inch wide rear tires really grab the pavement, and turn in is amazing.
7) As for it being the driver that I want to have at my disposal on a regular basis, I will take my Z-51 Stringray. With the Z06 it is as if it, or you, is "on" all the time. It is a great race car but I was glad to get back into my Stingray. Even when the Z06 had all the settings turned down to their softest easiest quietest settings, the car still felt "on" all the time.
It was a thrilling four days for me. If I could afford two C8s, I'd have a Stingray and a Z06. And maybe whatever else is coming down the pipe. I loved the car, but for my regular fun car on the street, the Stingray is for me.
1) The power is INSANE! I have raced (both drag and road course) for most of my adult life. I have driven around Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) in a previous C5, in a Lamborghini with Scott Goodyear at the wheel, in a C8 Z06 with Ron Fellows at the wheel. (even in a Subaru Imprezza with James Hinchcliffe at the wheel) and numerous other cars. None of those experiences comes close to the C8 Z06. Insane is the only word I can think of to describe the power.
2) The sound, with the exhaust valves wide open, is incredible. It is a shreeeeeek. It screams. It wails!
3) In Z mode in its most extreme settings will not shift until at least 4000 rpm, even if you are babying the throttle. Driving around town never gets out of 2nd gear. Z Mode is way more extreme compared to the Stingray Z Mode.
4) You can really feel those intake runner valves when they open or make whatever adjustments they make for max torque and power. It throws you even further back into the seat.
5) I never did a standing start, full throttle launch. (It wasn't my car!!) All of my observations are from around town and normal highway driving. I did definitely get into it, and did get the pedal to the floor. It was akin to the feeling you get with full throttle action on a 4 cyl sport motorcycle.
6) The ride, with mag ride and on its mild or softest settings, is nice. Just as nice as the Stingray. But the handling and cornering is definitely way more competitive. It really sticks. Those 13 inch wide rear tires really grab the pavement, and turn in is amazing.
7) As for it being the driver that I want to have at my disposal on a regular basis, I will take my Z-51 Stringray. With the Z06 it is as if it, or you, is "on" all the time. It is a great race car but I was glad to get back into my Stingray. Even when the Z06 had all the settings turned down to their softest easiest quietest settings, the car still felt "on" all the time.
It was a thrilling four days for me. If I could afford two C8s, I'd have a Stingray and a Z06. And maybe whatever else is coming down the pipe. I loved the car, but for my regular fun car on the street, the Stingray is for me.
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