The 2001 Corvette Z06 Brings Back the Super Vette
The 2001 Corvette had little changes conducted once again on the base models. Those who chose the coupe or the convertible were however treated to an improvement in performance of the LS1 engine due to some nifty engineering moves that gave the engine five additional ponies for a total of 350 horsepower. This added performance boost made the 2001 Corvette a full quarter second faster from 0 to 60 miles per hour as compared to the 2000 Vette.
The big news however was the implementation of the all new Corvette Z06 which gave ZR-1 like performance and featured an all new engine called the LS6. The name Z06 was chosen in honor of Zora Duntov and the original Z06 package that was made available way back in 1963.
The power of the Z06 was something to behold. The new engine put out a 385 in both the horsepower and foot pounds of torque department and when tested on the track the results were evident. The Z06 Corvette could go 0 to 60 miles per hour in about four seconds and could do a quarter mile run in about 12 seconds. Once again the Corvette was among the fastest production cars in the world.
As what would be expected of a performance Vette, the 2001 Corvette Z06 had a six speed transmission only and was complimented with all sorts of upgrades in the handling department. An exclusive suspension came with the Z06 dubbed the FE4 and it featured:
- Stiffer Rear Springs
- Larger Front Stabilizer Bar
- Wider Goodyear F1 Tires
- A Revised Camber Setting
Along with its speed, the Z06 was also one nimble handling machine.
Another similarity of the Z06 and the ZR-1 was the fact that aside of a couple minor aesthetic looks, there was not much that differentiated the new super Vette from the base models. This again took some flack from both critics and the enthusiasts alike, but it didn’t seem to bother either as much as the ZR-1 did. Perhaps both parties were just elated to get a super Vette back in the lineup.
Also new for 2001 and made standard for all models was the Vette’s version of the active handling system. This featured a Bosch brake pressure modulator and some new systems calibrations. Programmed to be less intrusive to the driver, the new stability control system was a welcomed addition and hailed by all as an ingenious move made by GM.
Sales for the 2001 Corvette leaped up yet again and the total units sold at year’s end were an impressive 35,537 units with the Z06 making up almost 6,000 of the total number of Vettes sold for the year. This was the highest volume for the Chevy Corvette since 1985 and was also the second time in as many years within the new millennium that the Vette increased its sales figures. With the 50 Year Golden Anniversary now only two model years away, the Corvette was on track to re-establishing itself as not only a top sports car here in the states, but across the globe as well.
Tags: 2001 Corvette, Corvette Z06, Z06
