Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355-mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340-mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors. For comparison, Corvette Coupe and Convertible models have 12.8-inch (325-mm) front and 12-inch (305-mm) rear rotors, while 2006 Corvette with the Z51 sport package has 13.4-inch (340-mm) and 13-inch (330-mm) rotors.


The front rotors are acted upon by huge, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A Delphi four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system - complete with a Competitive Driving mode.


The large brakes bring an excellent level of stopping capability with Corvette Z06, and with their four-wheel brake cooling, they provide excellent fade resistance and lining life during track duties.



Design details

The new Corvette Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance, with design cues that include:

• A wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and wheel opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce

• A cold air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine

• The trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is located behind the wheel

• A fixed-roof bodystyle optimizes body rigidity and mass

• Wider rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor

• A tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia

• 10-spoke wheels (18-inch, front; 19-inch, rear)

• Four larger stainless steel exhaust outlets

• New-design Z06 badging on the carbon fiber front fenders

The aerodynamics of Corvette Z06's exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the racecars use large rear wings, the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. Corvette Z06's Cd is .31.

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily driveable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge llighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter are standard.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 also has a revised gauge cluster that displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer and has a new readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. And, like other 2006 Corvettes, the Z06 has a new, smaller-diameter 370-mm three-spoke steering wheel that provides a more agile, performance-oriented feel. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces, with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.


Chevrolet Corvette Z06 options include a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, polished wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, side air bags, a navigation system with GPS, universal home remote and XM Satellite Radio.

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