The 500-HP Budget Supercar You Can Buy For The Price Of A Miata

Depreciation is a rather wonderful thing for gearheads who enjoy picking up a used vehicle, and quite the opposite for the driver selling their pride and joy. Some pretty special sports cars can be found for a bargain price, and in not much worse condition than they left the factory in. One of the biggest examples of this is the mighty Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06.

With over 500 hp, the C6 Z06 was a normal 'Vette but with added bite. You'd think such a powerful sports car would cost a pretty penny nowadays, but in fact, they cost less than a brand-new Mazda MX-5, one of the best roadsters ever designed. This is why it's such great value for money.

The Corvette C6 Z06 Offers Supercar Performance On A Budget

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Specs

(Source: Kelley Blue Book, Chevrolet)

Once A Status Symbol, The C6 Z06 Now Matches The Price Of A New Mazda MX-5

The C6 Chevy Corvette replaced the popular C5 generation of the model in 2005, the new version getting a potent 400 hp 6.0-liter LS3 V8 and an uprated chassis and handling technology. This was to bring it in line with its capable European rivals as an all-rounder, which Chevy achieved solidly. Feeling it was capable of more though, it resurrected the legendary Z06 name for the first time in two years.

Releasing a year later, one of the biggest changes was the addition of the LS7 V8 under the hood. Measuring a full 7.0-liter in displacement, the C6's power spiked all the way to 505 hp, while torque reached a commanding 470 lb-ft. The engine was somewhat of a masterpiece for several reasons, the first being that it could rev all the way to 7,000 rpm.

This was the main element behind the Z06s giant-killing power figures, though the fact it didn't need any form of forced induction is also ultra-impressive. This also meant throttle response was crisp, as there was no form of turbo lag. Another impressive characteristic of the V8 was its lightness, which was achieved by constructing it primarily of aluminum.

While also ensuring the Z06's overall weight was as low as possible, having the engine lighter also meant its weight distribution could be optimized. With the engine mounted up front, having a heavier unit would have induced more understeer. Aside from this, the engine also had a dry sump oiling system.

As this consists of a side-mounted oil container, lubrication is improved throughout the engine while under heavy load, such as being driven hard through corners. The bespoke camshaft also had the highest lift of any GM small-block V8 at the time, while the racing-derived headers helped to reduce back pressure in the exhaust, boosting power as a result.

The mighty engine, and low weight, ensured it could 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. This was quicker than the likes of the Porsche 911 997 Turbo and Lamborghini Gallardo, and similar to the beastly Ferrari F430.

The Z06 Was Built As A Track Weapon

Of course, American vehicles had never been short of power to take it to their rivals across the Atlantic. Where they had tended to lack was in the handling department, so Chevy tasked its engineers to make sure the Z06 could battle with the best of them through the twisties. The first port of call was to make the model as light as possible.

Aside from the all-aluminum LS7 V8, the Z06s frame was also made from the material. The weight saving continued with the sub-frame, which was made from magnesium, while copious amounts of carbon fiber were used throughout the vehicle. All Chevy's hard work was worth it, as the Z06s 3,132-pound weight was 200 lbs less than the base C6. This was despite the addition of beefier brakes and extra cooling systems, which added weight relative to the normal model.

With the weight box ticked, Chevy's performance engineers developed a special suspension setup. All four wheels work independently, allowing grip and weight transfer to be maximized on each corner, while the Selective Ride Control system could stiffen up the shocks when required. This meant the Z06 could be stiffer when on track, but softer when used on the road.

The stabilizer bars were also tweaked to within an inch of their lives to ensure the chassis was stiff enough to work on the track, while an advanced braking system was also utilized. Six-piston calipers were used on the front, while the rear components had four pistons. Each was fully vented to make sure temperatures could remain well under control, even under heavy load.

So determined were Chevy to make the Z06 a success, that they took it to the revered Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany to develop the car. The result was a $65,000 car that could battle with Porsche's and Ferrari's, which cost double.

Corvette Z06 Is Also Well Equipped

Despite being excellent value when it was new, the Z06 is arguably an even better deal today. Kelley Blue Book reports that drivers can expect to pay just $32,312 for a 2006 Z06 in 2024, which is less than a brand-new MX-5 Club, which gets the superior Bilstein sport suspension, unlike the base model.

For this ultra-low-cost, Chevy didn't exactly skimp on the equipment either. The usual air conditioning and cruise control came as standard with the Z06, as did the neat HUD. This projected information such as speed, revs and the amount of g currently working on the car onto the windshield.

The Z06 was also graced with unique leather bucket seats, which were comfortable enough to be enjoyed on the road, but supportive enough so the driver didn't roll around when attacking an apex. A premium seven-speaker sound system was also included, while sat-nav and an uprated Bose sound system were available as options. These are worth keeping an eye out for when looking through the examples that were used.

All in all, the Z06 represents a scarcely believable used bargain. Not only does it have the power and cornering potential to take it to some of the most potent supercars of the period, but it can also be used on the road. For the price of a mid-range MX-5, it's difficult to find more performance and convenience.

The Z06's Big Brother Is Also A Used Bargain In 2024

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Specs

(Source: Kelley Blue Book, Chevrolet)

Should the Z06 prove a little sterile for your tastes, then maybe its bigger ZR1 brother is more up your street. Released in 2009, the C6 ZR1 was the most extreme version of 'Vette released during its run. It was significantly rarer than the Z06, with only around 4,500 produced, as per Mecum Auctions.

It was also much more powerful, courtesy of a supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 being shoved under the hood. The monstrous engine provided the screaming rear tires with 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, which could power the lightweight sports car to a top speed of 205 mph.

According to KBB, earlier ZR-1s can be picked up for a little over $70,000 these days. For what is likely to be a future classic, that's a pretty solid deal. To help keep the ZR1 from launching itself at the nearest obstacle, a set of capable carbon ceramic brakes was included as standard. Like the Z06, a limited-slip differential was on hand to make sure the V8's power was put to the road rather than the air.

For those interested in picking one up, just remember that the traction and stability control systems are your friend.

Sources: Chevrolet, Kelley Blue Book, Mecum Auctions