During my time driving the long-term Chevrolet Corvette Z06/Z07 at the Radford Racing School track, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Porsche declined to lend us a 911 GT3 RS for a head-to-head race against Amir Bentatou’s 1991 Acura NSX. The plan was to pit the German street-legal race car against a true race car for an upcoming episode of our show, Head 2 Head Drag Race. Despite the apparent mismatch, with Amir’s NSX boasting a 700-horsepower Honda K20 engine and a weight just over 2,100 pounds, Porsche decided to opt out. Amir, a national Global Time Attack champion, substituted his Acura NSX with a K20-swapped Lotus Elise for the race. The unexpected twist added an element of surprise to our long-term car stewardship adventure.
Preparing the Z06 for the Track
To ensure a fair competition, we meticulously prepared our Corvette Z06 for the track. Our local dealer executed the necessary track setup, including removing aero components, adjusting alignment, lowering the vehicle, and burnishing the substantial brakes.
The burnishing process was a notable task. Matching the brake pads to the rotors involved performing 20 deceleration runs from 60 mph to 15 mph, applying 0.8 g of pedal force. Subsequently, 12 additional decelerations from 60 mph to 5 mph were performed at the same braking force. The final step required driving at 60 mph for 10 miles without using the brakes. Although it may sound mundane, the challenge kept me engaged throughout the process.
Fine-Tuning and Tire Adjustments
One aspect I appreciate about GM performance vehicles is the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system. Offering five preconfigured settings for traction control, stability control, electronic limited-slip diff (eLSD), transmission, brakes, and engine output, PTM enhances the driving experience. For the Z06, I opted for Race I during the track session, turning off traction and stability control while limiting the engine power in specific situations.
The track experience also revealed the effectiveness of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control and the optional FE7 suspension. The Corvette Z06/Z07 exhibited superb handling, providing an enjoyable driving experience on the challenging track.
The Potent LT6 Engine
The heart of the Z06, the LT6 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V-8, delivered an impressive 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of naturally aspirated torque. The combination of power and responsiveness made the Z06 a track-day standout. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, coupled with the legible head-up display, allowed for seamless gear shifts without distracting from the road.
On the track, the Z06 showcased its capabilities, reaching triple-digit speeds effortlessly. The exceptional braking system ensured a confident and controlled stopping performance, even under challenging conditions.
Track Day Showdown
Engaging in a time attack competition with Amir’s Lotus Elise, I navigated the track while adapting to both the car and the circuit’s layout changes. Despite a few minor missteps, the Z06 performed admirably. Amir’s prepped Lotus, with its impressive power-to-weight ratio and superior aero, posed a formidable challenge. In the end, Amir secured victory by less than two seconds, highlighting the exceptional track capabilities of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07.
In conclusion, the Z06 proved itself as a remarkable track car, showcasing power, precision, and handling that can hold its own against formidable competition.
