The Best Years Of The C6 Corvette, Ranked

The Chevrolet Corvette, "America's Sports Car" introduced in 1953 is now in its eighth generation, having gone through over 70 years of changes, most of which have been improvements over previous models. Each generation can be identified by modifications that characterize that era and the C6 generation is no different. While the C6 Corvette, produced from the 2005 to 2013 model years, provided enhancements to the ride and handling, the most significant changes were made to the engines.

The most noticeable modification to the C6 exterior over the C5 was the change from retractable headlights to fixed, but Chevrolet also lengthened the wheelbase, reduced the overhangs, and upgraded the suspension delivering a smoother ride quality and more precise handling. Although the overall length of the C6 is shorter than the C5 the automaker managed to augment the cabin space, especially the hip room. Minor exterior changes included a raised beltline and flush door handles that give the body a cleaner look.

A new LS2 engine generated 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, accelerating the Corvette to 60 mph in a reasonable 4.2 seconds. The introduction of the LS3 in 2008 added more power reducing the 0 to 60 time to 4.0 seconds with 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. The Z06 or ZR1 models entered the realm of outrageous power generating over 500 and 600 horsepower, respectively, and dropping 60 mph times to the low three seconds. While all the C6 Corvettes are exceptional sports cars in any trim or option configuration, some were better than others. Here are the best C6 Corvette years ranked in ascending order.

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Chevrolet designed and built the Z06 using much of the technology and production techniques it used to build the class-winning Le Mans C6R race car. Absent for the 2005 model year, Chevrolet reintroduced the Z06 in 2006 equipped with a 7.0-liter small block V8. The engine was the first in the world to be certified under the new SAE (J2723) standard that specifies the procedure required to certify the net power and torque rating of a production engine. The test results showed 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque for the Z06.

Chevrolet made several modifications to the base C6 to reduce its weight. An all-new frame used aluminum to replace steel components and the front cradle was made with magnesium. The company also eliminated the removable roof panel, improving structural efficiency. The changes reduced the frame's weight from 419 to 287 pounds. Other weight-reducing measures included the fabrication of the Z06's front fenders with carbon fiber rather than fiberglass, which reduced their weight from 9.2 to 2.8 pounds each. Chevrolet took an additional five pounds off with a balsa-core composite carbon fiber floorboard.

The Corvette Z06 weighed a mere 3147 pounds with a 51/49% front/rear distribution, lighter than the Ferrari Enzo and Mercedes SLR McLaren. The lightweight combined with a 505 hp engine accelerated the Z06 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, reached the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and achieved a top speed of over 190 mph.

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The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible boasts many of the same features found in the Z06 including the 7.0-liter V-8 mated to the Z06's six-speed manual transmission and carbon-fiber and balsa-wood sandwich floor panels. However, Chevrolet says the Z06 was designed from the outset to be a coupe and the convertible is not merely the same car with the magnesium-reinforced roof panel removed.

However, comparing the components of the 427 Convertible to those of the Z06, it's a challenge to distinguish the two. The 427 Convertible is fitted with a Z06 carbon-fiber hood and carbon-fiber fenders. The engines are identical, and both cars are equipped with the Z06 rear axle, magnetorheological shock absorbers, and staggered Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. The dampers on the Convertible are tuned like those typical of a grand tourer rather than the track-minded Z06. They filter out some asphalt flaws the Z06 would easily find.

The 7.0-liter V-8 produces 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque which accelerates the Convertible to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and powers it to the quarter mile mark in 12.2 seconds. The top speed is rated at 182 mph. Other components shared by the Z06 with the 427 Convertible give similar performance characteristics. The steering is quick: A low ratio of steering wheel movement to wheel turning demands absolute attention by the driver to avoid overcompensation and loss of control. The lateral acceleration measured 1.03 g on the skidpad, and the Z06 brakes slowed the 427 Convertible from 70 mph to a standstill at 144 feet. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition owned by Guy Fieri sold at auction for $270,000.

Ron Fellows is a Canadian racecar driver known worldwide as one of the best of all time. His racing career spans several decades with success in numerous racing series including the SCCA Trans-Am, IMSA, and The American Le Mans Racing Series. His long-term association with GM's Corvette Racing program dates back to 1998 and many consider Fellows one of the most influential drivers in the Corvette Racing Team's history. He earned seven podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with victories in 2001 and 2002. He now offers classes at the Ron Fellows Corvette performance driving school near Las Vegas. The special signature-series Corvette Z06 model that bears Ron Fellow's name is a tribute to his contribution.

The Ron Fellows Championship Edition Z06 mechanics were identical to all the Z06 models built in 2007. Chevrolet equipped it with the same 7.0-liter V8 SFI engine, cranking out 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and the Z06 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds.

Chevrolet painted the special edition Corvette arctic white, a color not previously available on the Z06, highlighted by two Monterey red racing-style stripes on the fenders. The automaker detailed the strips with the dates of Fellow's championship years, his signature, and a Canadian maple leaf. The interior also included custom features with a predominantly red color scheme, and Ron Fellows himself hand-signed and numbered the interior of each center console.

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Responding to the requests of its valued customers, Chevrolet created the Grand Sport, offering the model as a convertible or Targa coupe with many of the features found on the Z06 sans the monster engine. The Grand Sport is equipped with the 430-hp LS3 V-8, and additional features formerly included in the optional Z51 performance package. The Vette is fitted with much larger tires (front: 275/35-18s, rear: 325/30-19s), a wider track, a stiffer suspension with higher spring rates and larger-diameter Sachs twin-tube shocks, and bigger cross-drilled brake rotors (front: 14.0 inches, rear: 13.4 inches). Body modifications included a front air inlet and swollen fenders that reduce aerodynamic lift by half, and rear brake-cooling ducts to improve stopping performance.

Perhaps the best Grand Sport version is the Coupe with a manual transmission and launch control. The feature is engaged by putting the Vette into "competition mode," activated by clicking the stability/traction-control button twice. The driver then depresses the clutch and floors the accelerator, increasing the rpm to about 4500. When the clutch is popped, the launch system determines the available grip based on the initial wheelspin. The torque sent to the wheels is adjusted by controlling the fuel and spark delivery at the rate of 100 times per second. The Grand Sport launch control system is accurate and consistent, nearly matching the times achieved manually by the best drivers.

If the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible has a weakness, it is the inexpensive-looking interior. The car would have benefited from a cabin like those found in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.

At the top of the list of best C6 Corvettes is the 2011 Z06 Carbon Fiber Edition. Chevrolet launched the limited edition (about 500 units) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Corvette that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Introduced in 1963 with the second generation C2 Corvette, the Z06 has been the performance star of the line until the release of the ZR1. Although the 2011 ZR1 was the fastest and most advanced Vette to date, some enthusiasts consider the lightweight, naturally aspirated Z06 to be better balanced and easier to control with its 505-hp, 7.0-liter V-8. However, the same enthusiasts have expressed an interest in adding some of the ZR1 chassis features, but at a lower price point.

The new Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Corvette addressed the issue by offering most of the capabilities of the ZR1 without the supercar price. The special-edition Corvette includes the ZR1's adjustable magnetorheological shocks, 15-inch carbon-ceramic brakes, and Michelin Pilot PS2 tires mounted on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Chevrolet also added a carbon-patterned engine cover, a carbon-fiber ZR1 front splitter, black headlight surrounds, and ZR1 carbon-fiber rocker extensions.

Although the Z06 Carbon Fiber Edition produced 133 horsepower less than the ZR1, the performance is close. The special edition accelerates to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 123.6 mph, while the ZR1 hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 130.5 mph.

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