Focusing on the "Z51" Hot Version

Did you know that on May 30th, the most powerful Corvette model, the "Z06",

was announced? The venue was ASAMA2000, part of a car event called "Asama Hill Climb." The Z06, boasting 659 horsepower, is truly the most powerful Corvette ever. Its 6.2-liter V8 with a supercharger and a highly rigid, lightweight body allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds – truly impressive. It was developed concurrently with the "C7R" racing car for Le Mans, meaning it's essentially a road-going version of a pure racing machine.

While the Z06 was the talk of the "Corvette C7",

The engine unit for the Z51, the "LT1," is largely unchanged from the standard model. The bore and stroke of the 6.2-liter V8 are the same. Only the computer settings have been tweaked to increase maximum power by 6 hp and maximum torque by 6 Nm.

Incidentally, the name "LT1" resonates with enthusiasts. It's a revival of an engine designation from the fourth-generation "C4" era. To be precise, it's the successor to the L98 engine used until 1991, which dramatically increased horsepower from 250 to 300.

Furthermore, Lotus developed a twin-cam version, the LT5, which was then fitted to the "C4 ZR1," generating considerable buzz. But putting aside the finer details, it was an engine unit hailed as a masterpiece back then, and its name has been carried forward.

The Ultimate World Encapsulated by "Z"

When discussing the Corvette, you'll notice many names starting with "Z." This reflects an American mindset where "Z," being the last letter of the alphabet, signifies "nothing surpasses this!" – essentially, the "ultimate." Moreover, "Z" also stands for Zora Arkus-Duntov, the engineer often called the father of the Corvette.

The Z51 also boasts visual enhancements. The wheel sizes are 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, an inch larger than the standard model. The wheels are also exclusive, finished in black to exude a formidable presence.

The removable roof panel and spoiler are finished in carbon fiber, which is a nice touch, adding to the thoroughly sporty ambiance. This, of course, applies to the coupe. The convertible features a soft top with a remote opening mechanism. I'd love to try that sometime.—.

The interior is equally impressive. The suede trim, seats, and steering wheel exude a premium feel, complemented by carbon fiber accents that create a unique atmosphere. It's remarkably luxurious, leaning more towards European taste than typical American cars. This suggests the Corvette is not just an American domestic model but a global contender, perhaps even indicating a serious intent to challenge the European market.

Practicality Revealed Through Long-Term Testing

Additionally, the Z51 includes original enhanced brakes, dedicated shock absorbers, a dry-sump system, and magnetic ride control. For an additional 1.76 million yen (compared to the coupe with an 8-speed AT), this package is a bargain. In fact, with its specifications, appearance, and interior, the price of just over 10 million yen feels like a steal. Comparing only the specifications, it's nearly half the price of European cars with similar features.

So, how does it perform in reality?

We conducted an approximately one-month long-term test drive. The results showed this car to be exceptionally easy to handle, fast, safe, and comfortable.

Initially, given its styling, I doubted whether it would be practical to drive for a whole month. Parking in coin lots seemed risky due to the high chance of scuffing the wheels, requiring constant consideration for safer parking options. Moreover, the appearance is quite flashy.

However, in reality, parking lots without wheel stoppers were surprisingly common outside the city center, and in urban areas, risks could be avoided by finding underground parking garages. The ground clearance was also not as low as expected, and I never scraped the underside. In this regard, it might be easier to handle than Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or even Aston Martins.

Furthermore, visibility while driving is better than anticipated, making lane changes effortless. The ability to instantly eliminate blind spots by accelerating is a significant advantage. The responsive throttle allows for agile maneuvering on the road.

A Monster Machine for Everyday Use

One minor point of concern was the driving mode. For general roads, I mostly used "Eco" or "Touring." However, since the default is "Eco," I had to switch to "Touring" each time the engine restarted. Occasionally, when intending to drive in "Touring" mode but still in "Eco," pressing the accelerator would result in a slight delay, prompting a "Huh?" moment.

The exhaust note becomes quite resonant in "Sport" mode. While such playfulness is welcome, it's great that the engine runs quietly at low RPMs due to its ample torque during normal driving. It's a more refined experience than expected.

This concludes the impression of the Z51. With the 8-speed AT, fuel efficiency is also more promising than before. Including that, I believe we've experienced firsthand that this is a monster machine capable of everyday use. And what surprised me most was how I didn't get tired while driving. Arriving at the destination still feeling energetic might be the car's hidden charm.

Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z51 | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z51
Body Dimensions | Length 4,510 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,230 mm
Wheelbase | 2,710 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,600 / 1,600 mm
Weight | (AT) 1,580kg / (MT) 1,570kg
Engine | 6,153 cc V8 OHV
Bore x Stroke | 103.2 x 92.0 mm
Maximum Output (SAE) | 343 kW (466 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque (SAE) | 630 Nm (64.2 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic / 7-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone
Suspension Rear | Double Wishbone
Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Disc
Tires Front/Rear | P245/35ZR19 / P285/30ZR20
Price | (AT) 11.35 million yen / (MT) 11.18 million yen