What Do the Corvette Codes Z51, Z06, and ZR1 Mean?
The base model of the new Corvette is called the Stingray, a nod from Chevrolet to this car’s legacy even as they reimagine it in a mid-engine format. From there, Chevrolet uses the codes Z51, Z06, and ZR1 to denote even higher levels of performance.
Keep in mind that every new Corvette is a finely-tuned driving machine, but some are even faster than others. To get an idea of what you can expect from each level of the new Corvette, familiarize yourself with the following codes.
Corvette Z51
The Z51 Corvette adds some track-ready features to the standard Corvette Stingray. Most people buy these cars to drive them hard, which makes all of the following benefits important:
- Improved traction through tires
- Larger brakes for more responsive stopping
- Upgraded cooling for demanding performances
- Enhanced power
Corvette Z06
If you want to buy a new Corvette that is legitimately built for the track, start looking at the Corvette Z06. The Stingray and Z51 are no slouches, but the Z06 takes things to a new level thanks to performance upgrades like the following:
- Even stickier tires
- Aerodynamic design modifications
- Weight-saving design
- More stopping power
- Stiff suspension for increased traction on smooth surfaces
- Significantly upgraded engine
- Additional cooling for the brakes and engine to accommodate the power surge
Corvette ZR1
This is the top of the line, the best Corvette in the world. This supercar is built for people who want an American answer to the most powerful exotic cars from across the ocean. The Corvette ZR1 has enough inline speed to be a monster at the drag strip, but it’s not limited to going straight. Responsive handling allows this vehicle to tear through just about any kind of course you could imagine. This vehicle will earn a reputation as one of the fastest ever made.
Unfortunately, we don’t expect to see the new ZR1 until the 2023 model year. Even as we wait, it won’t be very hard to stay excited. Just remember some of these details about the ZR1 produced for the old Corvette C7:
- Bulging hood design to accommodate the massive supercharger underneath
- The most powerful production Corvette ever at 755 horsepower
- 950 pounds of downforce thanks to state of the art aerodynamics including a carbon fiber wing
Corvette Z51 Vs. Stingray
The big difference here is that the Z51 is ready for harder driving by adding some capabilities that are engineered with the track in mind. When you compare the downright race-worthy Corvette Z06 vs Stingray base model, you’ll find that the Z51 is right in the middle. Moving up from the Stingray to the Z51 gets you all of the following:
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- 495 horsepower with the LT2 6.2-liter V8 (five higher than the Stingray)
- 470 pound-feet of torque with the LT2 6.2-liter V8 (five higher than the Stingray)
- Sport exhaust system to increase power
- Superior cooling
- Adjusted axle ratio
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Adjustable performance suspension
- Bigger Brembo brakes
Those upgrades are all intended to optimize performance. There are some slight visual differences, all of which are also intended to facilitate a top speed of 194 miles per hour and a 0-60 time of just 3.0 seconds. Look for the lower front splitter and a two-piece rear spoiler to compare the Z51 to the Stingray. These two tweaks work together to contribute as many as 400 pounds of downforce.
Corvette Z51 Vs. Z06
Even compared to the Z51, the Corvette Z06 is an absolute monster. This is the difference between a vehicle that could show up to the track and a vehicle that demands to be at the track. The Corvette Z06 Stingray comparison reveals even more differences. There are a few different things to consider in terms of aerodynamics, handling, and responsiveness, but the biggest difference comes down to power.
Consider the engine, which puts pushrod valves and a cross-plane crank in the rearview. The new Corvette Z06 will propel you forward using dual-overhead cams and a flat-plane crank. Chevrolet has some experience making engines for bonafide race cars, and it shows. This engine is built to spin its crankshaft at up to 9,000 rpm as it generates over 600 horsepower. In other words, get ready to beat your personal best at the track.
Corvette Z06 Vs. ZR1
Throughout Corvette history, the ZR1 code has been associated with improved transmissions, stiff suspensions, and the types of brakes and cooling that keep professional racecar drivers safe. The ZR1 has also historically included high-performance design features like the use of carbon fiber and, of course, absolutely massive engines. It’s still too early to measure the exact differences between the Z06 and ZR1 since they won’t be arriving for a while. Rest assured, though, that the new Corvette ZR1 will be the most impressive Corvette ever, and it’s being designed with hardcore drivers in mind.
Test Drive a New Corvette
Chevrolet is always pushing boundaries, and each new Corvette offers upgrades. Of course there are still classic models from back in the day, but few production vehicles ever made can run with the new Corvettes.
This is especially true when you start moving up from the Stingray to the Z51, Z06, and ZR1 to unlock mind blowing performance. The only true way to understand what makes these vehicles so special is to get behind the wheel for yourself.
You can do just that by finding your nearest Chevy Dealer.
