What It’s REALLY Like to Own a C8 Corvette Z06 (Owner Opinions!)
Like any car, the C8 Corvette Z06 has its pros and cons – here’s what actual owners have to say about it!
It’s only been a few precious months since deliveries of the all-new C8 Corvette Z06 began, but as is usually the case, we’ve already seen countless examples subjected to dyno tests, drag races, track days, and, well, even a crash or two. However, there are still quite a few folks out there that haven’t yet seen a C8 Corvette Z06, let alone driven one. And, perhaps a person or two that’s still on the fence when it comes to buying one.
Many remain patient, waiting to see if there are any lingering mechanical issues – which is common with brand new vehicles powered by brand new engines – or, perhaps, just to see what others think about it. After all, journalists can provide great insight into what a vehicle is like, but they certainly don’t get to live with one every day – only a few, or perhaps even a week or so. Thankfully, we have the CorvetteForum forums to look to, and in this case, a recent thread provides some great insight into what it’s really like to own a C8 Corvette Z06, providing us with a nifty list of pros and cons in that regard.
Pros
Sound
Obviously, one of the best attributes of the C8 Corvette Z06 is its sweet-sounding flat-plane crank 5.5-liter LT2 V8. Owners report that it sounds amazing at any RPM over 4,000, and in Sport and Track model, pops and crackles during deceleration, which for some is a rather pleasing experience. However, when you want to be a bit stealthier, the car is far quieter in lesser modes and especially during lighter acceleration.
Power and Acceleration
Obviously, the new Z06 is quite fast, which is to be expected for a 670 horsepower, mid-engine sports car. However, owners are also impressed with the power delivery, which is smooth and predictable. The car just keeps accelerating through the rev range with no perceivable end in sight, and overall, the C8 Z06 just feels like it’s ready to go at the drop of a hat (or the pedal). Much of this smooth, linear power delivery can be attributed to the fact that it’s naturally-aspirated, of course, which is another huge bonus for purists.
Handling
GM spent a considerable amount of time dialing in the way the C8 Z06 handles, and they’ve clearly hit the nail on the proverbial head here. Owners report that the car “handles like it’s on rails,” and provides the driver with tons of feedback. They say that it’s incredibly easy to know precisely what the car is doing at all times, how the tires are behaving, with a strong driver-car connection present – which is not something that’s terribly common in today’s era of electronically-assisted steering and other tech nannies.
Styling
Most love the way the C8 Corvette Z06 looks, noting that it’s far more aggressive than the regular Stingray – not to mention its predecessor. In fact, some weren’t fans of the C7 Z06’s more subdued appearance, which has obviously been corrected with the new version, a car that looks more like an exotic than perhaps any Corvette that preceded it.
Long Term Collectability
It goes without saying that naturally-aspirated, V8-powered American cars don’t exactly grow on trees anymore, and they likely won’t be around forever. Thus, while you can own and enjoy the new Z06, you can also take solace in the fact that it will also probably be a solid long-term collectible that will likely be a coveted item years down the road
Cons
Non-Traditional Sound
At least one person notes that the C8 Corvette Z06 doesn’t sound, well, much like a traditional Corvette, which could prove to be a bit of a deterrent for some. Most of us love the way Ferraris sound, but there are obviously some that prefer a deeper, more traditional American V8 rumble and may not be fans of the more exotic flat plane crank noises. Others point out that the exhaust drones a bit at around 2,800 RPM, or in some cases, anything under 4,000 RPM.
Stiffer Suspension
This is a subjective topic because some owners don’t mind the stiffer ride the Z06 presents – even in Track mode – though others feel like even Touring is a bit too stiff for their liking. Of course, others note that they don’t exactly have the best roads where they live, which can make a world of difference in that regard. Either way, the suspension in the Z06 is noticeably stiffer than the Stingray, which is likely the better road trip/grand touring machine.
Lightly Equipped
More than one 1LZ owner notes that the cars are lacking features that should be standard, given the lofty cost of the new Z06. That list includes things that are included in most of its rivals, and even in some cheap economy cars these days, such as a front camera, heated seats, and blind spot monitoring.
Too Much Attention?
Clearly, the flip side of having an aggressively styled car is that it’s going to attract a lot of attention – for some owners, it’s too much, in fact, with a few noting that it’s “annoying.” Thus, those that don’t want to be the center of attention everywhere they go may at least want to opt for a more subtle color.
Rock Chips and Brake Dust
Most sports cars are notorious for brake dust build-up, and that’s also the case with the C8 Z06. The car is also apparently a rock magnet, not only up front – but also in the side intake vents, so paint protection film might be a good idea here.
Fuel Economy
Of course, this is a high-power sports car, so fuel economy isn’t going to be great. Some owners report getting around 11 mpg combined, which is obviously horrible, but not terribly surprising by any means.
Many of these complaints are the types of things that most would expect with a dedicated, track-focused sports car, and for the most part, owners seem to be incredibly pleased with their purchase. However, it’s clear that anyone looking for a daily might be better served with a Stingray – unless you’re the type of person that is willing to make some comfort tradeoffs in the sake of pure driving enjoyment (like us!).
Photos: Chevrolet
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