The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous performance car. The 2025 Corvette Z06 is a new version. It has a smaller engine than the standard Stingray. However, this engine is more powerful. This review will discuss the Z06’s features and performance.
Introduction to the Corvette Z06
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is already a very powerful car. It performs like a supercar. In Australia, most drivers do not need more power than the Stingray offers. However, some buyers always want more performance. The Corvette Z06 offers this increased power.
Chevrolet replaced the Stingray’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. The Z06 now has a 5.5-liter V8 engine. Chevrolet developed this engine from its Corvette racing program. The new engine is called the LT6. It keeps the same bore spacing as other LS engines. This design choice connects it to the iconic small-block family.
However, the LT6 engine is different. It uses an overhead-cam design instead of pushrods. It can also reach a very high engine speed of 8600rpm. Chevrolet strengthened the internal parts of the engine. It also has a dry sump lubrication system. These features are common in track racing cars.
The Corvette Z06 is street legal in Australia. Drivers can attach number plates and drive it on public roads. The interior still has a performance-focused design. However, it also includes leather and comfortable features. The Corvette Z06 is suitable for both track and daily driving. I spent a week driving the Z06 to evaluate its capabilities.
Pricing and Models
The current Australian Corvette lineup includes three models. These models are the Stingray, the E-Ray, and the Z06. The base model is the Stingray 2LT coupe. Its price starts at $182,000. There are also higher-spec 3LT and convertible versions. All Corvette coupes have a targa top. This design allows drivers to enjoy open-air driving. The convertible models have a powered roof.
The E-Ray model adds an electric front axle. It combines this with the Stingray’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. This combination creates a high-performance hybrid system. The E-Ray coupe starts at $275,000, before on-road costs.
The Z06 is the most powerful model in the Australian Corvette range. Its price starts at $336,000. Interestingly, the Z06 is not the most powerful Corvette. The Z06 produces 475kW and 595Nm of torque. The E-Ray produces 488kW and 806Nm.
Chevrolet designed the Z06 for consistent track performance. It uses a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The US market has the ZR1 model. It has a twin-turbo engine and even higher power output. However, there is no confirmation of this model for Australia.
Comparison with Rivals
The Corvette Z06 competes with other performance cars. Its price is around $336,000. It is difficult to find similarly priced rivals.
The Porsche 911 Carrera S is one competitor. Its price starts at $342,700, before options and on-road costs. The Porsche has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine. This engine produces 353kW and 530Nm. While powerful, it does not match the Corvette’s power.
The Maserati GranTurismo Modena is another alternative. It replaces its V8 engine with a 365kW/600Nm 3.0-liter V6. The GranTurismo Modena is a high-performance touring car. It has a more luxurious interior. The more powerful GranTurismo Trofeo costs more than $420,000.
The McLaren range is another competitor. McLaren cars also have a mid-engine layout. The McLaren GTS V8 and the McLaren Artura hybrid V6 are more expensive than the Corvette.
The Ferrari 296GTB is a significant step up in price. It starts at $604,000, before on-road costs.
The Corvette has a long history. It has been in production for 72 years. Some may debate its pedigree against European supercar makers. However, the Corvette has strong credentials.
A Corvette Z06 costs over $300,000. This is not a small amount of money. However, compared to its competitors, the Z06 is relatively affordable for its performance.
Detailed Specifications and Options
The tested Corvette Z06 had several options. The base price is $336,000, plus on-road costs. The car’s color was Competition Yellow. This paint option adds $2405.
The car included the Z07 Performance Package. This package adds several performance-enhancing features. There is no additional cost for this package.
The Z07 package includes carbon-ceramic brakes. These brakes cost $16,990. It also includes Z07 magnetic ride control suspension. This suspension option costs $6720. The package also adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. These tires cost $5300.
Additional options on the test car include:
Carbon-fiber ground effects: $7990
Carbon-fiber rear wing spoiler: $13,000
Carbon-fiber wheels: $23,990
Velocity yellow brake calipers: $1625
Carbon flash mirrors and spoiler: $325
Carbon-fiber interior trim: $3900
Stealth interior trim package: $1560
Red intake manifold: $1190
Carbon-fiber engine appearance package: $2800
Strike yellow seatbelts: No cost
Competition seats with carbon-fiber steering wheel: $11,050
With all the options, the tested price of the car was $434,845, plus on-road costs.
The Corvette Z06’s rivals include the McLaren Artura, Maserati GranTurismo, and Porsche 911.
Where to Buy
Potential buyers can find new and used Corvettes for sale at Drive Marketplace. A limited selection of cars is currently available.
GMSV dealers sell Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. Buyers can visit these dealers to see the Corvette, Silverado, and GMC Yukon. The latest Corvette news, pricing, and offers are available online.
Size and Dimensions
Supercars are often surprisingly small. However, the Corvette is an exception. It is over 4.7 meters long and just over 2.0 meters wide. The Corvette is not a small car.
The interior feels intimate. Chevrolet designed the driver controls to wrap around the driver. This design creates a fighter jet-like feeling. The Corvette is a true sports car. It has a low seating position, high door sills, and supportive seats. The driver’s seat fits the body very well. However, getting in and out of the driver’s seat can be difficult.
The Corvette has a powered seat and steering column. An easy-entry function would be helpful. However, the car does not have this feature. The steering wheel sits quite low. This position is good for driving. However, it can obstruct leg movement when entering or exiting the car.
