2008 Corvette Z06 -

The 2008 Corvette Z06 has a 7.0-liter aluminum V8 making 505 horsepower, giving it a slight edge over its direct rival, the Dodge Viper, though the ?Vette?s torque rating is lower.The more civilized Z06 also undercuts the Viper by more than $20,000. The 2008 Corvette Z06 is not for those who favor quiet power and performance. At a base price of $71,000 (includes destination charges), you can own this world class offering without breaking your wallet in the way many exotics do.

Sure, it’s not the ZR1, but it’s still a damn fine car and for 2009 is getting a few tweaks that might be noteworthy to some. With the deletion of Machine Sliver Metallic, the 2008 Corvette Z06 exterior color palette now stands at nine colors. With the deletion of Machine Sliver Metallic, the Z06 exterior color palette now stands at nine colors. The big-block engines appeared in what would become among the most collectible cars of the era. Without a doubt, the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 will be a model we fawn over at concours events.

Very large by production-vehicle standards – even racing standards – they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm. The heads feature 70-cc combustion chambers that are fed by huge, 56-mm-diameter titanium intake valves. The composite design is manufactured with a ?lost core? process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional ?skull cap? acoustic shell. To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7’s heads have straight, tunnel-like intake runners. Very large by production-vehicle standards - even racing standards - they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm.

To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7’s heads have straight, tunnel-like intake runners. Very large by production-vehicle standards – even racing standards – they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm.

The dry-sump oil system on the 2008 Corvette Z06 LS7 engine prevents oil starvation on high-g corners or under heavy braking. It could have been a quirk in my test car, but it makes you wonder how touchy the dry sump oiling system is in day-to-day driving. Ethanol production has grown tremendously during the last three decades and has allowed the country to practically wean itself completely from imported oil.

The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. It's an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 26 on highways with the manual transmission and 15 and 25 with the automatic. The 2008 Corvette Z06 comes only with a 6-speed manual and delivers 15 mpg in the city and 24 on highways. This super-LS7 is coupled with the M12 6-speed manual transmission. It's still the only transmission available and a unique gearbox to the Z06.

The 2008 Corvette Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. Wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.

The LS7's CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads are designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine's 7.0-liter displacement. A hydraulic roller camshaft with 0.588/0.593-inch valve lift is used to allow plenty of air to circulate in and out of the engine. With 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of more than 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. Further enhancing the great feel and control of the 2008 Corvette Z06 is the unique, world-class aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof bodystyle. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models.

Its frame and body are made of lightweight carbon composites and aluminum, materials normally only found in far more expensive alternatives, while its engine is hand-built and mounted on magnesium supports. There are a variety of unique and extraordinary engineering innovations built in to the 2008 Corvette Z06 engine that gives it superior efficiency while limiting weight.

E85 Z06 - Corvette Goes Green

This car better be faster than a regular Z06–and I would expect that it would be with an extra 95bhp–because it’s pretty flawed as a concept. Does GM honestly expect people to believe that their monstrous engines are “green” because they burn E85? Available in coupe and convertible versions, each commemorative edition car will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi, who will also drive the E85 Z06 concept at Indy 500.

Engineers have bumped power up to 542hp (389kW) by adding a sports air-filter, custom exhaust manifolds, steel bed catalysts and remapped the engines ECU. The sprint time from 0-100km/h is reduced to about 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is increased to about 327 km/h. Engine oil is usually carried in a deep pan that hangs on the bottom of the engine, but a dry-sump system uses a shallow pan and an external oil reservoir. Oil capacity is eight quarts for the Z06 versus 5.5 for the base car.

Ethanol is beneficial because it is environment-friendly, bio-degradable, non-toxic, water soluble and renewable. Ethanol does not harm drinking water resources. Ethanol is a truly unique fuel for its impacts on the environmental, engine performance and personal finances. Of the commonly available fuels, including gasoline, diesel and natural gas, it is the only one eligible for tax rebates. Ethanol also combusts at a lower temperature than gasoline, which means the engine, runs cooler. Thus, a smaller radiator and fan can be used, which will significantly reduce a vehicle's weight.

