The high-performance Corvette Z06 is back for 2015 with an entry-level price not horribly inflated compared to the previous-generation Z06, and that's a welcome surprise for those waiting to buy one. The new 650-horsepower Z06 is the most-powerful production car GM has ever produced; it starts at $78,995 with destination for a coupe and $83,995 for the newly available convertible Z06.
Related: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show
The entry price seems like a bargain at just $2,400 more than the outgoing 2013 Z06 considering there's 145 more hp, a 20 percent stiffer aluminum chassis plus technology and quality strides made inside the car.
For 2015, two new items stand out as oddities given the Z06's history: one being the Z06 offered as a convertible, and the other being the new eight-speed automatic transmission said to offer world-class shift-response rivaling dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The automatic adds $1,725 to the Z06's tally and is perhaps one of the more interesting new options on the 2015 Z06. We recently tested the eight-speed transmission in the base 2015 Corvette Stingray.
Standard equipment includes the aforementioned 650-hp, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 paired with the seven-speed manual transmission, plus tons of Z06-specific performance features compared to the base Corvette Stingray. An adjustable magnetic ride control suspension, 8-inch MyLink touch-screen, keyless access, backup camera and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel are part of the entry-level 1LZ trim.
The Corvette's 2LZ trim adds $3,270 for a premium stereo, head-up display and heated and cooled seats, while the 3LZ adds $8,650 and includes the 2LZ content plus a sueded microfiber trim package, navigation and more.
Even higher-performance capabilities come with the available Z07 package adding carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable aerodynamic components and super sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires. The Z07 package also adds $7,995 to the Z06's price. A $2,995 Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package enhances high-speed stability with a functional carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and larger rear spoiler.
The 2015 Corvette Z06 is expected to go on sale in early 2015.
Cars.com photo by Steven Pham
