What will it take to consider the Z06 a success.

For me:
1. 500hp or more
2. 3000lbs or less
3. under 70k

I am not really concerned with the size of the engine although a 427 would be cool.

I partially say this because Autoweek and other sources say that GM was unable to achieve the 500 hp mark and I think that is unnacceptable.

 

In my opinion, to be a success all it needs to do is soundly outperform the C5 Z06, for around the same price. Anything less is unacceptable.

 

Unless the Z06 is FWD and powerd by the Aveo's 1.5L 4cyl, its going to be a smashing rip of American power. I vote 100% success. the C6 weighs about 3k lbs now... I would guess that the Z06 would be less and 500hp has been all but confirmed.
So super car performance for 60k? I say its safe to say that its all good.

 

Sounds good to me, but I think under 3099lbs. and under $60K would be good targets.

The 6.4L had trouble with getting 500HP, The 7.0L will probably be underrated at 500HP.

 

Benchmarking the C6 Z06 against the current Z06? Now THAT is a laugh guys. The C6 will outperform the C5 Z06 in a straight line; the dyno numbers for the LS2 vs LS6 are there. The C6 with the Z51 package IMO will outperform the C5 Z06 in all areas, but that's just speculation right now.

Last I heard the C6 Z06 is peaking around 480 horses. If you can't find 20 hp hiding somewhere in there then you shouldn't be near a car. Also Chevy is trying to keep prices down! So, 70k is out of the picture. A dealer here has a BRAND new 2004 White C5 Vert stickered at $54k. I laughed HARD at him. Oh and 3 months later guess what it's still there AND it has a silver coupe brother now. The Cheapest Used(Certified) C5 I've seen is $27k with 30k on the clock. I'm sure there will be dealer markup on the C6 and C6 Z06, but I'm sure prices will calm themselves the following model year.

 

As far as Z06 pricing goes, I would hope it holds the line at least as well as the base C6 did vs the base C5.... I don't want to see a C6 Z06 starting price of more than $53-$54k....

 

I was talking to a person that works at the Corvette plant here in BG and they said that the ZO6 engine had no problems with making 500+hp. But then again they could have been just saying that to not cause controversy but I do not think that is the case because they kinda laughed when I asked a couple of months ago. So I guess we will see..

And yes I agree, as long as this ZO6 out performs the previous ZO6 and the C6 I think people will buy them. Just my $0.02

 

There is no problem getting a sbc or bbc to make 500hp, its getting good fuel milage and acceptable emission levels that make it a challenge. I'm real curious to see if they put better internals in the motor. Don't like the idea of a cast crank and Hyper pistons in a 500hp motor. If Ford can do it cheaply with the Cobra, surely GM can do it with a $60k car. I'll be trading my V for another V if it has 450hp+.

 

Actually the current Cobra motor lists for $13K. It's hand built and uses aftermarket Manley H-beams and has crappy forged pistons that all the Cobra owners agree are the weak link. It's a pretty pricey motor even with iron block.

I'm sure the LS7 is going to be hyper-utes and powered metal rods and probably cast crank.

If they can't get 500 from 7L then the weight is going to have to be well under 3000 lbs to meet expectations.

 

C6 Z51 comes up short to the C5 Z06 on a roadcourse.

I will say that the Z51 package is the way to go for the C6, that is until Z06 arrives, no doubt about it.

 

Don't count on it. The C6 Z06 is likely going to cost more to build in relation to the base car than the C5 versions, so expect Chevy charge more of a premium than they currently do.

 

YES.

 

When the Z06 was re-introduced in 01 it became an instant classic. The following year with chevy upping the power a little bit, they made sure the Z06 image would hold it's own against various other cars. It's handling powers on the circuit proved the image was spot on.

For the C6 Z06 I just believe that Chevy needs to keep the exact same formula and it would be a resounding success, however the greatest pro for the Z06 was the price and as long as Chevy keeps it appropriate to it's segment it should be as sought after as the current ones.

 

Not saying you are wrong, you very well could be right, as I am just speculating... but, even if the C6 Z06 has a significantly different look, it's not like the C5 Z06 didnt have a completely unique roof line and unique parts... both cosmetic and mechanical....

 

This to me can only be answered one way. Resoundingly yes!!

There is no way it cannot be a success unless as someone else suggested, GM decides in a fit of extreme madness to make it FWD with a 4 banger.