Interior Design and Comfort
The test car’s interior had a tasteful design. It featured black nappa leather and microsuede. Cool grey accents added contrast to the dashboard and doors. Buyers can choose brighter trim colors. The standard GT2 seats offer more color options compared to the Competition seats.
The interior design strongly focuses on the driver. The center console arm creates a separate space for the driver. The placement of climate controls and seat heating/cooling functions is not ideal. They are arranged in a long, single line. The space around the gear selector, drive-mode selector, and cupholders could be better organized.
Despite its track focus, the Z06 has a well-equipped interior. It includes electrically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling. The interior also features high-quality leather, carbon fiber, and metallic finishes. The seats provide a good balance of support for cornering and comfort for long drives.
The Corvette offers practical storage. It has a decent glovebox, cupholders, a console compartment, and a wireless phone charger.
Boot space is divided between the front and rear of the car. Both storage areas can become warm. Therefore, they are not ideal for transporting groceries. The rear compartment is larger and more versatile. Opening the boot lid reveals the engine. This is an interesting feature. The car also has storage for the roof panel. However, storage space decreases when the roof is stored. The open-air driving experience is worthwhile.
Dimensions Summary
Seats: Two
Boot volume: 356L (approximately, divided between front and rear)
Length: 4734mm
Width: 2024mm
Height: 1234mm
Wheelbase: 2722mm
Infotainment System
A high-performance car should prioritize driving. However, the Corvette’s infotainment system is underwhelming for its price. The 8.0-inch screen is small. It lacks the features and track-ready apps found in rival supercars.
The system includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and digital radio. However, it does not have embedded navigation or online services. The interface is simple and easy to use while driving.
The digital driver’s display is more useful. It offers customizable options for driver information. Drivers can choose between a classic gauge layout or a race-style horizontal tachometer. The display also shows tire pressures and fluid temperatures. This information is helpful for track use.
Safety Features
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has not tested the Chevrolet Corvette. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) also lacks crash protection data due to low sales volume. Safety authorities in the US, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, have not assessed the C8 Corvette.
The Corvette Z06 includes a reasonable amount of standard safety equipment. It does not offer as many features as mainstream family SUVs. However, supercars typically prioritize driver engagement over extensive driver-assist systems.
The Z06 has key safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. These systems mainly provide warnings. They allow the driver to maintain control. The car has passive cruise control, not an adaptive system. A 360-degree camera system is included. It offers the option to view individual camera feeds.
Safety Feature Table
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Yes (Includes cyclist, junction, night-time awareness)
Adaptive Cruise Control: No (Regular cruise control only)
Blind Spot Alert: Yes (Alert function)
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Yes (Alert function)
Lane Assistance: Yes (Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist)
Road Sign Recognition: No
Driver Attention Warning: No
Cameras & Sensors: Yes (Front and rear sensors, 360-degree camera)
Ownership Costs
Most mainstream car brands offer five-year warranties or longer. However, the Chevrolet Corvette has a three-year warranty. The warranty covers 100,000km. A longer warranty would make the Corvette more competitive in the supercar market. Supercars often have shorter warranty terms. The vehicle includes a three-year roadside assistance program.
Service intervals are 12 months or 12,000km, whichever comes first. GMSV does not offer a capped-price service program. Therefore, service costs may vary between dealerships.
Our regular insurer could not provide an insurance quote for the Corvette Z06. A specialist insurer is recommended for this type of car.
Ownership Cost Table
Warranty: Three years, 100,000km
Service intervals: 12 months or 12,000km
Fuel Efficiency
GMSV does not publish official fuel consumption figures in Australia. However, European specifications are similar. The Z06’s fuel consumption is around 16.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
During my week with the Z06, I observed fuel consumption of 16.6L/100km. This fuel economy is reasonable for a high-performance car. The 70-liter fuel tank provides a driving range of approximately 420km. Fuel consumption will be higher with more aggressive driving or track use.
Fuel Efficiency Table
Fuel consumption (claimed): 16.5L/100km (estimated)
Fuel consumption (on test): 16.6L/100km
Fuel type: 95-octane premium unleaded
Fuel tank size: 70L
Driving Experience
The Corvette Z06 builds on a strong foundation. The base Stingray has impressive handling and performance. The Z06 enhances these qualities. Surprisingly, the Corvette Z06 is easy to drive in city conditions. It can
FAQ PEOPLES
How fast is the 2025 Z06?
The Z06 can accelerate from 0-97km/h (0-60mph) in 2.6 seconds.
How many Z06 will be produced in 2025? The document does not specify the production numbers for the 2025 Z06.
Is the Z06 worth it?
The document suggests that the Z06 is “worth the spend” if you intend to use it for track events. It also notes that for occasional fast starts on the street, a Stingray or E-Ray might be sufficient.
How much will a 2025 Corvette cost?
The Australian Corvette lineup includes three models: Stingray (starting from $182,000), E-Ray (starting from $275,000), and Z06 (starting from $336,000). These prices are before on-road costs.
Is a Z06 faster than a Ferrari?
The document compares the Z06 to the Ferrari 296GTB, which is significantly more expensive (starting at $604,000). It does not provide a direct comparison of their speed.
What is the price of the Corvette Z06 in India?
The document focuses on the Australian market and does not provide information on the price of the Corvette Z06 in India.
