I haven't seen a C6 Z51 against a C5 Z06 on a roadcourse. What will keep the current Z06 ahead of the C6 Z51?

 

I don't really mean a sales success. Sorry I didn't specify. As long as GM puts Z06 on the side people will buy it. I will be severely dissapointed if the Z06 doesn't step up to the plate of the viper and GT.

 

the last Z06 could stand up the the Viper, but if the C6 Z06 steps to the GT and if its just a few ticks behind, that is still pretty damn good. If everything is said here on this site as well as other info is true, the Z06 will be a huge hit, both sales and image wise.

 

I am not to concerned about exact numbers and don't hold myself to specfic targets.

If it came in at 490hp at 3100lbs that wouldn't really upset me at all.
I suspect most would feel the same way. Its the hp to weight ratio that is all important--not just hp. That is only one part of the equation.

The C5 Z06 has been a tremendous sucess. It, with less hp then alot of its compettion can keep up with most at fraction of the money. It's weight is very low when compared to others. It has won over the automotive press and using a "low tech" 2 valve pushrod design, won alot of respect.

Keep the weight down and the hp at 500 (or resonably close) and it too will be a suceess.

 

Would the reason be an aluminum chassis or mostly carbon fiber body panels or both?

 

Don't know about $53-$54K.....but Chevy is determined to not allow Z06 to surpass $60K.

 

I think you're right. Chevy doesn't want it to cost more than $60K, but can they do it? From the pics we've seen, this car is going to be different physically and internally from the C6. These are parts that won't be shared across the line and will only be coming out on a limited number of cars. If it's under $60K, it'll be priced at $59,995 IMO. Personally I still think it'll be a tad over $60K. Kudos to GM for trying to keep costs down though.

 

I have. The C5 Z06 with '04 shocks is a "click or two" faster on a roadcourse. The handling of the C6 Z51 is very good, but the Z06 is a bit better suited. The power difference is slight, but there's a little more juice from the LS6 and a tad more RPM available.

 

I believe Chevrolet/GM knows what the C6 Z06 needs to be to be a "success"...I can't imagine it not being so.

One think to keep in mind when comparring the 'Vette to a Viper or Ford GT, and not to take anything away from either of the other two but in my opinion, the 'Vette is a much more livable car for real world driving than either the Viper or GT.

As far as handling goes, I autocrossed my "00 Z28" in F Stock and if you've every seen the Z06 on an autrcross/road course with someone behind the wheel who knows what they are doing, you would think the car is absolutely on a rail...it's not just the raw numbers...the car simply works on the track.

Anyway, I'm pleased overall with the C6 and I've got to believe it will do well as will the next Z06.

Just my 2 cents!

 

If by success you mean sales success, then an increase in refinement wouldn't hurt, also getting rid of the cheap plastics that adorn the C5 would be a start. Make getting in and out a non olympic sport, and make the ride an handling "feel" like the car isn't an Abrams tank. Aside from the sniveling previous comments, adding a 500 hp , 3000 lb car for less than a Viper would make it a bargain.