The first of Chevrolet's recently announced 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition coupes will go under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson in Florida next month. Billed as the "best balanced Corvette yet" on the track, the carbon-flavored Z06 marries the naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes introduced on the 2009 ZR1.
Magnetic Ride Control, enhanced cooling, plus a ZR1-style body color spoiler and carbon fiber raised hood are also part of the new package which - if you happen to miss out on one of the 500 cars slated for production - will be available as a performance package upgrade on the regular 2011 Z06.
A continuation of the company's efforts to transfer technology between production and racing, the Z06 Carbon was designed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans. According to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter, the Carbon edition could "shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time" on technical tracks like Laguna Seca.
Other notable features include a special carbon pattern engine cover, black carbon fiber rockers and splitter, black headlamps and mirror, 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels shod with Michelin PS2 tires and Euro-styled racing numbers that can be fitted when heading for the track.
The interior is lashed with ebony leather and suede, which extends to the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors. Two colors - Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue - will be available when the car breaks cover later this year.
Back to the auction. The winning bidder at the Barret-Jackson event in Palm Springs - who can expect to part with a large wad of cash given the $1,000,000 price attracted by the first retail production 2009 ZR1 - also gets to watch the car going down the line at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Ky.
“The Corvette Z06 Carbon will surely be an instant collectible,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. “For that reason, we see Barrett-Jackson as the premiere venue to sell the first retail Z06 Carbon.”
