New Car: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

Chevrolet is launching a special Corvette Z06 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vette first competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Called the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, only about 500 examples will be available when it goes on sale in late summer.

While the Corvette ZR1 is the fastest and most advanced—and most expensive—model in the lineup, the lightweight, naturally aspirated Z06 is a favorite among track rats, some of whom consider it to be better balanced and more focused with its 505-hp, 7.0-liter V-8. (We preferred the departed Z51 Vette’s poise and livability to the Z06’s hairiness.) Many Vette enthusiasts, however, have been clamoring for the option to add some of the ZR1’s chassis goodies without paying that car’s $107,830 sticker price, according to the company.

Enter the Z06 Carbon. Positioned to bridge the gap between the Z06 and ZR1, this special-edition Z06 adds the ZR1’s 15-inch carbon-ceramic brakes, driver-adjustable magnetorheological shocks, black 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and Michelin Pilot PS2 rubber. A carbon-patterned engine cover also is included, as are black headlight surrounds, door mirrors, carbon-fiber ZR1 rocker extensions, a carbon-fiber ZR1 front splitter, and numbered door decals for when you take your Carbon to the track. A raised carbon-fiber hood like the ZR1’s (but without the plastic window to the engine bay), a carbon roof panel, and a body-color, full-width rear spoiler round out the exterior mods. The only colors offered are Inferno Orange and a subdued Supersonic Blue, the latter being new for 2011.

The interior is available in any color as long as it’s black and is accented by a unique Z06 Carbon emblem on the steering wheel, as well as special sill plates and embossed head rests for the still-unacceptable seats. Dark faux suede material is used in abundance, with the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests, and door panels covered in the stuff. Navigation and the Vette’s leather-upgrade package are the only options, with the latter including blue or orange French stitching, depending on the exterior color.

GM says the Carbon’s lighter-but-more-robust equipment, such as the larger brakes and rolling stock, means the Z06’s curb weight stays the same at a still-feathery 3150 pounds, or about 200 fewer than the ZR1’s. The added grip and stability, however, translate into the Carbon being a claimed three seconds faster than the standard Z06 around both the company’s Milford, Michigan, proving grounds and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California. The 638-hp ZR1, however, likely will still qualify on pole, GM concedes. While the company has yet to release pricing info, expect it to be positioned between the regular Z06’s $75,230 starting point and the ZR1, or about $90K.

Thanks to: Car and Driver