Brakes
Cross-drilled 14-inch front rotors used red six-piston calipers with six separate pads, and 13.4-inch rear rotors used four-piston calipers. Carbon-ceramic brakes became available with the Z07 package from 2011.
C6 Corvette Z06 · 2006 to 2013
C6 Corvette Z06
The C6 Z06 put a 505-horsepower 7.0L LS7 V8 in an aluminum frame with carbon fiber fenders and floors. GM called it the lightest, best-balanced Corvette model, and it ran from 2006 through the end of the generation in 2013.
505hpLS7 V8
7.0L427 cubic inches
198mphTop speed
8Model years, 2006 to 2013
Fuel economy from EPA and recalls from NHTSA, checked November 10, 2026.
What was the C6 Corvette Z06?
The C6 Z06 was a fixed-roof Corvette sold for the 2006 through 2013 model years. It used the 7.0L LS7, a dry-sump small-block V8 rated at 505 horsepower, in an aluminum frame that set it apart from the steel-framed coupe and convertible.
GM developed the Z06 alongside the C6.R race car and gave it its own body structure. Earlier Z06 models, from the 1963 original to the 2001 to 2004 cars, had added suspension or engine upgrades to the standard Corvette.
GM described the Z06 as a dual-purpose sports car, as suited to daily driving as to weekend track days. A six-speed manual was the only transmission.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2006 to 2013 |
| Body | Two-door hatchback coupe with a fixed roof |
| Engine | 7.0L LS7 V8, 505 hp and 470 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Frame | Hydroformed aluminum with a magnesium engine cradle |
| Top speed | 198 mph |
| Curb weight | About 3,130 lb (2006) to 3,199 lb (2013) |
| Trims | 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ |
Why was the Z06 frame different?
The Z06 replaced the steel frame of the other C6 models with one-piece hydroformed aluminum rails. GM said that frame weighed nearly one-third less, and it called the Z06 the most significant advanced-materials effort in Corvette history.
- 1
Aluminum
Cast suspension nodes replaced many welded steel parts. GM built the frame with metal inert gas and laser welding plus self-piercing rivets.
- 2
Magnesium
A magnesium cradle carried the engine and some front suspension parts, and GM also used magnesium in the roof structure.
- 3
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber went into the front fenders and front wheelhouses, and the floors paired carbon fiber skins with a balsa wood core.
- 4
Balance
The battery moved from under the hood to the rear cargo area, behind a rear wheel, to improve weight distribution.
The result was a car about 3,130 pounds at launch. GM later put the 2013 Z06 at 3,199 pounds, with a dry weight of 3,041 pounds and a power-to-weight ratio of 6.33 pounds per horsepower.
| Model year | Curb weight |
|---|---|
| 2006 | About 3,130 lb |
| 2009 | 3,180 lb |
| 2011 | 3,175 lb |
| 2012 and 2013 | 3,199 lb |
What engine did the C6 Z06 use?
The LS7, a 7.0L small-block V8 that brought the 427-cubic-inch displacement back to Corvette. GM called it the largest small-block it had built and the most powerful passenger car engine it had produced to that point.
It made 505 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, with an 11.0:1 compression ratio and a 7,000 rpm redline. Red engine covers with black lettering marked it under the hood.
Titanium connecting rods weighed 464 grams each, almost 30 percent less than the LS2 rods, and titanium intake valves measured 56 mm. GM said the CNC-ported heads moved about 18 percent more air than the LS2.
A dry-sump oiling system kept oil flowing under cornering loads above 1 g. GM developed it on tracks in the United States and Europe, and for 2009 enlarged it from 8 quarts to 10.5. Each LS7 was assembled by hand in Wixom, Michigan.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 7.0L (427 cu in) |
| Bore and stroke | 4.125 x 4 in |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Power | 505 hp at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| Oiling | Dry sump, 8 quarts, 10.5 quarts from 2009 |
| Fuel | Premium required |
How were the Z06 chassis and brakes set up?
The Z06 kept the 105.7-inch wheelbase and transverse leaf springs of other C6 models but had its own wheels, tires, brakes, rear spring and stabilizer bar. It was 3 inches wider than the other models.
14inFront rotors
13.4inRear rotors
19inRear wheels, 12 in wide
1.04gLateral grip, 2009
Wheels and tires
The launch car ran 18 x 9.5-inch front and 19 x 12-inch rear wheels on 275/35ZR18 and 325/30ZR19 tires, the largest combination GM had put on a Corvette. Spider-design wheels arrived for 2009, and Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires for 2011.
Drivetrain
The six-speed manual was strengthened for the LS7 and pumped its fluid to the front radiator for cooling. It drove a limited-slip differential with larger ring and pinion gears. GM fitted engine, transmission, differential and steering coolers.