Pace car replicas will be available in both coupe and convertible models, and come standard with the 'Vette's 3LT trim level, Z51 performance package and a dual-mode exhaust. The usual six-speed manual and automatic are both available, but pricing for the replicas and their options won't be revealed until a later date. Pace car numero uno is a customized Chevrolet Corvette Z06 concept that runs on E85 ethanol and will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. The second pace car will be the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car featuring a black exterior with silver graphics honoring the 1978 model - no word yet on who'll be driving that one.

Not too 'green' though. The E85 Z06 is capable of changing colors from green, blue, gold and yellow and you can check it out in the 2008 Indy 500 which airs Sunday, May 25, 2008. Looks wise, the Corvette E85 Z06 Concept Pace Car has a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A checkered flag pattern is also a part of the paint job.

This the first “green” car to lead off the Indy 500 race in the history of the sport. The car that gets the task of doing so is the new Chevrolet Corvette E85 Z06 sports car. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme.

The customized E85 Z06 concept runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the race cars in the Indy Racing League. Using ethanol fuel to power high performance cars makes good sense. How’s that for strength on your street car! And the term “technology transfer” has never been more appropriate than when used to describe the matched set of Corvette C6.R and Corvette Z06. Chevrolet will produce 500 of the 30th Anniversary Pace Car in both coupe and convertible form.

2008 Corvette - A True Super Car

The 2008 Corvette is a refreshed version of Generation 6 and includes a number of updates led by an all-new LS3 6.2-liter small block V-8 engine, with a long list of technological advances. That includes a 190-mph top speed capability (tested on Germany's Autobahn) and optional two-mode performance exhaust for a sweeter sounding rumble and a couple more notches of horsepower.

High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. The 2008 Corvette ZHZ's performance exhaust system ensures the aggressive sound performance loved by auto enthusiasts. They likely were unaware that they were witnessing the arrival of a car that exposes the majority of European sports cars for what they are: overpriced, underperforming snobs.

High performance, balanced and blue printed 4 bolt main 400. The engine has lots of performance options call for details. The car includes larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear) topped by dramatic fender forms, with a crisp and tapered rear deck and fascia that support improved high-speed performance. Compared to the outgoing C5, this new generation Corvette has much more character in its front and rear fascia areas. It’s still not perfect, but Chevrolet's sports car is better than ever, able to hold its head high against its rivals in both performance and refinement.

The 2008 Corvette, the LS3, has an all-aluminum, 6.2-liter, V8 under the hood thrumming out 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. Stick the optional dual-mode exhaust on that baby and you're looking at 436 hp and a jump to 428 lb.-ft. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. As a result, the standard Corvette is true super car, capable of 190 mph. GM Power train has completed SAE certification of the ZR1's supercharged LS9 V-8 and the results exceed the estimate: 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. The LS9's output is nearly 103 horses per liter or just about 1.7 horses for each of the engine's 376 cubic inches.

There is also a new Exhaust system that is optional on 2008 Corvette Coupe and Convertible models. It has two-modes of operation and is similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06. Loved by the auto enthusiasts the Corvette ZHZ performance exhaust system ensures the aggressive sound performance. And also auto parts features a distinctive look, and a dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combined with the grille and center-exit exhaust, round tail lamps, tapered rear deck, a rear spoiler and body color door handles to create a dramatic visual identity.

Shift effort for the 6-speed manual transmission is improved and shift times are quicker for the paddle-shift 6-speed automatic. Standard wheels are a new split-spoke cast aluminum design and Competition Gray finish is optional. The automatic transmission offers up a more involving driving experience. An optional leather-wrapped dash is as nice as anything we’ve seen from Stuttgart.

Also, the 2008 Corvette convertible has some astounding features like the electronic key less ignition system that allows you to just start the engine with just a push of a button. The convertible also has cruise control; an auxiliary audio input jack, power door locks, power windows, as well as the active handling system.

2008 Corvette Indy Pace Car

Chevrolet unveiled two unique 2008 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Cars Thursday, December 27, 2007 that will serve as the official vehicles for the race. One of the Corvette pace cars represents Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions, while the other marks 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.

Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998. Product specifications are obtained from third parties, and while we make every effort to assure the accuracy of product information, we do not assume any liability for inaccuracies. Store ratings and product reviews are written and submitted by online shoppers to assist you as you shop. Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998.

Chevy does not make an E85 Corvette but this concept may hint at future plans from Chevy's gas friendly to gas free strategy. The video includes the pace car driver, two-time Indy 500 winner, Emerson Fittipaldi, joking it will be great to look in the mirror and see all those Indy cars behind him. Available in coupe and convertible versions, each commemorative edition car will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi, who will also drive the Z06 E85 concept at Indy 500. The actual pace car, the E85 ZO6, was in the garage next to the pagoda.

E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum. E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum.

GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road with more on the way. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008. But along with the regular-production models, several dozen copies of all the pace cars have been used for official activities in support of their respective Indianapolis 500 races, such as parades. These cars - known as "festival" cars - have become prized collectibles, along with the limited-edition regular-production replicas. Another Corvette model identical to the convertible pace car that will be used for May’s Indianapolis 500 race will be displayed in Chicago. In fact, Chevrolet will build 500 production replicas of the pace car, which will be offered to the public alongside the Ron Fellows version at $66,995.

In addition to achieving speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour, the car will also be capable of changing colors from green, blue, gold and yellow. Meanwhile, a second special edition Corvette, designed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic 1978 Corvette Indy 500 pace car with a similar black and silver design, will also be on hand.

There was great debate on whether to make the green stripe we mentioned earlier green. They thought because of the 30 year anniversary they could have went with red stripe as did the 78 car, or maybe the blue or orange from the Indy logo but in the end, to send and tie the message together with the fantastic E85 car, they went with green. The only other modification to the car, besides its wild, color changing Gold Rush Green paint job accented by a checkered flag pattern on its flanks, is the car's requisite safety equipment. The E85 Vette is a one-off concept that will only see duty as a pace car at the race. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum.

2008 Corvette - The Options

The 2008 Corvette is more agile and easier to toss around than the previous-generation model, benefits of its lighter weight, trimmer proportions, and refined suspension. The coupe weighs 3,179 pounds, about 67 pounds lighter than last year's model. The 2008 Corvette is highly responsive on the road, yet we had to be told we were driving a Z51 at first--mute testimony to its smoothness and comfort. The new Corvette is perhaps the best value in the entire Sports Car arena. Still immediately identifiable as a Corvette, the C6 is clearly new across the board.

The 2008 Corvette is constructed with each part justified by its contribution to overall performance. Its frame and body are made of lightweight carbon composites and aluminum, materials normally only found in far more expensive alternatives, while its engine is hand-built and mounted on magnesium supports.

The 2008 Corvette is an awesome car. It’s incredibly fast, comfortable and well appointed. The 2008 Corvette is nicely balanced with a weight distribution of 51/49 front to rear, a key to its near-neutral road manners. The car's advanced approach to traction and stability control has a large menu of options starting with the normal "on" mode, which allows a bit of wheel slip, giving the Corvette a natural feel in hard acceleration.

With the C6 Corvette, Chevrolet's engineers outdid themselves; the newest Corvette's handling is spot-on, the power train is smooth and scary-fast, the look is classy and the ergonomics top-notch. The car just feels so solid. I do have reservations about a couple things, however:

Chevy engineers tell us they sought to eliminate the little imperfections and potential dis-satisfiers that sports car customers formerly had to accept. All of the major user interfaces the hood, the doors, and the rear hatch have been painstakingly designed for top quality performance, look and feel. Clear-coated carbon rocker extensions make the vehicle look almost subterranean. The top and B-pillar are covered in clear-coated panels of the stuff as well. The sixth-generation Corvette Convertible features an optional power-operated soft top, a feature that last appeared on the car in 1962. The power top features a single-button control and completes its cycle in 18 seconds.

