Consider it official: Chevrolet says the 2006 Corvette Z06 will be the
company's fastest ever. The 505-hp Z06 is set to hit 60 mph in 3.7
seconds-while still in first gear, Chevy says in a press release.
Here's more from the source:

   The ultimate Corvette-the 2006 Corvette Z06-is posting numbers
at the track and on the window sticker that will get attention.
Chevrolet has announced that the fastest Corvette ever-the
505-horsepower Corvette Z06-will achieve 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds
while still in first gear, and pricing will start at $65,800, including
destination and freight charges.

   "Corvette is a global icon for world-class sports car performance
at an incredible value, and offering the fastest production Corvette
ever at this price is another testament to that reputation," said Ed
Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "When you compare the Corvette Z06
performance stats to other supercars, you see numerous examples where
you're getting better performance with Corvette for one-third the
sticker price of the competition."

   Developed alongside the Corvette C6.R race car, the Corvette Z06
uses advanced lightweight materials typically found only in the most
exotic supercars. Use of weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber,
aluminum, titanium and magnesium give the 3,132-pound car a highly
competitive weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

   "The new Corvette Z06 is the dividend from competing so
successfully in endurance racing," said Dave Hill, Corvette's chief
engineer. "It combines the strong attributes of the new,
sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and know-how from
the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding
credentials." The highly anticipated Corvette Z06, which will be
available in the fourth quarter of 2005, completes the sixth-generation
portfolio, which also includes the 400-hp Corvette coupe and
convertible.

   Previous Corvette Z06 models, from the original 1963 model to the
2001-04 editions, incorporated suspension and engine upgrades that
complemented existing Corvette systems. The 2006 Corvette Z06 is more
differentiated from the standard Corvette than any other Z06 in history
with every design element serving a performance function.

Patrick
'93 Cobra