How could you tell a C6 Z06 from a standard C6?
By its wider body and fixed roof. The Z06 had a wider front fascia with a larger grille and splitter, a cold-air scoop ahead of the hood, flared rear fenders, a tall rear spoiler and four larger exhaust outlets.
GM shaped the aero from Corvette Racing experience. The race cars used large rear wings, while the street car used a raised spoiler to balance the front splitter without adding drag.
A brake cooling scoop ahead of each rear wheel and an air extractor behind each front wheel were part of the design, and Z06 badges sat on the carbon fiber front fenders.
| Item | Coupe | Z06 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L LS2, 400 hp | 7.0L LS7, 505 hp |
| Frame | Hydroformed steel | Hydroformed aluminum |
| Roof | Removable panel | Fixed |
| Overall width | 72.6 in | 75.9 in |
| Front brakes | 12.8 in | 14 in, six-piston |
| Rear tires | P285/35ZR19 | P325/30ZR19 |
| Curb weight | 3,179 lb | 3,130 lb |
What was the Z06 interior like?
The Z06 cabin used two-tone leather seats with Z06 embroidery and a gauge cluster with the Z06 logo on a 7,000 rpm tachometer. Some weight came out too: the passenger seat used manual controls.
Standard at launch, 2006
- Head-up display with Track Mode and a g-meter
- High-intensity discharge headlamps and fog lamps
- Leather seating and dual-zone air conditioning
- An oil pressure readout for the dry-sump system
Later changes
- Color-matched lower panels with red and titanium interiors, 2009
- All eight standard exterior colors offered, 2010
- New seats with larger bolsters and a new steering wheel, 2012
- Three trims, 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ, by 2012
- Engine Build Experience option to help assemble the LS7
What packages and special editions did the C6 Z06 get?
The biggest change came for 2011, when GM added the Z07 Performance Package, the CFZ Carbon Fiber Package and the Z06 Carbon limited edition. The Chevrolet Centennial Edition followed for 2012 and a 60th Anniversary package for 2013.
| Package | Years | What it added |
|---|---|---|
| Z07 Performance | 2011 to 2013 | Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, Michelin tires on 20-spoke 19 and 20-inch wheels; Cup tires and wheels and a full-width spoiler from 2012 |
| CFZ Carbon Fiber | 2011 to 2013 | Black carbon fiber splitter, rockers and roof panel, with a full-width rear spoiler |
| Z06 Carbon | 2011 | Z07 and CFZ combined with a raised carbon fiber hood; no more than 500 built |
| Centennial Edition | 2012 | Carbon Flash Metallic paint, satin-black wheels with a red stripe, Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
| 60th Anniversary | 2013 | Arctic White with a Twilight Blue interior, offered with the 3LZ trim |
Centennial Edition
The black Centennial Z06 wore 19-inch front and 20-inch rear satin-black wheels with a red stripe, plus suede accents first used on the Z06 Carbon.
2013 Z06
The last Z06 could add a ZR1-style spoiler, black spider-design wheels and a raised carbon fiber hood.
The Z06 Carbon came in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange and carried graphics marking 50 years of Le Mans racing. GM said it was designed to be the best Corvette for track events.
What changed each year of the C6 Z06?
The Z06 launched for 2006, gained a larger oil system and new wheels for 2009, new tires and three option packages for 2011, Cup tires and the Centennial Edition for 2012, and the 60th Anniversary package for its final year.
2006
Launch with the 505-horsepower LS7, the aluminum frame and a curb weight of about 3,130 pounds.
2009
The dry sump grew to 10.5 quarts, spider wheels arrived, and the power hatch pull-down became standard.
2010
Launch control became standard with the manual, side air bags became standard, and every standard color was offered.
2011
New Gen 2 tires and exhaust tuning, plus the Z07 and CFZ packages and the Z06 Carbon.
2012
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires and Cup wheels for the Z07, new seats and the Centennial Edition.
2013
The final C6 year, with the 60th Anniversary package and a ZR1-style spoiler option.
How fast was the C6 Z06?
GM quoted 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph. A 2012 Z06 with the Z07 package lapped the Nürburgring in 7:22.68, 20 seconds quicker than the 2005 time.
3.7sec0 to 60 mph
11.7secQuarter mile at 125 mph
111.3ft60 to 0 mph braking
7:22.68Nürburgring, 2012 car
2005
The Z06 lapped the Nürburgring in 7:43 from a standing start during development.
2011
Corvette engineer Jim Mero drove a 2012 Z06 with the Z07 package to 7:22.68, in a production car with no performance changes.
