Racing has played a key role in defining Corvette as America’s performance icon. America’s favorite sports car stands at the pinnacle of international endurance racing. The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the sixth and current generation of the sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The C6 was introduced for the 2005 model year and is the first Corvette with exposed headlamps since 1962.

The Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005. It had a new 7.0 L version of the Small-Block engine codenamed LS7, which produced 505 hp. In addition to the larger engine, the Corvette Z06 has a dry sump oiling system, and connecting rods made out of titanium alloy. The frame of the Z06 is constructed from aluminum, saving 136 pounds over the standard steel frame. Other weight saving measures such as balsa wood/carbon fiber composite floors and a magnesium alloy engine cradle were used. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and 1/4 mile in 11.8 seconds at 122 mph in their March 2007 comparison test.

The Leighton Reese Performance Group Corvette Z06 started its life as the championship winning Pontiac GXP.R built by Pratt & Miller. Following the 2009 season and General Motors’ mothballing of the Pontiac brand, Leighton Reese Performance Group converted the chassis to accept the Corvette Z06 bodywork.

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