Racing to road.
Whether it’s been the American Le Mans Series, IMSA TUDOR United Sportscar Championship, or other international motorsport series, the Chevrolet Corvette has made quite an impact at the podium. The Corvette C6.R took home quite a few checkered flags over its career and the new C7.R is doing just the same. That success has translated to better road-going Corvettes, and now Chevrolet has bridged the gap with the new 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition.
The new road-going, track-focused 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition pays tribute to the successes of the new C7.R racers of Corvette Racing while offering up an unprecedented motorsport feel for the seventh-generation sports car.
“Corvette Racing’s legacy and technology were significant influences on the development of the Corvette Z06 and the new C7.R Edition honors the direct link between the racecar and the production model,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product and marketing manager. “It also advances Chevrolet’s plan to offer special-edition models that offer a unique, personal ownership experiences, which become important parts of Corvette’s legacy.”
The iconic livery of Corvette Racing will be subtly showcased on the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition through the Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat or Black exterior colors. These are both paired up with a C7.R Edition graphics package and a standard Z07 Performance package that includes adjustable front and rear aerodynamic components for even greater levels of downforce. Each component proudly wears a black finish to stand out from the Yellow Tintcoat paint. A carbon fiber hood section allows the mighty blown V-8 to breathe a bit easier under track conditions.
“The Z07 Performance Package enhances overall performance to make the Corvette Z06 one of the most track-capable cars you can buy off the dealership floor and still drive it to work every day,” said Charles.
Also visually distinguishing the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition are new black wheels with a subtle yellow accent stripe running on the outer rim and Corvette Racing logos on the center caps. Yellow brake calipers that are part of the standard Z07 Brembo carbon ceramic package draw attention even further. Attempting to generate as much traction as possible for the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 are Michelin Pilot PS Cup 2 tires.
Inside, the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition sports a set of Corvette Racing sill plates to greet passengers and a numbered C7.R Edition interior plaque proudly displaying the build number. A high-gloss carbon fiber trim set pairs nicely with the Jet black leather interior with sueded microfiber accents on the seats, instrument panel, and doors. Two Competition Sport seats wearing a sueded microfiber trim hold passengers in place while drivers grab ahold of the sueded microfiber steering wheel and gear shifter.
Unfortunately, the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition will utilize the same supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque as the factory Z06 models. We say unfortunately because more power is always better. Each car will also come with a unique indoor car cover displaying C7.R graphics.
“Combined with the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine, true aerodynamic downforce and performance technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited slip differential, the Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition offers capability matched only by an elite fraternity of the world’s supercars and special-edition exclusivity that is sure to make it an instant collector’s item.”
Only 500 examples of the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition will be produced with sales beginning later in 2015. All of the Z07 Performance Package upgrades will also come as standard on the road-legal racer.
2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition Specifications
-Offered on coupe and convertible models with 3LZ trim
-Available in Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat (new for 2016) or Black exterior colors
-C7.R Edition graphics package
-Z07 Performance Package with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Michelin PS Cup 2 tires
-Yellow brake calipers
-Black wheels with yellow accent strip and Corvette Racing-logo center caps
-Visible carbon fiber ground effects package
-New visible carbon fiber hood section
-Grilles and vents finished in Spectra Gray Metallic
-Jet Black leather interior with sueded microfiber accents on the instrument panel and doors
-Sueded microfiber-trimmed Competition Sport Seat, steering wheel and shifter
-Yellow contrast stitching throughout the interior
-Carbon fiber interior trim package (high-gloss)
-Corvette Racing sill plates
-Numbered C7.R Edition interior plaque showing the build number, starting with VIN 700001
-Special indoor car cover with C7.R graphics.
2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition Gallery
Source: General Motors
What track would you like to race the 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition on?
