The ultimate Corvette — the 2006 Corvette Z06 — is posting numbers at the track that will get attention. Chevrolet has announced that the fastest Corvette ever — the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06 — will achieve 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds while still in first gear.

“Corvette is a global icon for world-class sports car performance at an incredible value, and offering the fastest production Corvette ever at this price (US$65,800 RRP) is another testament to that reputation,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “When you compare the Corvette Z06 performance stats to other supercars, you see numerous examples where you’re getting better performance with Corvette for one-third the sticker price of the competition.”

Developed alongside the Corvette C6.R race car, the Corvette Z06 uses advanced lightweight materials typically found only in the most exotic supercars. Use of weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber, aluminium, titanium and magnesium give the 3,132-pound car a highly competitive weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

“The new Corvette Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing,” said Dave Hill, Corvette’s chief engineer. “It combines the strong attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and know-how from the race programme to form an American supercar with outstanding credentials.” The highly anticipated Corvette Z06, which will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005, completes the sixth-generation portfolio, which also includes the 400-hp Corvette coupe and convertible.

Previous Corvette Z06 models, from the original 1963 model to the 2001-04 editions, incorporated suspension and engine upgrades that complemented existing Corvette systems. The 2006 Corvette Z06 is differentiated from the standard Corvette more than any other Z06 in history with every design element serving a performance function.

Corvette Z06 features include:

• LS7 7.0-litre/427-cubic-inch Gen IV V-8 engine with lightweight reciprocating components
• 505 horsepower (373 kw) @ 6300 rpm
• 470 lb.-ft. of torque (657 Nm) @ 4800 rpm
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 7000 rpm redline
• Aluminium body structure with one-piece hydroformed perimeter rails frame and magnesium engine cradle
• Carbon-fibre composite front fenders, front wheelhouses and floors
• Dry-sump engine lubrication system
• Hand-built engine at GM’s new Performance Build Centre
• Unique design styling that includes a larger grille, cold-air scoop and lower air splitter, wide-body front and rear fenders and a taller rear spoiler
• Engine, transmission and differential oil coolers and steering cooler

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Corvette Z06 also is designed to be refined as a 'daily driver' with a sophisticated and comfortable interior and generous cargo volume. The Z06 will be offered in Machine Silver Metallic, Victory Red, Daytona Sunset Orange, Le Mans Blue Metallic, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Black exterior colours.