2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible
Chevrolet today introduced one of the most capable
drop-tops on the market: the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible. With at least 625
horsepower, and 635 pound-feet of torque, the Z06 is also the most powerful
convertible ever produced by Chevrolet.
“The Z06 Convertible is a world-class supercar in every
sense,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development.
“Only a handful of convertibles in the world bring more than 600 horsepower and
600 pound-feet of torque. Even fewer can match the advanced technologies,
aerodynamic design, and visceral driving experience of the Z06 Convertible.”
This is the first Z06 Convertible offered from the
factory since 1963 when the Z06 option package was introduced for endurance
racing. Records show only 199 Corvette orders with a Z06 package that year,
including one convertible.
Recent technological advancements enable the building of
a modern Z06 Convertible, said Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter.
“Until recently it was not possible to create a
lightweight, open-roof structure strong enough to cope with the braking,
cornering, and acceleration of Corvette’s top performance models,” Juechter
said. “The frame for the Z06 convertible leverages advancements in computer-aided
engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing techniques – many of which were not
available just five years ago.”
The aluminum structure is 20 percent stiffer than the
previous, fixed-roof Z06. As there are no structural reinforcements needed for
the Z06 Convertible, its curb weight is nearly identical to the Z06 Coupe. They
also share the same chassis tuning, powertrain output, driver technologies and
equipment options – including the Z07 Performance Package, which adds Brembo
carbon-ceramic matrix brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires and adjustable
front- and rear-aerodynamic components.
“The most impressive aspect of the Z06 Convertible may be
its performance bandwidth,” said Juechter. “Very few cars on the market can
match its combination of extreme, supercar levels of performance; the
flexibility for daily driving and long-distance commuting; and the 360-degree,
open-air driving experience only true convertibles can offer.”
All-aluminum, high-tech foundation
The Corvette Z06 Convertible represents the culmination
of more than four years developing an all-new, all-aluminum structure for the
seventh generation Corvette. That structure, built at General Motors’ Bowling
Green Assembly plant, was designed to the specifications of the Corvette
Stingray, Corvette Z06 and the Corvette Racing C7.R.
“We wanted a frame that was lighter than the steel frame
of the previous Corvette, yet strong enough for both a 600-horsepower
convertible and a 24-hour endurance racer,” said Ed Moss, engineering group
manager for Corvette structures. “That would not have been possible without
improvements in computer-aided engineering software, which allowed us to model
more than 17,000 frame iterations, with each iteration improving strength and
stiffness, while reducing mass.”
The team used nearly 186,000 computational hours of
modeling to develop the frame. It features main rails composed of five
customized aluminum segments, including aluminum extrusions at each end, a
center main rail section and hollow-cast nodes at the suspension interface
points. The gauge of each segment varies in thickness from 2mm to 11mm,
tailored – along with the shape – to meet the strength and stiffness
requirements for each frame section with minimal weight.
These components are assembled using many advanced
manufacturing processes, including:
- 439
spot-welds using a GM-patented process that uses a unique electrode
designed specifically for aluminum
- 188
Flowdrill-machined fasteners installed by a high-speed drill that extrudes
the frame material to create a strong, integral collar tapped for bolt-on
fasteners
- 113 feet
of structural adhesives used in conjunction with welding and fasteners to
increase overall frame stiffness
37 feet of laser welds,
which join frame sections via a precise beam of high energy that minimizes heat
beyond the weld area for improved structural accuracy.
The only structural differences between the Z06 Coupe and
Convertible are provisions for mounting the power-folding top, and repositioned
safety-belt mounts.
High-performance aerodynamics
Like the structure, only minor design changes distinguish
the Z06 Coupe from the Convertible. The Z06 convertible features an electronic
top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also open
or close on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).
With the top up, the Z06 Convertible is designed for a
refined driving experience. A thick fabric top, offered in four colors along
with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet
cabin and premium appearance.
Behind the seat backs, dual accent panels – either Carbon
Flash-painted or available with exposed carbon fiber – enhance the character
lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray’s signature “waterfall” design
originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into
the interior.
The power-operated tonneau cover necessitated moving the
air intakes for the differential and transmission coolers from the rear quarter
panels on the Z06 Coupe to the underbody of the Z06 Convertible.
Otherwise, both models share the same, performance-driven
aesthetic.
“Practically every exterior panel serves a functional
purpose to meet the performance goals of the Z06,” said Tom Peters, Corvette
design director, “The flared fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires
for more grip. The larger vents provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes,
transmission and differential for increased track capability. The more
aggressive aerodynamic package generates true downforce for more cornering grip
and high-speed stability.”
Both Z06 models are fitted with Michelin tires (Pilot
Super Sport tires for the Z06; Sport Cup 2 tires with the Z07 package):
P285/30ZR19 front, and 335/25ZR20 rear.
The tires are mounted on lightweight, spin-cast aluminum
wheels (19 x 10 inches in front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear). Their open,
ultralight design showcases the massive Brembo brakes, which contribute to the
design:
- The Z06
features two-piece steel rotors, measuring 14.6 x 1.3-inch (371 x 33 mm)
front and 14.4 x 1-inch (365 x 25 mm) rear, with aluminum six-piston and
four-piston fixed calipers, respectively
- The Z07
package adds larger, 15.5 x 1.4-inch (394 x 36 mm) front and 15.3 x
1.3-inch (388 x 33 mm) carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors for consistent performance
lap after lap. They collectively save 23 pounds over the standard Z06
rotors.
