General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 high-performance version of its acclaimed C7 Corvette. The Z06 was developed in conjunction with the C7.R race car which GM will enter into the North American TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. For the first time, the aluminium frame for both the street car and the race car will be built at Corvette's Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant.

Chevrolet claims the C7.R's frame is 40% stiffer than the C6.R. The relationship between the racing programme and the production-car programme solidified through the C6 generation and is being followed through with the C7. In terms of volume, the Z06 is not significant. In terms of image, supercars such as the Corvette need the support of high-end exclusive variants.

The race version's 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V-8 develops just under 500 bhp, due to regulations and the required intake restrictors. Weight is said to be 1,245kg. Power is routed through an Xtrac six-speed gearbox with a viscous coupling limited-slip differential.