The Z06 rejoins the Corvette lineup for 2015 as the most capable model in the iconic car's 62-year history. It stretches the performance envelope for Corvette with unprecedented levels of aerodynamic downforce - and it is the first Corvette Z06 to offer a supercharged engine, an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and, thanks to a stronger aluminum frame, a removable roof panel.
For the first time since 1963, the Z06 is also offered in coupe and convertible models. In fact, building a modern Z06 Convertible was only enabled by recent technological advancements, according to Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter: "Simply put, until recently it was not possible to create an open-roof structure strong enough to meet Corvette's highest performance levels.
It required advancements in computer-aided engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing - many of which did not exist five years ago - to make a frame strong enough for a Z06 Convertible."
The aluminum structure is 20 percent stiffer than the previous, fixed-roof Z06. As there are no structural reinforcements needed for the Z06 Convertible, it has a nearly identical curb weight as the Z06 Coupe. They also share the same chassis tuning, powertrain output, driver technologies and equipment options - including a track-focused Z07 Performance Package.