Both Z06 coupe and convertible will be available with one
of three, increasing levels of aerodynamic downforce:
- The
standard Z06 features a front splitter, spats around the front wheel
openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and rear spoiler
- An
available carbon-fiber aero package delivers aerodynamic downforce four
times greater than the standard Z06. It adds a carbon fiber front splitter
with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger
rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill – a small, vertical tab at the edge
of the spoiler that significantly increases downforce. The package is
available in black or a visible carbon-fiber finish
- The available
Z07 package adds larger winglets to the front splitter, along with an
adjustable, see-through center section on the rear spoiler enabling
customers to tailor the aerodynamics to their preference.
Compared to the Corvette Stingray, the Corvette Z06
fenders are 2.2 inches (56 mm) wider at the front, and 3.15 inches (80 mm) at
the rear. Those extensions give the Corvette Z06 a wider, lower appearance
further emphasized by a unique rear fascia. It incorporates the same taillamp
assemblies as the Stingray, but on the Z06 the taillamps are pushed
approximately three inches farther apart, toward to edges of the body.
The exterior design also reflects the increased cooling
required for the new Corvette Z06. For example, the mesh pattern on the front
fascia was designed to deliver the most possible airflow to the supercharger’s
intercooler heat exchanger, so much that the mesh grill directs more air into
the engine bay than if the grille was removed.
The unique grille also features dedicated brake-cooling intakes
and wider grille outlets on the bottom serve as air diffusers. A larger hood
vent allows air driven through the grille to exit through the hood rather than
being forced under the car, which could create lift.
Standard front and rear brake-cooling ducts, including
Z06-signature rear ducts integrated in front of the rear fender openings, are
also part of the functional design changes.
The Z06 benefits from interior details designed for
high-performance driving, first introduced on the Stingray, including a
steel-reinforced grab bar on the center console for the passenger and
soft-touch materials on the edge of the console, where the driver naturally
braces during high-load cornering.
Like the Stingray, the Z06 comes with two seating
choices: a GT seat, for all-around comfort, and a Competition Sport seat with
more aggressive side bolstering, which provides greater support on the track. A
magnesium frame structure for both seats provides greater rigidity and strength
compared with steel frames.
Unprecedented attention to detail and build quality
complements the Corvette Z06’s performance. All models feature a fully wrapped
interior, with every surface covered by premium, soft-touch materials.
Available materials, depending on the trim level, include Napa leather,
aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede.
The interior also features a flat-bottom steering wheel
with a carbon fiber center spoke. The Z06 comes in five interior colors,
including two that are unique to Z06 – blue and dark gray.
Supercharged, efficient performance
The heart of the 2015 Corvette Z06 is the all-new LT4
6.2L supercharged V-8 engine, expected to deliver at least 625 horsepower (466
kW) and 635 lb-ft of torque (861 Nm). To balance performance and efficiency,
the LT4 leverages the same trio of advanced technologies introduced on the
Corvette Stingray: Direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder
deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing.
These technologies – combined with the fuel-efficient
multi-speed transmissions, aerodynamic design and lightweight construction –
help make the new Z06 surprisingly fuel efficient.
“The supercharged LT4 engine delivers the greatest
balance of performance and efficiency ever in the Corvette,” said John
Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for Small-Block engines. “It is one of the
world’s only supercharged engines to incorporate cylinder deactivation
technology, enabling it to cruise efficiently on the highway with reduced fuel
consumption, but offer more than 600 horsepower whenever the driver calls up
its tremendous power reserve.”
The supercharged LT4 comes with a standard seven-speed
manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or an all-new 8L90 eight-speed
paddle-shift automatic transmission designed to enhance performance and
efficiency. The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for
upshifts and downshifts. A new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch deliver
greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.
The eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response
times. Smaller steps between gears keep the LT4 within the sweet spot of the
rpm band, making the most of the output of the supercharged engine for
exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.
“There’s no trade-off in drivability with the new 8L90
eight-speed automatic transmission – it was designed to deliver performance on
par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement,” said Bill
Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. “It
is also the highest-capacity automatic transmission ever offered in a Chevrolet
car.”
Featuring four gearsets and five clutches, creative
packaging enables the GM-developed eight-speed automatic to fit the same space
as the six-speed automatic used in the Corvette Stingray. Extensive use of
aluminum and magnesium make it more than eight pounds (4 kg) lighter than the
six-speed. Along with design features that reduce friction, the 8L90 is
expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared with a
six-speed automatic.
Track-proven technologies
The 2015 Corvette Z06 Coupe and Convertible leverage the
technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray, with unique features and
calibrations tailored for its capabilities.
“Our mission with the seventh-generation Corvette was to
make the performance levels more accessible, enabling drivers to exploit every
pound-foot of torque, every ‘g’ of grip and every pound of downforce,” said
Juechter. “It’s a philosophy we introduced with the 460-horsepower Corvette Stingray
– and one that’s even more relevant with an estimated 625 horsepower at your
beck and call.”
The new Z06 retains the SLA-type front and rear
suspension design of the Corvette Stingray but uniquely calibrated for the
higher performance threshold. The third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride
Control dampers, adjustable for touring comfort or maximum track performance
via the standard Driver Mode Selector, are standard on Z06.
Like the Stingray, the Driver Mode Selector tailors up to
a dozen features of the Z06 to suit the driver’s environment, including:
- Launch
control: Available in Track mode for manual and automatic transmissions,
providing maximum off-the-line acceleration
- Traction
control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving
in inclement conditions
- Performance
Traction Management: Available in Track mode and offers five settings of
torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving
- Electronic
Limited Slip Differential: Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages,
balancing steering response and stability in different driving conditions
with more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes.
The smart electronic limited-slip differential, or eLSD,
is standard. It features a hydraulically actuated clutch capable of infinitely
varying clutch engagement. The system enhances all aspects of performance by
constantly tailoring the clutch-pack engagement based on a unique algorithm
that factors in vehicle speed, steering input and throttle position to improve steering
feel, handling balance and traction.
Source: Chevrolet Press
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