2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 [review]

Car and Driver ^ | February 2005 | CSABA CSERE

[45Auto]

The number is magic, recalling the era when Detroit dominated the world with its big, powerful, swaggering V-8s. The Chevrolet 427 V-8 first appeared as an experimental engine that powered Junior Johnson to a then-amazing 166-mph lap at Daytona in 1963. It went into production soon afterward, known variously as the Mark IV, the Chevy big-block, or simply the rat motor.

Now the 427 is back, powering the fire-breathing 2006 Z06 Corvette. Okay, so the engine actually displaces 427.6 cubic inches (7008cc), about one more cubic inch than the original. That's because this new 427 is not a reincarnation of the old rat motor. Instead, it's yet another variant of the versatile mouse motor, the small-block Chevy V-8 that is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Even so, it's rated at 500 horsepower-more than any of the bygone 427s and 454s-and these are SAE net horses, not the bogus gross ponies from the '60s.

This V-8, dubbed the LS7, is based on the latest incarnation of the small-block architecture, which GM calls Gen IV. However, virtually every component has been reengineered to achieve the greater displacement and higher output.

[RightWhale]

The roads are icy today and probably for the next 8 months. Most 'Vettes come out only in the short summer. Most bikes are also in the shed by now. It's 454 4X4 Silverado weather.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

You know, after I originally posted, I thought to myself that the vette had to be closer in age to my 68 barracuda. Then I started thinking, maybe 67 or 68, but my memory from a younger age seems to come in "blocks" now. So if you say 67, it's 67. It definately was a 427, 3-deuces tho so we'll go with your stick, Mr B.

p.s. wasn't Batrachian that antiseptic balm I used to use on cuts and scrapes back in 65?

[Danae]

Ooooooo. Looks like it MIGHT compete with my 04 Cobra Terminator.... No, it isn't stock though. That is one wicked lookin beauty I have to say *whacking head in penance*

[Zuben Elgenubi]

"I spit on hybrids"

Another friend of mine likes the big car ride of the Lincoln Continental. The other day he said that if he was ever forced to drive a car the size of a hybrid, he would cut down the two huge ash trees in his back yard and hang the trees from the side of the hybrid, for that "big car" ride.

Ah, that Continental. Older models used to have that "same day" steering but now engineered a bit better up front.

[Revolting cat!]

In any event, you'll never get me riding a hybrid!

[Dark Skies]

Yeoh. I say Uncle. Is that Dude Allah or what?

Have a great weekend! Here is my nemesis...

What he drives is interdimensional. Not extraterrestrial...extradimensional. Spread the word!

The face of the enemy!

[Mike Darancette]

It needs a Blower or at least a big scoop.

[Batrachian]

"p.s. wasn't Batrachian that antiseptic balm I used to use on cuts and scrapes back in 65?"

Kerry got a Purple Heart for using it in 1968 in 'Nam, but I'm not sure if it was around in 1965. Probably was.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

I heard Kerry speaking the other day on tv. Sounded quite hoarse and I remember wishing he had a frog in his throat.