[VIDEO] C6 Corvette Z06: The Best Ever? (Canyon Drive Review)

Oct 31, 2024

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Despite being two generations back, is the C6 Z06 the best Corvette ever?

That’s the big question for Brad over at the Retro Cars Forever channel on YouTube.

In fact, he even wonders, as a member of his own All-Stars of Corvettedom, could the sixth-gen Z06 even be in the running for the title of best sports car ever?

To answer those intriguing questions, Brad takes us through an in-depth (though relatively short at 13 minutes) examination as he takes his first drive ever in a Z06 – this one a stunning 27,000-mile Atomic Orange 2008 model belonging to his friend and fellow YouTuber Eric of RevMatch TV.

[VIDEO] C6 Corvette Z06: The Best Ever? (Canyon Drive Review)

The Z06, of course, features the now-legendary 7.0-liter 427 V8 engine that cranks out 505 horsepower, and other differences over the base model include wider fenders and an aluminum frame and other weight-slicing measures like carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses.

Early on, Brad offers up his first driving impressions, including a comparison to his own 2007 Z51 coupe, and his collection of observations could be helpful for anyone considering the purchase of a Z06 as he offers up his take on things like “those friggin’ seats,” handling, braking, daily driving comparisons vs. a base C6, and problem areas.

“For sheer automotive enjoyment,” he notes, “the Z06 is tough to beat,” pointing out that it’s the last truly analog super-Corvette and the last with truly classic Corvette style (including the round taillights that he actually prefers).

Brad says the biggest surprise about his time behind the wheel is how well the Z06 drives. “I expected it to be some scary monster,” he says, “but it’s actually a friendly pussycat. It’s fast as hell, but with a direct and balanced feel that makes it the most fun car I’ve ever driven.”

In fact, by the end of the video, he does believe the C6 Z06 is worthy of being in the discussion of the best Corvette ever, saying that while it’s not as polished as a C7 or a C8, it’s “just polished enough to be a little fun, a little naughty.” He notes the 505 horsepower is not unmanageable and the engine is well-suited for the car and the chassis, working in harmony “in a way that very few American cars get right.”

As for taking it even a step further and considering it as maybe the best car ever, Brad says if big power is your thing, it’s indeed hard to beat a C6 Z06. “If you’re like me, and you got those NASCAR fantasies, and you want to have a big-ass V8, and that attitude,” he concludes, the Z06 “could be the best sports car for you,” especially considering top-notch examples can be found for $45,000 or less.

He does admit that the 2010-13 Grand Sport is “more livable and more affordable” and might be a better fit for people who love the Z06’s aggressive style but don’t need its extreme level of performance.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with Brad’s assessment, or would you prefer a C7 or C8, or maybe an earlier generation?

Source:
Retro Cars Forever

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6 COMMENTS

Roc Linkov Oct 31, 2024 At 11:29 am

I’ve said this for years. Have an 06Z06 and just finished a month on the road and the car has 182k and almost all original. It’s the lightest of that generation and I used it on track, most recently at Mid Ohio. It is just the most satisfying car whether traveling to and from a track to on the track. I prefer it over the C8 I had and which I replaced with a 13Grand Sport for every day use.
Stephen Abbatel Oct 31, 2024 At 7:39 pm

I have a base c6 6-speed I bought new in 2010 for 20 percent under sticker. It’s plenty fast for me and I still love it’s clean nofrill lines. The same can be said for my original owner 93Lt1.
Robert Oct 31, 2024 At 8:12 pm

I am a very enthusiastic C7 owner but I’m also a big fan of the C6. The twenty year old C6 body style still looks great today and it’s better looking than most new cars. This particular Atomic Orange C6 Z06 is so cool and badass looking!
Ronnie Nov 1, 2024 At 1:14 am

I have the exact same car and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, well maybe the ’19 ZR1. The C6 and the C3 (I have one also) are the most beautiful Corvettes ever. FYI: The color is called Atomic Orange Metallic Tintcoat. The way I understand it, the tintcoat was a third layer with the usual basecoat/clearcoat paint. It was a $750 option and was used on only two colors for two years, then the colors were changed. You have to see it in the sunlight, it’s stunning
klw Nov 1, 2024 At 10:47 pm

Very nice example, the ZO6 may not be the “best” but it’s right there. The ZR1 also. C6 Vettes are a crowd favorite no doubt. I have had two C6 Vettes, my current one is 11′ GS 3LT manual. Crystal Red Met tint coat also. Three stage paint with the clear having the color added to it. I do agree the GS is more practical, all the looks and other go fast goodies like the dry sump and rev match and launch control and the roof comes off. This is the main reason I got a GS instead of a Z. To me half the reason to have a Vette is taking the top off which I do a lot. Mine has 32k on it now, but I still have people asking if it’s a “new” one or “is that a Ferrari?” and been the subject of many pictures. I love this car. Wrap your ass in fiberglass!
Raylan Benzl Nov 2, 2024 At 2:08 pm

NO! C7 Corvette Stingray.

1. “We believe the Corvette (C7) represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.” The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”

2. “The all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and functionality of a long-distance GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and acceleration, grip and braking of a capable track car,” said Harlan Charles, product manager.

Many thanks,
Ray