2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (452)

Overview:

This week I tested the awesome American as apple pie two-seater sports car Corvette. The Z06 is the cats meow and reminds me so much of brother John’s 1971 Daytona Ferrari in look and feel. But the amazing part is that Ferrari built their version over 30 years before.

But with a tune up on the Ferrari starting at about $3,000 it’s fair to say this Vette would be much more easy to own and operate. The mileage is good for a big 405hp V8 and the entry price is nearly half its closest competitors.

This Z06 only comes in fixed top and a manual six-speed transmission. “The body is composite polymer with a drag coefficient of 0.29. There is a lot of Aluminum to keep the car light. The engine is aluminum as well as the frame that cradles the engine and other mechanical components up front, plus the four control arms on the independent suspension are aluminum. Even the leaf springs are composite. The windshield is also mounted to an aluminum frame and that is part of the reason the car seems so rigid. I’m acutely aware of that because I bought a new 1991 Camaro convertible and it was the worst for creeks and groans at every twist and turn. For safety there is a steel roll bar built into the rear roof section.

General Info:

Parts – US

Assembly – Bowling Green, KY.

Class:  – Two Seater

Cars: – Astro, Avalanche, Blazer, Cavalier, Corvette, Express, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, S10 Pickup, Silverado, SSR.

 

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB                  1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupé

     

1990 Ferrari 365 GTB                                                        1971 Corvette

Handling & Performance:

Muscle cars have become American icons in the sights and sounds of the past half-century. The low rumbling roar of Corvette, Dodge Viper and Mustang to name a few speak volumes for young men everywhere.

Remember the good old days when performance cars like the Vette would get 7-10 miles per gallon? Well that has changed because this powerful Vette gets three times the mileage from a gallon of gas. But you’ll find it hard to do with the awesome 0-60 mph in a scant 3.9 seconds.  I gotta tell you, it is still exhilarating to feel those 405 horses apply the G- Force. It’s like a second honeymoon in my “Love Affair” with the automobile.

A little secret: As if 405 horsepower isn’t enough you can increase it 30 hp by changing the air cleaner. The Donaldson Black Wing eliminates GM’s governor. They cost about $250 and can be installed in an hour according to Chuck at Coast Corvette in Anaheim, CA. (714) 535-4000.

Styling:

By 1955 the Vette was a near bust and would have been abandoned if Ford hadn’t entered the Sports Car market with the Thunderbird. Sports cars were new to America and Corvettes 6-cylinder engine gave it a loser name. The addition of the V8 would finally power the Vette to success.

Fit and Finish:

Today’s Corvettes have improved so much since I was in Jr. High School. Those were impressionable years when cars were more important than girls. Come to think about it… well that’s another story.

Conveniences:

… or inconveniences – like the low-slung body that makes entry and exit impossible to negotiate without looking awkward. But once you’re in, the ergonomics are quite easy to love. Everything falls quickly to your fingertips, not hard to imagine considering the cozy confines of the interior. The gearshift is right there at the end of your arm; and you’ll love the way it shifts.

The cargo area loads from the top, but a large set of golf clubs fits perfectly so I won’t complain.

Cost:

The Corvette at $50,000 is well priced in its class, and doesn’t even give up much for that distinction. If memory serves me the Acura NSX first year pricing was in the $30,000 range and quickly escalated to $90,000 today. The 500 hp Viper is the most similar competition at nearly $80,000.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you are into the fast lane and love to show your stuff, this is the best buy of any foreign or domestic sports car. You simply can’t get more horsepower and performance for the money than the Corvette Z06.

The Competition:

Acura NSX $89,000, Dodge Viper $79,995, Ferrari 360 Modena $143,860, Lotus Esprit $90,825, Porsche 911 $69-182,000.

Good News:

Spectacular pricing for such a capable and beautifully presented sports car. Great gas performance and brakes that will stop on a dime and give you 91/2 cents change.

Bad News:

Awkward entry and exit, poor turning radius and rear visibility.

Standard Equipment:

5.7 liter 450 horsepower V8, 6-speed manual trans, traction control, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, power speed sensitive steering, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system, power heated mirrors, stereo with CD, climate control, computer stats, cruise control, leather, tilt leather wrapped wheel, 6-way power seat, remote trunk and fuel door.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $51,435.

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