You expect sophisticated safety technology in one of the world’s most advanced automobiles- and Corvette delivers on this important promise. The purchasing department will be happy to explain why the use of this unique metal is rare. Autoblog is part of Verizon Media. The LS6 is, more than anything else, robust. If only Chevy would let me build my Corvette à la carte, I'd sprint to the dealer. Here's my dream Vette: hatchback body; Z06 powertrain, brakes, brake ducts, tires, and various lightweight parts; and Z51 suspension. Despite the stiffer suspension, the ride was reasonably painless over our pock-marked Michigan pavement, thanks to the greater compliance of the non-run-flat tires. No (expletive deleted) way. New Exhaust Manifold Design- The previous stamped-steel exhaust manifold used in the LS1 has been replaced with a new cast-iron design for improved flow of exhaust gases, increasing engine performance and durability. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. That figure is also one of the best we've ever seen for a production car, ranking about 0.10 g beyond recent Corvettes, as well as edging out the Viper GTS and the Ferrari 360 Modena. Called the Z06, it represents a variant of the C5 Corvette enhanced with a comprehensive package of go-fast upgrades designed to make it the highest-performance production Corvette ever built. An exclusive FE4 suspension with standard second generation Active Handling helps Z06 raise the standard by which all other sports cars will be measured. For 2001 the convertible top has a new-five layer design. For 2001, Chevrolet will rejuvenate a code from this hallowed list with the new model you see on these pages. Our test car's engine, with just 1400 miles on it, accelerated to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 113 mph. It can be cast, machined, and stamped. The 2001 Corvette was the most serious Corvette to hit the streets. Stumble upon a nest of Corvette aficionados, and you'll hear more obscure alphanumeric sequences than if you'd crept into a meeting of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Crank coarse motions into the steering wheel, and the Z06 darts around because the steering remains responsive well past the point when most cars are barely hanging on for dear life. The aluminum block, cylinder heads, camshaft and induction systems have all been revised for better breathing at high rpm. Taking Corvette to extreme levels is something of a tradition- and the new-in-1997 Corvette LS1 V8 makes an absolutely world-class foundation for the Z06 exclusive LS6.