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Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Chevrolet introduced the C5 Corvette in 1997 and brought several improvements as well as a fresh design. Under the sleek fiberglass body was an improved chassis, and a new 350 HP engine and transaxle gearbox. This meant they moved the whole transmission assembly to the rear axle, which improved balance and handling.
The standard versions were potent and popular, but the best model from this generation is the mighty Z06. This model got its name from a special version of the 1963 Corvette they intended to use for road racing before Chevrolet pulled the plug. The modern Z06 was an amplified base Corvette with 385 to 405 HP from the high revving 5.7-liter V8 engine. It also had a lightweight body, sticky Goodyear tires and a stiffer suspension.
The car handled perfectly and had a different roofline and wheels. Even today, more than 15 years after they presented it, the Corvette Z06 C5 is a tough car to beat on the street. If you are looking for a pure sports car experience and don’t have money for an expensive European exotic, this Corvette will provide the same driving dynamics for a fraction of the cost.