Chevrolet Corvette Z06: The Ultimate Choice for 2024, claims Motor Authority

photos by Mike Brooks / V Studio

The Crown Again Belongs to Corvette

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has rightfully earned its place as Motor Authority's Best Car to Buy in 2024, a title that continues the Corvette legacy following the C8 Corvette (Best Car To Buy in 2021) and the C7 Corvette ZR1 (Best Car To Buy in2019). This achievement underscores the enduring excellence of the Vette lineage.

The Heart of the Beast: A Powerhouse Engine

The Z06's crown jewel is its revolutionary 5.5-liter V-8 flat-plane crank LT6 V-8 engine, boasting an impressive 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is hailed as the most powerful naturally aspirated production V-8 ever, proving its mettle with impressive dyno results of 610 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. The Z06 stands out not just for its power but also for its unique exhaust sound and high-revving capabilities, reaching an exhilarating 8,600-rpm redline. The Corvette Z06 is designed for both track and street, offering a balanced mid-engine design that places most of its power on the rear wheels.

Unmatched Performance

Though the Z06's top speed of 195 mph may not surpass the last-gen Corvette ZR1's 212-mph, its acceleration is nothing short of breathtaking. The Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, completing the quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds at 130 mph. The mid-engine configuration, refined from the 2021 model, perfectly complements the LT6 engine, balancing power and agility.

Transmission and Drive

The Z06 is equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, praised for its swift and precise shifts. Adapted with a 5.56 final-drive ratio, it ensures responsiveness and consistent power delivery in various driving conditions, enhancing its rear-wheel drive prowess.

The car has a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons and offers a fuel economy of 12/21 mpg for city/highway driving.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Z06's design is striking, with a wider body and larger intakes that augment both its cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. Its aggressive stance is a nod to the more ferocious version of the C8 Corvette. Z06 offers customization options with various carbon-fiber components, providing better personalization options than any other Chevrolet.

The Z06's dimensions (length: 184.6 inches, wheelbase: 107.0 inches, height: 48.6 inches, max width: 79.7 inches, curb weight: 3,500.0 lbs) are finely balanced for performance and aesthetics.

The Z07 Performance Package

For those who desire track-level performance in a street-legal car, a key feature is the Z07 Performance Package which elevates the Z06's capabilities further. This package includes a weight savings of 41 lbs, a carbon-fiber high-wing rear spoiler, carbon-fiber ground effects, and Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires, which, while challenging on damp surfaces, offer unparalleled grip on the track with; available carbon-fiber wheels. Additionally, carbon ceramic brakes are standard on this model, further emphasizing its performance-oriented design.

Interior Design and Comfort

Equally impressive is the interior, inspired by fighter jets and combining pure luxury with racing technologies. The driver-centric layout features a large console wall, numerous climate control buttons, and a sharply angled touchscreen towards the driver. Available features include carbon-fiber interior trim, a 12-inch reconfigurable digital instrument display, and an 8-inch diagonal HD color touch-screen display with Google built-in. The steering wheel's unique design ensures an unobstructed view of the digital gauge cluster. 

Value for Money

While the Z06 excels in many areas, it does have its limitations. Its interior, though high-quality, surely doesn't match the standards set by other supercars like a Porsche or a Ferrari. Additionally, its low stance and raked A-pillars definitely don't make entry and exit convenient. What's more, there's not much cargo space, and there is no version with manual transmission. However, starting at a base price of $113,190, the Z06 is significantly more affordable than many other supercars, offering extraordinary value for its performance.

A Moment in Automotive History

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is not only a remarkable blend of style, luxury, and performance, but also a milestone in the automotive industry. With the industry rapidly evolving towards hybrid and electric technologies, the Z06 represents a possibly final celebration of traditional supercar engineering.  Its superior features and capabilities clearly justify its selection as the Motor Authority's top pick for 2024. Its uniqueness in the Corvette lineage is undeniable, making it a special addition to any collection.