The C6 featured altered and ferocious components in the form of a hydroformed aluminum structure, magnesium suspension cradles, and featherweight carbon body panels. The Z06’s powertrain was GM’s explosive and hand-built 7.0-liter LS7 engine, which was loaded up with race-friendly technology that had never been present in a ‘Vette before. Agile titanium rods and a dry sump oiling system designed for hard track use were new additions to this Z06 that could be acquired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
These cars were so proficient on the track that early production “Captured Test Fleet” Z06s had been shipped to Europe to strut their stuff at the Callaway Competition in Germany. This fantastic array of Z06-R GT3 race cars was able to dominate multiple championships, even replacing the winning C5-R expertly constructed by Pratt & Miller. During its very first “12 Hours of Sebring” race, this model had an amazing second and third-place finish, coming up hot and unwavering on the heels of the Aston Martin DBR9 Supercar.
The American LE Mans GT1 Championships was the scene of another victory in 2006, where the C6-R claimed first-place victory in both events. The following year, the ‘Vette stormed the gates and swooped up top honors in the fiercely competitive GT1 class at Sebring. An esteemed panel of 50 race engine engineers also named the LS7-R powertrain the Global Motorsports Engine of the Year in 2007, in prompt preparation for its victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the ZR1-inspired C6-R in 2011. Just one year later, the winner’s board at the GTE-Am category was claimed by the ‘Vette as well.
2007 was also when GM offered the fantastic limited-edition Indy pace car tributes, with a boisterous batch of 500 painted in Atomic Orange headed for diehard fans’ driveways. These sweet models were all drop tops and were identical to the actual pilot cars driven by Patrick Dempsey. In 2009, GM determined that the best way to generate the thundering power needed for a very intensified effect was by adding an Eaton supercharger! This resulted in the first Corvette to proudly hit 200 mph, as the ZR1 was constructed around a beefy 6.2-liter LS3-derived block.
GM knew that a brand-new generation of ‘Vette prowess was in the works for 2014, so they came up with more special editions to employ every item from the diverse parts bin left over from the ZR1. This C6 offered numerous special and authentic runs such as the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, along with more trim options than any previous generation. The 2011 Z07 Performance Package boasted unique extras such as ZR1-spec ceramic brakes, spectacular magnetic ride control, and Zero-Pressure Michelin PS2 tires planted on ZR1-themed wheels.
Corvette’s 50th anniversary at LeMans was also properly hailed with the commemorative ULZ package, which brought a unique interior, bulged carbon hood, and special badging along as honorable guests for the ride. Much like our beloved nation itself during the bicentennial year, Corvette’s 100th anniversary would not be the same without the Centennial Edition Z06. This added highlights such as Carbon Flash black metallic paint, and an Ebony leather interior with suede accents.
The C6’s final production year was 2013, with five different models to finish things out on a celebratory high note. Over nine action-packed years, 215,223 C6 Corvettes were produced, with an astounding 40,561 of them rolling off the line in 2007. Every model has a unique story, timeline, and trusty build: the spirit of winning was engrained with a sense of longstanding vigor and robust champion reign!
