The much-leaked (and heavily anticipated) 2015 Corvette Z06 has now officially been unveiled. The Z06 takes the Corvette Stingray into supercar territory for the first time. Chevrolet tells us that the 2015 Corvette Z06 delivers faster lap times than 2013 Corvette ZR1 which makes it the quickest standard Corvette in history!

The insane looks won’t be applied to every car though. The Z06 package is more restrained than the more hardcore, track-focused Z07 performance package. The 2015 Corvette Z06 is the first Z06 to offer a supercharged engine, a removable roof panel and a paddle-shift automatic transmission.

Under the hood, the 2015 Corvette Z06 gets a new, LT4 supercharged 6.2 litre V8 engine which delivers at least 625 horsepower and a staggering 861 Nm of torque. The engine leverages direct injection, active fuel management, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing to produce that performance. The gearbox choice is between a traditional seven-speed manual or an all-new, high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control.

The aluminum frame carries over from the Corvette Stingray and will be shared, pretty much as it is, with the Corvette Racing C7.R. For the first time, the aluminum frame will be produced in-house at General Motors’ Bowling Green assembly plant. It is a stiffer design which allows for a removable carbon fiber roof panel to be added.

The supercharger and intercooler assembly are integrated and assembly mounted in the valley between the cylinder heads, the engine is only about one inch (25 mm) taller than the Corvette Stingray’s LT1 engine. The new 1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger spins at up to 20,000 rpm The engine is fitted with Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads, lightweight titanium intake valves and machined connecting rods for reduced reciprocating mass, forged aluminium pistons and stainless steel exist headers. The LT4 will be built in Tonawanda, N.Y., and at the new Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Ky.

The 2015 Corvette Z06’s standard seven-speed manual transmission comes equipped with Active Rev Match. The automatic transmission is an all-new 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission designed to enhance both performance and efficiency. The 8L90’s controller analyzes and executes commands 160 times per second. Needless to say, it is 4 kg lighter than the outgoing six-speed. The new 8L90 automatic will be built at GM’s Toledo, Ohio, transmission facility.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 retains the SLA-type front and rear suspension design of the Corvette Stingray but gets a uniquely calibrated version for the higher performance threshold. Third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers are standard on Z06. They can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector which also controls launch control, traction control, electronic limited slip differential in three different modes.

The fenders are flared by 56 mm at the front and 80 mm at the rear to accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. The larger vents provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes, transmission and differential for increased track capability. The more aggressive aerodynamic package generates greater downforce. The tailamps sit three inches farther apart, toward to edges of the body.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 is fitted with larger Michelin tires (Pilot Super Sport tires for the Z06; Sport Cup 2 tires with the Z07 package). The P285/30ZR19 front tires are 1.5 inches wider than the tires on the Stingray, while the 335/25ZR20 rear tires are two inches wider. The brakes are provided by Brembo and the wheels are lightweight aluminium units sized at 19 inches for the front and 20 inches at the rear. The Z07 Performance Package adds Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors.

Three levels of aerodynamic trim will be available. The standard 2015 Corvette Z06 features a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and the rear spoiler from the Corvette Stingray’s Z51 Performance Package. An optional carbon-fiber aero package adds a further carbon fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wicker bill. Finally, the optional Z07 package adds larger winglets to the front splitter, along with an adjustable, see-through center section on the rear spoiler for track use. Cooling is also greatly improved through the use of a new mesh air duct cover.

Inside, the 2015 Corvette Z06 is gets a unique color schemes that emphasize the driver-focused cockpit, and a unique, flat-bottomed steering wheel. There are two seating choices: a GT seat, for all-around comfort, and a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering. The frame structure for both seats is made of magnesium.

All 2015 Corvette Z06 models feature surfaces covered with premium, soft-touch materials. Available materials, depending on the trim level. They include Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede.

Performance data and pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.

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