2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with Z06 Concept Parts

The seventh-generation Corvette Stingray has been received with great enthusiasm in its first year on the market, but the V-8-powered sports car is about to lose its halo-car status in 2015, when the supercharged Corvette Z06 is set to step in. That’s not to say the Stingray will lose its appeal, but more and more enthusiasts are likely to aspire to the Z06’s race-bred looks and 650-horsepower LT4 rather than the former’s 460 naturally aspirated ponies. Most of them might not be able to afford the Z06’s $78,995 sticker, but there’s good news coming from Chevrolet’s booth at the 2014 SEMA Show in the form of Z06 parts that can be fitted to regular Stingrays.
Don’t get too excited yet, as these performance-enhancing goodies are only presented as conceptual features, but make sure you keep them fingers crossed as the manufacturer might just offer them through the Chevrolet Performance division in the near future. Chevy is actually looking for feedback from "Corvette enthusiasts around the world about their interest in these concept Z06 parts," and judging by the popularity the C7 Corvette enjoys right now, there’s a chance these Z06 components will find their way to customers looking to update their sports cars.
Until that happens, let’s have a look at which Z06 parts can be fitted to the standard Corvette and to which extent they can improve the Stingray’s potential.

Exterior

The concept car showcased at the SEMA Show features three distinct exterior parts sourced from the Z06, each bringing its own contribution to the Corvette Stingray. First up is the Z06 front grille, which lacks the chrome strip seen on the regular sports car and features two inlets that connect to the Z06’s advanced front brake ducts. Although it doesn’t make a big difference as a visual piece, the grille increases airflow to the engine by 17 percent compared to its stock counterpart, providing better cooling and enhanced aerodynamics.
Next in line are the Z06 rear quarter panel vents. Much like the front grille, the side vents provide about 25-percent greater airflow at track speed. Lastly, and also added to increase aerodynamics, there’s the Z06’s high-wing rear spoiler. The latter also improves the Stingray’s appearance by giving it a track-focused look.

Interior

The concept’s interior is standard Corvette Stingray, meaning Chevrolet isn’t planning on offering any of the Z06’s goodies for the stock sports car. No biggie though, as the Z06 doesn’t have too many features setting it apart from the Stingray. There is, of course, the flat-bottom steering wheel, unique to this supercharged Vette, but we I can understand Chevy’s need to differentiate the two vehicles and justify the higher sticker.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is one department that benefits from several upgrades. The Z06’s 600-watt radiator fan, rear transmission oil cooler and front auxiliary transmission cooler were added for superior cooling capability in their respective fields.
A carbon-fiber torque tube helps decrease the Corvette Stingray’s curb weight by 13.2 pounds, while the Z06’s driveshaft couplers, which are designed to stand up to higher exhaust heat, replace the stock components.
Unfortunately, Chevy isn’t offering any performance-enhancing parts to the drivetrain, but that’s mainly due to the fact that the Stingray and the Z06 were designed with different purposes in mind. Sure, the 6.2-liter mills share much of the same architecture, but the Z06’s internals were designed with lightness, higher power outputs and racing in mind.

Suspension and Brakes

Chevrolet Performance was quick to deliver and the Stingray gained the Z06's rotors and Brembo aluminum calipers.

Most Z06-sourced parts have found their way onto the Stingray’s chassis, and that’s great news considering the former was developed alongside the Corvette C7.R race car.
The Z06’s stabilizer bars, control arms, composite transverse leaf spring, Bilstein shocks and the carbon-fiber underbody braces have all been fitted to this "hybrid" concept car. If these parts become available for the Stingray, the standard sports car will gain unprecedented track skills by means of improved stiffness, handling and everything that comes with race-bred chassis components. While the Corvette is already a track-capable machine, these improvements will turn it into a daily driver that has the ability to become weekend track toy at any given moment.
Better handling and faster laps also mean this Vette needs enhanced braking capabilities. Chevrolet Performance was quick to deliver with the Z06’s rotors and Brembo aluminum calipers. The front rotors measure 14.6 inches and come with a six-piston layout up front, while the 14.4-inch rear rotors are clamped by four-piston calipers.
Chevy also lists the braking package available with the Z07 upgrade, meaning the Stingray can also be equipped with 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic front rotors and 15.3-inch carbon rear rotors.

Prices

As these parts have yet to be confirmed for the Corvette Stingray, there’s no pricing information as of November 2014. Should they become available, expect to spend up to $10K for the full package.

Conclusion

The fact that Chevrolet might offer some Z06 parts for the Corvette Stingray is good news for enthusiasts who can’t fork $80K for an actual Z06. Although there’s no extra horsepower or torque coming with the package, this Z06 upgrade could bridge the $27,000 gap between the regular C7 Corvette and GM’s new halo supercar.

Source: topSpeed