Steroidal Corvette Z06 Carbon unleashed

The supercharged ZR1 might be the undisputed bad boy of Chevrolet's Corvette line-up, but in the eyes of some purists the 7.0-litre, non-force-fed Z06 is still the more desirable option.

Said folks now have reason to rejoice as much of the high-tech gear from the ZR1 has been transferred to the low-volume Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition. Just 500 units will be produced, virtually guaranteeing it collectible status.

Also adding to its allure is the fact that it was conceived as a 50th anniversary tribute to the Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Befitting its motorsport connection, the Z06 Carbon Edition scores Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with dark grey callipers (these stoppers were first introduced on the ZR1).

The Carbon Edition's stance is beefed up by black 20-spoke rims (19-inchers at the front and 20s at the rear), wrapped in Michelin PS2 rubber. It also benefits from the Magnetic Selective Ride Control (which debuted on the ZR1) and enhanced cooling.

The limited-run 'Vette also sports a carbonfibre bonnet that's derived from the one found on the ZR1, except for the fact that it makes do without the transparent window. It's said to be the lightest bonnet to date on a Corvette.

Other tweaks include black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body-colour spoiler, body-colour door handles and black carbonfibre rockers and splitter. The latter two accoutrements are claimed to reduce mass and aerodynamic lift.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be offered in a choice of just two colours: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue... and boy-racer types will be able to specify Euro-styled racing numbers for track days.

It all adds up to a formidable package, according to Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, who says: "For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1.

"For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

No word yet on how quickly it can circulate the Nürburgring though. For the record, Chevrolet claims the ZR1 has lapped the 'Ring in a time of 7min 26.4sec.

The Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior colour chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest.

An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon will also be available with the regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Grey 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.

The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages go on sale in the US in late summer, the third quarter of this year.

Chevrolet plainly intends for this model to be a weekend track car, hoping to cash-in on its recent sportscar racing success. The company's racing efforts were spared during last year's bankruptcy proceedings. Having dominated the GT1 category against limited opposition, the factory team has stepped down to the GT2 class to compete against Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin and Ford for its assault on the Le Mans 24 Hours and American Le Mans Series. The team has created a promotional video, which you can view below and there's a dedicated Facebook channel as well.

-- with staff.