2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 5.7 V8 6MT (405 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Offered exclusively as a fixed-roof coupe affair, the Z06 version of the Corvette’s fifth generation came on the market in 2001, and the automaker quickly enhanced it for the 2002 model-year.

Ever since the first generation of this nameplate, the Corvette became an iconic model for the American automaker. Moreover, thanks to its features, it was ahead of its competitors and proved to be a smart buy for those looking for a sports car that could outpace a Porsche 911 at a fraction of that German contender’s price. And that was true not only for the 2001 model year, which provided 385 hp (390 PS), but also for the 2002 model year, which came with 20 ponies more.

GM made the Z06 with only one body shape: the coupe. The fastback-coupe or the convertible variations were out of the question for the automaker who intended to provide its flagship sportscar model with the stiffest bodywork they had in the C5’s lineup. That was the FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe) variation. Still, the car sported the same front fascia as the rest of its stablemates but with badges on the front fenders that said “Z06 405 HP.” In addition, in front of the rear wheels, the automaker installed air intakes that cooled the rotors from that axle.

One of the car’s main downsides was the interior, where the automaker put cheap materials, and the fit and finish were below the industry’s standards. Still, the high-bolstered bucket seats were a well-deserved addition. Another interesting feature of the car was the Head-Up Display, which was an unusual piece of equipment for a 2001/2002 vehicle.

Certainly, the most significant upgrade made to the car was the tweaked LS6 engine made to produce 405 hp (411 PS), which was also gifted with a titanium exhaust.