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Z06. Those are magic numbers for Corvette enthusiasts, not only because they designate a special 2001 model that is designed to be track-ready straight from the production line, but also because they honor the Corvette’s first chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, and the Z06 racing Sting Ray he created in 1963.

They’re also magic because the Z06 is about as thrilling as a corkscrew roller coaster. Targeted at serious performance enthusiasts at the upper end of the market, it is based on the hardtop model because it has the stiffest body structure, is 38 pounds lighter than the former C5 hardtop and is 99 pounds lighter than the coupe and convertible. Plus, the hardtop profile gives it a distinct look.

Other distinct touches include mesh screens over the front grille slots, light-gray wheels and air scoops aft of the doors to direct cooling air into the rear brakes.

The heart of the Z06 is an aluminum, 5.7-liter V8 whose horsepower has been bumped to 385, 35 more than the standard engine. The engine in the Z06, now designated LS6, has been substantially modified to produce greater torque and horsepower while withstanding the rigors of racing. It is not available in any other model.

The block has been reworked for sustained high-speed operation, the camshaft has a new profile and the intake manifold is new. The cylinder heads now have higher compression, flow more air and use stronger valve springs. Fuel mileage has improved by one mpg.

Letting the extra power out of the engine is a low-restriction titanium exhaust system. Titanium is 50 percent lighter than the standard stainless steel system, and this is the first time it has been used in a production car. It is also very expensive.

The bottom line? Plant your foot to the floor and the acceleration smacks you harder than a Jim Rome caller. Chevrolet says it does zero-to-60 mph in 4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds. Mighty impressive.

This engine’s signature is different from that of lesser models. Its exhaust has a slightly higher pitch. Tickle the throttle and the engine is docile; open it up and you’re greeted with a bellow like a muted race car. Torque is abundant. Acceleration from just over 1,200 rpm in fourth gear occurs with no sign of hesitation.

The torque is helpful when it comes to shifting the six-speed gearbox in city traffic. Gentle starts force the gear lever to move from first to fourth (skipping second and third) for better mileage. This skip-shift feature is annoying, and I worked around it by shifting from first to third. Unhooking the switch that controls this function is fairly simple, I’m told, but I still don’t like it.

To cope with the added power, as well as the demands of the racetrack, the Z06 chassis gets its own suspension, FE4, tuned to handle the demands of high-speed operation. Z06-specific wheels are an inch wider and shod with Goodyear Eagle SC Supercar tires.

Standard on all 2001 Corvettes is a second generation of the Active Handling System that provides vehicle stability without seeming to be heavy-handed. Power through a turn too enthusiastically and the system allows a certain amount of wheelspin before it intervenes. A competition mode allows the driver to turn off the traction control part of the system for racing or autocrossing.

The all-black interior is essentially the same as other Corvettes except each seat has the Z06 logo stitched onto it. A very subtle, and clever, checkerboard pattern is used on the face of the speedometer and tachometer.

The only real downside to the Z06 is that, aside from a racetrack, there is no place to exercise its capability. But then again, this is a car that was bred to be used on a track, and most of them will.