2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06The engine is a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter, 427 cubic inches, built by hand at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, the aluminum V-8 puts out 505 bhp at 6300 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm and uses lightweight titanium intake valves and connecting rods to help things stay together. This is the lightest Corvette in the lineup (3310-lb. curb weight), thanks to an aluminum frame and extensive use of carbon fiber in the fenders and floors. Our car also had the optional carbon-fiber hood, roof, rockers and splitter. Integrated with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control is a Performance Traction Management (PTM) system that the Z06 shares with the ZR1. This lets you dial up five different levels of traction management: Wet, Dry, Sport, Sport II and Race. All levels allow you to just bury your foot in the accelerator and steer the car, while the Sport and Race modes progressively bleed off interference. Full Race mode still corrects very subtly for lost traction, yet—according to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter—allows even professional drivers to improve their lap times.At my moderate skill level, I found Dry to be a nice exploratory setting and Sport II to be the most helpful on the track, but there's a setting here for every level of expertise—and weather. On the track, the Z06 is the easiest and most reassuring of this group to drive—torquey, fast, forgiving and beautifully balanced, with great feedback through the steering. The huge Brembo calipers and carbon-ceramic rotors also have great feel and lots of stopping power.
