CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06

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CHEVROLET CORVETTE E-RAY

The exterior is almost the same, with a wide body of over 2m in width.

This article compares the Z06 and E-Ray in a showdown between the Chevrolet Corvette series. The interior and exterior differences are mostly the same, with only minor differences in equipment and color schemes. Compared to the standard Corvette, both the Z06 and E-Ray are wide-body, with a total width of 2025mm.

However, by choosing the “Z7 Performance Package” option for the Z06, carbon spoilers that generate powerful downforce can be added in various places, and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and carbon fiber wheels can also be installed. The E-Ray comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes and magnetorheological dampers, and is equipped with exclusive pearl nickel colored forged wheels, but like the Z06, carbon wheels can also be selected.

Although the luggage space of both vehicles is slightly reduced compared to the standard Corvette due to the extensive equipment, both still have a combined capacity of around 350L front and rear.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ

Body size = Length 4685mm x Width 2025mm x Height 1225mm

Wheelbase = 2725mm

Vehicle weight = 1720kg

Tire size = 275/30ZR20 (front) / 345/25ZR21 (rear)

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ

Body size = Length 4685mm x Width 2025mm x Height 1225mm

Wheelbase = 2725mm

Vehicle weight = 1810kg

Tire size = 275/30ZR20 (front) / 345/25ZR21 (rear)

E-Ray’s eAWD outpaces the Z06’s acceleration

The E-Ray is an eAWD system that uses a 6.2-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output of 502 PS to drive the rear tires and a 162 PS/125 Nm motor to drive the front tires. The engine itself is the same LT2 type as the standard Corvette, and when accelerating, the rough roar of the crossplane crankshaft’s exhaust interference is mixed with the high-frequency sound of the motor.

On the other hand, the 5.5-liter engine installed in the Z06 is the LT6, a racing engine with a different lineage from the LT2. It has a flat-plane crankshaft and a DOHC engine head, and produces a clear sound and a power output of 646 PS at a high rotation speed of 8550 rpm.

While the Z06 has a better engine output, the E-Ray’s system output is even higher at 664 PS, and its 0-97 km/h acceleration time is clearly faster at 2.5 seconds compared to the Z06’s 2.9 seconds. Even when the Z06’s rear tires reach their grip limit or during the smallest gear changes, the E-Ray’s front motor accelerates the vehicle without interruption. Due to the motor and battery, the E-Ray’s weight is 90 kg heavier than the Z06, but this should also help to increase the front wheel ground load, which is often lacking with a mid-engine vehicle.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ

Engine type = V8 gasoline engine

Displacement = 5454cc

Maximum output = 646PS/8550rpm

Maximum torque = 623Nm/6300rpm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = RWD

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ

Engine type = V8 gasoline engine + motor

Displacement = 6156cc

Maximum engine output = 502PS/6450rpm

Maximum engine torque = 637Nm/5150rpm

Maximum motor output = 162PS/9000rpm

Maximum motor torque = 165Nm/0-4000rpm

Maximum system output = 664PS

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

The Z06 circuit car and the E-Ray GT car

The Z06 is priced at 25.8 million yen, while the E-Ray is priced at 23.5 million yen. The Z06, which has a racing engine equipped with titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, a dry sump system, and a specially set chassis, is over 2 million yen more expensive.

The E-Ray boasts acceleration that surpasses that of the Z06, but when fully charged, it can travel 4.8 to 6.4 km using only the front motor, making it possible to drive silently in residential areas late at night or early in the morning. The front drive force, which the Z06 lacks, is also useful in bad weather and for avoiding danger.

On the other hand, the E-Ray may run out of power when driving around a circuit depending on the course. If you plan to drive mainly on public roads, the E-Ray’s excellent performance as a GT car is more suitable. If you plan to use it mainly on a circuit, the Z06 is the best choice.