2013
With the Z07 Cup tires and Performance Traction Management, GM quoted up to 1.13 g of lateral grip.
GM noted that Nürburgring lap times are unofficial, and called the 2012 lap one of the fastest by a production car on that track.
How did the C6 Z06 differ from the C5 Z06?
The C5 Z06 of 2001 to 2004 was a tuned version of the standard Corvette. The C6 Z06 had its own aluminum frame, carbon fiber panels and the LS7, which GM said made it the most comprehensively revised Z06 to that point.
The C5 Z06 had already used lightweight materials: a 26-pound titanium exhaust that was 70 percent lighter than the standard system, and a carbon fiber hood on a special 2004 edition.
What are the C6 Z06 specifications?
The C6 Z06 specification as GM listed it: a 7.0L V8, a six-speed manual, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels and a curb weight of about 3,130 pounds at launch.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | LS7 7.0L V8, 427 cu in |
| Power and torque | 505 hp at 6,300 rpm, 470 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Suspension | Short and long arm front and rear, transverse composite leaf springs |
| Brakes | 14-inch front, 13.4-inch rear cross-drilled rotors |
| Wheels | 18 x 9.5-inch front, 19 x 12-inch rear |
| Tires | P275/35ZR18 front, P325/30ZR19 rear |
| Wheelbase | 105.7 in |
| Length and width | 175.6 in, 75.9 in |
| Cargo volume | 22 cu ft |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal |
What fuel economy and recalls apply to the C6 Z06?
EPA rated the LS7 Z06 at 15 mpg city and 24 highway in most model years, with 14 city for 2007. NHTSA lists a roof panel recall that covers 2006 and 2007 Z06 models.
| Engine | Transmission | Model years | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0L LS7 | Six-speed manual | 2006 | 15 | 24 | 18 |
| 7.0L LS7 | Six-speed manual | 2007 | 14 | 24 | 18 |
| 7.0L LS7 | Six-speed manual | 2008 to 2013 | 15 | 24 | 18 |
Source: U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov.
| Campaign | Model years | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 09V491000 | 2005 to 2007 | Roof panel adhesive could separate, including on 2006 and 2007 Z06 models; dealers installed a new design roof panel |
| 14V251000 | 2005 to 2007 | A low-beam headlamp relay wire could fracture; dealers installed a jumper wire |
| 11V491000 | 2011 and 2012 | Coupe rear hatch hinges built January 24 to September 1, 2011, might not meet the federal load requirement |
Source: NHTSA. Check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should you check on a used C6 Z06?
Start with the year and the packages. A 2011 to 2013 car may have the Z07 or CFZ package, and the early cars need a check on the roof panel recall.
What to confirm on a used Z06
- Roof panel recall completed on 2006 and 2007 cars
- Z07, CFZ or Z06 Carbon content on 2011 to 2013 cars
- Trim on later cars: 1LZ, 2LZ or 3LZ
- Oil level, checked with the dipstick in the dry-sump reservoir tank
- Premium fuel, which GM required for the LS7
- Run-flat tires: the Z06 was built without a spare
C6 Z06 questions
How much horsepower does a C6 Z06 have?
The C6 Z06 has 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from its 7.0L LS7 V8.
What years was the C6 Z06 made?
The C6 Z06 was sold for the 2006 through 2013 model years.
Is the C6 Z06 a 427?
Yes. The LS7 displaces 7.0 liters, or 427 cubic inches.
How fast is a C6 Z06?
GM quoted a top speed of 198 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
Did the C6 Z06 come with an automatic?
No. A six-speed manual was the only transmission in the Z06.
What is the difference between the Z06 and ZR1?
Both used the aluminum frame. The Z06 had the naturally aspirated 505-horsepower LS7, while the ZR1 had the supercharged 638-horsepower LS9 and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.
What was the Z07 package?
A 2011 to 2013 Z06 option with Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and stickier Michelin tires; Cup tires, Cup wheels and a full-width spoiler joined it for 2012.
How much does a C6 Z06 weigh?
GM listed the 2006 Z06 at about 3,130 pounds and the 2013 car at 3,199 pounds.
Does the C6 Z06 have a dry sump?
Yes. The LS7 used a dry-sump oiling system, enlarged to 10.5 quarts for 2009.
How many Z06 Carbon editions were built?
Chevrolet said it would build no more than 500 Z06 Carbon cars, in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange.
Sources
- General Motors and Chevrolet product information, model years 2005 to 2013
- U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy: fuel economy ratings, 2005 to 2013 Corvette (www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml)
- NHTSA: recall campaigns, 2005 to 2013 Corvette (www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)
- Photography: General Motors
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