BERLIN: The Corvette ZO6 convertible competes with other legendary convertibles like the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Audi R8 Quattro V-10 Spyder, Bentley Continental GT Speed, BMW M6, Ferrari California, Mercedes SL65 AMG and Porsche 911 S turbo.
“Compete” may not be the right word, though. The ZO6 convertible beats them soundly. It costs $35,000 to $175,000 less than those other great cars. It also out-accelerates and has more horsepower than any of them.
With 0-60 mph times as low as of 2.95 seconds quicker than the moment between your phone’s first and second rings it’d be easy to call the ZO6 scary fast, but there’s nothing remotely frightening about Chevrolet’s 650-horsepower supercar.
Sure, the Corvette ZO6 is the most powerful Corvette ever, but it’s also a great value, remarkably fuel-efficient and so easy to drive you may forget you’re at the wheel of one of the world’s great cars.
Every time you walk up to the gorgeous convertible, every time you accelerate, turn or brake, this best ‘Vette ever reminds you GM’s engineers and designers have achieved something very special.
The Corvette ZO6 convertible competes with other legendary convertibles like the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Audi R8 Quattro V-10 Spyder, Bentley Continental GT Speed, BMW M6, Ferrari California, Mercedes SL65 AMG and Porsche 911 S turbo.
“Compete” may not be the right word, though. The ZO6 convertible beats them soundly. It costs $35,000 to $175,000 less than those other great cars. It also out-accelerates and has more horsepower than any of them.
The ZO6 comes with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 and a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 ZO6 adds trim and appearance options, a couple of features and a race-inspired C7.R model.
The supercharged V-8 produces 650 horsepower, 650 pound-feet of torque and delivers a top speed of 195 mph. Manual transmission models like mine reach 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, about 10 percent slower than GM’s slick eight-speed automatic. The rev-matching feature, which allows you to shift manually without lifting the throttle, performs seamlessly.
The seven-speed manual is smooth and pliable, with a light shifter and clutch effort and short throws. Indicators in the heads-up display and instrument panel show what gear you’re in.
The engine note, throttle response, adaptive suspension, steering and other functions offer modes for regular and sporty driving, winter or track conditions. Even in the normal touring mode, the engine delivers stunning power and a lovely sound.
The ZO6’s Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of 15 mpg in the city, 22 on the highway and 18 combined is impressive. It’s the most powerful car in its class, but the ZO6’s combined rating trails only the 560-hp Porsche 911 S turbo.
The Corvette’s stiff aluminum frame allowed Chevy to offer a convertible version of the ZO6 for the first time. The body work is lighter because of extensive use of carbon fiber and wider to accommodate the ZO6’s very sticky Michelin Super Pilot run-flat tires.
The massive carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes could have stopped the asteroid that exterminated the dinosaurs. They’re smooth and easy to modulate.
