2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe

PREVIEW

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 is the first high-performance variant of the recently redesigned, seventh-generation Corvette. Chevy executives say the forthcoming 2015 Corvette Z06 will beat the performance benchmarks set by the ZR1, the highest performing version of the previous-model Corvette. That's no small ambition, considering the burly ZR1 makes 638 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. But Corvette engineers say a preproduction Z06 test car is already faster than the ZR1 around the automaker's test track. Admittedly, the margin is tiny, but it's an impressive start for a car that will continue development throughout most of this year.

Like the ZR1, the new Z06 will use a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine making "at least" 625 hp and 635 pound-feet of torque, according to Chevy officials. The all-aluminum V8 will feature cylinder deactivation and three operating modes ? four-cylinder, eight-cylinder without supercharger boost and eight cylinders with full sauce ? giving Z06 owners at least a modicum of fuel-saving opportunity.

A seven-speed manual transmission will come standard, but in keeping with trends, the Z06 will also offer an eight-speed automatic. Chevy developed the all-new gearbox in-house and benchmarked it against Porsche's exceptional PDK automatic transmission. The new transmission will eventually find its way into other GM models.

Along with aerodynamic enhancements ? Chevy will offer the Z06 with at least three different aero packages for improved airflow, cooling and downforce ? the new model will sit more than 2 inches wider in front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the base Stingray. Added carbon-fiber components in the chassis should shave weight and improve rigidity, while optional ceramic brakes promise supercar stopping power. A magnetic ride control suspension and a limited-slip differential will come standard, while a stiffer aluminum frame means the Z06 can finally offer an open-top targa option.

With this leap in performance levels, the Z06 effectively replaces the ZR1. Chevy could perhaps repurpose its alpha Vette as an unreasonable scourge making in excess of 700 hp. Such a low-volume car probably fails fiscal responsibility, so we can only see the ZR1's future as uncertain. But the Z06's arrival, with upwards of 640 hp in our estimation, should alleviate some of that disappointment. Expect the 2015 Z06 to begin production late this year. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Corvette Z06, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.