The Amazing Corvette Z06 - available in Australia

Auto enthusiasts all over the United States are cheering on the latest 2007 version of the Corvette Z06. With tremors of change going through the US auto industry as of late, the Corvette still enjoys brisk sales and a loyal vehicle following for the once mighty GM.

The Z06 version of the Vette actually saw its debut in the 1960's but the modern, and still running, version was born in 2001 to replace the ZR1. The new, modern version of the Z06 now boasts being the most powerful and fastest production Corvette to ever come off the assembly line at Chevrolet.

Starting in 2002 the Z06 produced a whopping 405 hp, propelling itself from a standing start to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The newest 2007 version of the Z06 with its 427 cubic inch powerplant produces a neck snapping 505 hp that decreases the 0-60 time to 3.5 seconds and increases the top speed to 198 mph.

The C6 or sixth generation of the Vette came to production in 2005 as a shorter, sleeker version of its C5 predecessor. The smaller styling of the latest Vette was partly because of complaints of the vehicle being too wide and to also get the attention of European sports car enthusiasts in an attempt to draw them away from models like the Porsche.

My personal opinion on the styling is that the C6 looks too much like a budget sports car compared to the muscular and definitive styling of the previous C5 version. The appearance of the C6 is that of a beautiful and sleek machine with the trunk chopped off. The body profile doesn't quite make the statement it once did as a true American sports car. However, the performance of the C6 Z06 more than makes up for the lack of styling and it still looks great from the front 3/4 view.

The base price of $70,000 (try getting one for that price) is expensive for most car buyers for sure, but it is a true bargain in its class. With its 0 to 60 times, top speed and overall performance, it is a breath of fresh air in a class of automobiles costing nearly twice its price. Comparatively the Ford GT and the Dodge Viper SRT-10 both have suggested starting retail prices above $140,000, exactly twice that of the Corvette Z06.

One of the most amazing things about this beauty of a sports car is that it is the first 500 plus horse power production vehicle to avoid the ridiculous US Government mandated gas guzzler tax. It does this by being a moderately fuel efficient vehicle and weighing at 18 miles in the city and 28 miles on the highway for the manual transmission model. That's better than my 2005 Toyota 4Runner that takes more than twice as long to get from 0-60.

As you can see, there are many reasons for the car enthusiast to love the new Corvette Z06. Its performance, price, styling (to some) and fuel economy make it a well rounded world class sports car. And I have to mention it again, you just can't beat the price!

Alan LeStourgeon writes about a variety of automotive topics on his Cars And Car Reviews blog.

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The Corvette ZR1 Road Car - The Fastest Ever Production Corvette

The Corvette ZR1 is a high performance version of the already very powerful standard Corvette. However with improved suspension components and a test program that tuned the handling on some of the most demanding roads and tracks, General Motors hope that their new flagship car will now have the agility and poise to take on the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo.

On of the major differences of the ZR1 against the standard Corvette are the efforts that General Motors have undertaken to save weight. Instead of using conventional steel components the ZR1 utilises an all aluminium under structure, whilst the bonnet, front wings, inner wheel arches and roof are all made out of carbon fibre.

In order to hone the handling of the ZR1, General Motors asked Delphi to further enhance the MagneRide suspension control system, which offers significant improvements over previous generations, and increases the difference between the touring and Sport modes. GM also tested the ZR1 on its brand new handling and testing track in Detroit. This proving ground replicates the demanding corners, crests and swoops of some of the world's finest race tracks includong the Nurburgring's legendary Karussell.

When it comes to the engine, the Corvette ZR1 uses a mighty 6.2 litre V8 engine, which is boosted by a twin rotor Eaton supercharger that runs at 0.72 bar of boost, and enables the engine to produce 638 bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. This is considerably more powerful than the standard 430 bhp Vette and allows the ZR1 to reach 60 in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.

The centre of the bonnet houses a scratch proof, heat resistant and UV shielded polycarbonate window that allows you to clearly see the top cover of the intercooler. This will certainly mean that the ZR1 will stand out from lesser powered models. At the front a single air intake splits the xenon headlights, whilst a deep front spoiler hides further intakes and a carbon fibre splitter.

In producing the ZR1 General Motors have pushed the performance envelope of the Corvette even further and produced a car that is faster and handles considerably better than the standard 430 bhp version. However whilst there is no doubting the pace and ability of the ZR1, by the time it reaches the UK it will cost slightly more than a brand new Porsche 911 Turbo and when it comes to decision time, the Porsche will still be the more popular choice.

Jo Alexander writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote but should be considered professional content.

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America's Sports Car: The Chevrolet Corvette

One of the most classic American sports cars is the Chevrolet Corvette, which was first introduced in 1953. It was the first completely American sports car built by an American car company, which is why it is often referred to as "America's Sports Car".

Today, Corvettes are manufactured in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky, where they are created with great care. Though the main complaint with the car was its handling, Corvettes' handling has been continually improved to be on a par with popular European sports cars. However, they still remain relatively affordable, which is perhaps another one of the reasons why they continue to be such popular sports cars.

Corvettes are also created to be far simpler than the technical sports cars seen in Europe, which is one of the reasons they are cheaper. Due to their simplicity, Corvettes tend to be smaller and weigh less than sports cars manufactured abroad. The famous car designer Harley Earl was the person who originally designed the beloved Chevrolet sports car. He noticed that soldiers after the Second World War were bringing back European sports cars and that America didn't really have one. At the 1953 Motorama car show, the Corvette that Earl designed was finally unveiled to the shocked public.

The body of the car was originally made with fiberglass, which was brand new at the time. The performance of the car was similar to other Chevrolets produced at the time, but when Chevrolet released it with the first V8 engine in 1955, it became more powerful and therefore quite popular.

Since it was first introduced, there have been six different generations of Corvettes. The first version of the Corvette had about 290 horsepower and a relatively new fuel injection system. There were several options available to it, including power windows and a convertible top. The second version of the Corvette is also quite important as it was known as the Corvette Sting Ray and had four-wheel disc brakes. There are only five of these coveted models left in existence.

The third version had the oddest introduction of the entire group, as it was shown to the public through Mattel's Hot Wheels line, which had been released a few weeks before the actual car was meant to be shown. The fourth generation was praised for its aerodynamic design, which was uncommon at the time. The fifth generation celebrated the Corvette's fiftieth anniversary, but also improved the car's power in nearly every area. The sixth generation Corvette was recently released and has focused on improving the power of the car, rather than creating a new look.

Even though the Corvette name has been around for over fifty years, it continues to be noteworthy to automobile enthusiasts. In 1984 and 1998, it won Motor Trend's Car of the Year and has appeared on dozens of Ten Best Car lists. The car truly is a piece of automobile history. In fact, the oldest Corvette in existence recently sold at an auction at the price of one million US dollars. The classic American sports car truly is the Chevrolet Corvette, which is why it has been able to survive and remain popular for over half a century.

Michael Russell Your Independent Sports Car guide. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell