Mallett delivers a hammer blow

Chevrolet's enduring Corvette is hardly what you'd call a wallflower in terms of either its looks or performance. The 7.0-litre V8-equipped Z06, in particular, is a brute of a thing, offering Ferrari/Lambo-rivalling performance at a fraction of the cost.

So what would prompt a US-based tuning/engineering house to team up with a design studio to conjure up an altogether more extreme version that more than doubles the price of the donor car?

Given today's tough economic environment and eco-obsessed mindset, it hardly seems the ideal time to announce a completely OTT supercar, but that hasn't stopped Ugur Sahin Design and Ohio-based Mallett Cars from launching this -- the unimaginatively named Mallett Z03.

Using the current-gen C6 Corvette as a basis, the transformation includes a new bodyshell conceived by Ugur Sahin Design. The revamp makes the car appear distinctly European -- it looks part TVR/part Lotus Exige -- in contrast to the classic musclecar proportions of the 'Vette.

The external mods (which cost a hefty $US69,000... after you've supplied the donor vehicle!) aren't purely cosmetic, as its makers say the new bodywork provides better engine cooling and improved downforce.

But it's what under the bonnet that holds greater interest: the 'entry-level' engine is a 515kW supercharged 7.0-litre LS7 V8, a package dubbed the Dead Blow Hammer, and this conversion will set you back a princely $US32,700.

Spend another three grand in greenbacks and the folks from Mallett will slot in an even more outrageous 'Twin Turbo Hammer' -- a combo claimed to be good for 999 horses (why didn't they just add one more and make it an even thousand?), which converts to 735kW for all you metric types.

Mallett Cars -- a company that claims to have a long history with racing Corvettes -- backs even the more extreme of the two engine upgrades by a 24,000 mile (38,500km)/two-year warranty, so customers have at least some assurance that they haven't just spent their money on a mobile hand grenade.

Perhaps it's not an unreasonable cost to acquire a projectile that, at least on paper, has Bugatti Veyron-matching numbers... you be the judge.

Mallett Z03 700 hp Dead Blow Hammer Conversion $US 32,700.00
Technical specifications:
Vortech Supercharger Kit w/ Mallett Modifications
Custom Designed Fuel System Upgrade
Custom Ported LS7 Heads, Flow Matched & CC Matched
Custom Ported / Polished 90mm Throttle Body
Custom Mallett Billet Monster Camshaft
Custom Crower Valve Springs
Custom Crower Titanium Valve Spring Retainers
Cometic Headgaskets
Manley 4340 Chrome-moly Push-rods
2618 Alloy LS Series Pistons & Rings
K1 Technologies Forged Connecting Rods
Clevite 77 Coated Engine Bearings
Professionally Balanced Rotating Assembly Service
Kooks Headers, Cats & X-Pipe
Corsa Touring Muffler System
Mallett Body Graphics & Seat Embroidery
Mallett Custom Shifter
Custom Number Plaque
Custom ECM Calibration With Dyno Tune4.0 C6 ZO6 Corvette 700hpn

Mallett Z03 999 hp APS Twin Turbo Hammer Conversion $US 35,795.00
Technical specifications:
APS Twin Turbo Hammer Conversion
Custom Designed Fuel System Upgrade
Custom Ported LS7 Heads, Flow Matched & CC Matched
Custom Ported / Polished 90mm Throttle Body
Custom Mallett Billet Monster Camshaft
Custom Crower Valve Springs
Custom Crower Titanium Valve Spring Retainers
Cometic Headgaskets
Manley 4340 Chrome-moly Push-rods
2618 Alloy LS Series Pistons & Rings
K1 Technologies Forged Connecting Rods
Clevite 77 Coated Engine Bearings
Professionally Balanced Rotating Assembly Service
Mallett Body Graphics & Seat Embroidery
Mallett Custom Shifter
Custom Number Plaque
Custom ECM Calibration With Dyno Tune