The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most iconic vehicles ever produced. The sports car has been made famous by several appearances in television, movies, and thanks to dozens of celebrities who have purchased the classic sports car. GM introduced the first Corvette back in 1953 as a concept deriving its name from a warship known for its stealth and maneuverability at sea. Currently in its seventh generation, the 2016 Chevy Corvette continues to be king of the sports car segment.
Who Would Have Thought?
When General Motors first designed the Corvette as a prototype for the New York Auto Show back in 1953, they likely had no true idea of just how popular the car would become. The Corvette has garnered so much fame over the years, that an entire museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky has been dedicated to its rich history and preservation. Winning multiple awards and receiving dozens upon dozens of highly regarded recognition over the years, the Chevrolet Corvette is easily the most recognized sports car in the world.
Aside from its popularity amongst everyday drivers, the Chevrolet Corvette has also played an important role in the race car circuit. Aside from winning plenty of races across the world, the Corvette has been utilized as a pace car at the Indianapolis 500 thirteen times since 1978 – a huge honor that the bowtie brand is rightly proud of.
Showcased at the Detroit Auto Show
With so much history, recognition, and popularity surrounding the Chevrolet Corvette since it was unveiled over sixty years ago, it should come as no surprise that it was a showstopper at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
The North American International Auto Show takes place in Detroit, Michigan in January of each year. Also known as simply the Detroit Auto Show, it is one of the original two shows of its kind ever to be produced. The first one took place in 1899, and has been an annual tradition in the city ever since.
General Motors is headquartered in Detroit, which is largely why the metropolis has been dubbed “Motor City.” With a sort of “home court advantage,” GM and Chevrolet decided to showcase their latest Corvette model at this year’s North American International Auto Show. The 2016 Chevy Corvette Z06 shined at the auto show, with a special C7.R edition also highlighted.
2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition
This Corvette model originally debuted at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and was thought by industry experts to be only a concept. When Chevrolet unveiled the C7.R Edition at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, it was made clear that this unique ‘Vette was destined to be so much more than a concept.
Only 500 of these Corvettes will be produced, starting with the VIN 700001. Based on the certified supercar 2016 Z06 model of the Corvette, the C7.R Edition features the highest level 3LZ trim of that car, along with plenty of extras to keep it interesting. Special graphics are included on this edition of the Z06, as well as yellow accents on the brake calipers, and wheels. Unique gray grilles, vents, and a black leather interior with Competition Sports Seats round out the appearance changes on the C7.R. A carbon fiber ground effects package adds to the overall performance of this limited edition track-worthy Corvette.
The 2016 Corvette Z06: The Newest Certified Supercar
The 2016 Chevy Corvette has been available for purchase here in the United States, but that didn’t stop the bowtie brand from showing off the Z06 supercar model of the ‘Vette at this year’s auto show in Detroit.
The 2016 Corvette Z06 isn’t your typical ‘Vette, and Chevrolet wants you to know that, remember that, and let it sink in. Starting at $79,400, the 2016 Z06 features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, and makes for some incredibly impressive power ratings.
Power is Not an Option – But the Transmission is
That 6.2-liter supercharged V8 has some serious numbers to back up Chevrolet’s promise of power. With a max rating of 650 lb.-ft. of torque and 650 horsepower, this Corvette model strikes the perfect balance for the ultimate driving experience. This powerhouse of a sports car can sprint from 0 to 60 in just 2.95 seconds, which is fast enough to truly take your breath away.
Drivers can customize the 2016 Corvette Z06 with two transmission choices, aside from the standard 7-speed automatic, to pair with the powerful engine. A seven speed manual transmission allows drivers to feel every heartbeat of those 650 horses, and gives that classic feeling of behind-the-wheel bliss. For those drivers who prefer a more dynamic driving experience, an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is also available. This transmission allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual modes for ultimate control and options.
Designed for Performance
Chevrolet engineers are the best in the business, and they planned carefully when designing every aspect of the 2016 Corvette Z06. Placing an engine as powerful as the one that comes with the Z06 without properly designing the rest of the vehicle, would be irresponsible. Rather, Chevrolet purposefully crafted every corner of the Z06 ‘Vette to perform right along with the supercharged V8.
This version of the Corvette features wider wheels and tires to allow for maximum gripping around every corner. Large vents adorn the hood of the Corvette, which serve to cool the engine, transmission, brakes, and differential. The overall stance of the Z06 features an increased width for aggressive and enhanced handling. Essentially, this Corvette model was meticulously engineered for optimum performance in every possible way.
Safety is a Priority
With a vehicle that is as powerful as the new Corvette Z06, safety is arguably more important than any other aspect of the car. Chevrolet includes plenty of active and passive safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road, track, and everywhere inbetween.
Preventative safety features on the 2016 Corvette Z06 include active handling, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, four-wheel anti lock brakes, and run-flat tires. Protective safety technologies include seat-mounted thorax and head airbags, and a rigid aluminum frame that is stiffer than any other frame structure ever designed for a Corvette. Finally, responsive safety technology like OnStar Automatic Crash Response help ensure that in the event of a collision, help will arrive as efficiently as possible.
Refinement Comes Standard
Even though the new 2016 Corvette Z06 is considered a supercar meant for high speeds and exhilarating maneuvers, Chevrolet made sure to outfit the Z06 with premium appointments for both passenger convenience and comfort.
A Bose premium advanced 10-speaker audio system ensures that not a single beat of music is missed under the roar of the powerful V8 engine, while a performance data and video recorder help you capture every glorifying trial test you tackle with the Z06.
Sport racing seats add a level of comfort that is appreciated on longer trials, while the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with a flat-bottom is included for ultimate track readiness.
The 2016 Corvette Z06 and C7.R are arguably the most impressive models of the sports car to be released in recent years. With so many incredible power, performance, and amenity inclusions, we suspect that this version of the Corvette will be one of the most popular cars in the segment for 2016.