In the front you notice the large grill that adds some character to the car. The length of the Corvette was shortened by 5.1 inches in 2005. But if the 2008 Corvette were only about all-out speed, it would be a failure as a car. Instead, the Corvette takes that power and refines it into a vehicle that does everything equally well. The 4-speed automatic with the Performance Axle (3.15 ratio) option. If you don't go with the 6-speed manual transmission then the performance axle is the way to go.

Coupes can be equipped with a transparent roof panel, or both the standard solid panel and the transparent panel. A versatile head-up display is available, along with driver-seat memory, a seven-speaker Bose audio system and automatic climate control. Couple all of this together with new flat top pistons at a higher compression of 10.9:1 and faster responding fuel and engine management computers results in one of the most advanced engines GM ever put in a car.

Standard features for the 2008 Corvette coupe include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter; power everything (including seats), cruise control and HID headlights. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. Standard wheels are a new split-spoke cast aluminum design and a Competition Gray finish is optional. Pricing for the coupe begins at around $45,500, convertibles just over $53,700, and the powerhouse Z06 in the mid $70's. Standard features are available at Warwick website. Subject model being reviewed was made in 1996.

Chevrolet unveiled two unique 2008 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Cars Thursday, December 27, 2007 that serve as the official vehicles for the race. One of the Corvette pace cars represents Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions, while the other marks 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage. Chevrolet believes that speed comes with style as well, so they built the 2008 Corvette to satisfy us with the best auto performance plus the coolest features that will meet our standards in the aspects of comfort and styling! It’s an all-new Corvette for all of us and I think we’ll never ask for anything else because it’s all here in this remarkable vehicle. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.

There’s so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you’ll want to absorb all the details. The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvettes position as the preeminent American sports car and further the argument that it is one of the world’s best.

2008 Corvette - Excellent Fit and Finish

The 2008 Corvette is a carryover from 2007. The 2008 Corvette is evidence that Chevy is not about to rest on its laurels. Adopting the cylinder head design from the recently introduced Silverado pickup, the Corvette's ohv V-8 now displaces 6.2 liters and boasts increased horsepower.

This 2008 Black Z06 has a 505 hp fuel injected engine with a 6-speed, Black and Red interior, smoke gray wheels, and most of the other options available at the time of production. This is one mean looking car. This opens up a dual-cockpit interior that will surprise long time Vette owners with its high quality trim and excellent fit and finish. The comfy, body-hugging sport seats, with adjustable side bolsters and back support, are superior to any Corvette seats before. The 2008 Corvette model is visually similar (wheels and interior trim accepted), but the big news is a new standard LS3 engine with 430-horsepower. OnStar and XM radio are included with all 2008s, and there are new options and option groups, including a full leather-wrapped, two-tone interior.

The 2008 Corvette coupe and convertible come with a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. An optional dual-mode exhaust increases the horsepower to 436-hp. The engineers at Chevy refined the already impressive LS2 motor by redesigning the cylinder heads to allow for a smoother airflow on the intake and exhaust runner and valves. This change plus a new intake manifold added 30 HP and 24 ft. /lbs of torque producing overall 430 HP and 424 ft. /lbs of torque. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.

It has a passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, front seatbelt pretensioners, a remote anti-theft alarm system, and an engine immobilizer. It also daytime running lights, xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, dusk-sensing headlamps, and tire pressure monitoring.

Optional on 2008 Corvette Coupe and Convertible models is a new, two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation.

There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette's luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship. And the 2008 Corvette only gets better thanks to more power, additional refinement and more standard features. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.

Clearly, then, the changes have made a huge improvement in the Chevy's handling. It comes with friendly ergonomics, razor- sharp handling, supportive seats, and excellent fit and finish proven by its stylish interiors. On the other hand, the car's hatchback body provides 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity making it relatively convenient.

When the current generation debuted, nearly everyone was completely satisfied with its 400 hp, and those few who wanted more were satiated with a high-performance Z06 that had 505 hp. For the 2008 Corvette coupe and convertible get a power boost from a new V-8 engine. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile. It is a decision to make the car perform better. The ZR1 is an obvious indication of their intentions, but they can only do so much with this platform.