Back with a vengeance.
The Chevrolet Corvette has long been deemed ‘America’s sports car’ and for good reason. It gives supercar performance in a relatively affordable package that is attainable for most. It has made a name for itself on and off the track as well. The sports car has packed on numerous racing wins against the likes of Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and others on some of the biggest stages in racing. While the C6-generation model was relatively disappointing, the new C7-generation is outstanding. Add on the Z51 package with its new Corvette wheels, new brakes, and other goodies, and you have quite a potent sports car that can hang with the best exotics.
For the new C7-generation of the Corvette, Chevrolet essentially started from scratch while keeping with the same race-proven and successful layout and character. The Detroit automaker poured every bit of technology and experience into making the sports car from the Corvette wheels all the way up to the engine and roof to make the best performance car that they possibly could.
An all-new 6.2-liter LT1 naturally aspirated V-8 engine was developed from scratch and has millions of testing and development hours behind it. The engine sends a total of 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque to the rear Corvette wheels while still achieving good fuel economy figures. In the performance-minded Z51 package, the drivetrain benefits from a new close-ratio gear set, transmission cooling system, Performance Traction Management, a limited slip differential, and differential cooling system.
All those extra goodies are exciting, but that’s not all of what makes the new Chevrolet Corvette Z51 so much fun. Beneath the sheetmetal sits a specially-tuned chassis setup to make it even more nimble in the corners – where sports cars really shine. Checking the optional Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system box makes it even quicker on its feet as well. The standard rim and tire setup becomes a staggered setup with the Z51 where new Corvette wheels are worn in a new 19-inch front and 20-inch rear size with stickier tires. Behind those new Corvette wheels sit slotted brake rotors and new cooling ducts to regulate temperatures better for driving on the track.
The main focus on the Z51 performance package on the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is to improve the overall performance of the sports car without dipping into the heavyweight, Z06’s territory. Inside, customers will still be treated to the newly designed cabin with premium, high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit.
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