2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Details Revealed

Above: The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

IN WHAT MUST BRING a wave of relief for GM US car dealers, Chevrolet has unveiled details and pricing for the company's entry-level hero car, the updated 2010 Corvette Z06.

Producing a commanding 377kW from its 7.0 litre LS7 V8, top power comes on at 6300rpm, while the 640Nm of torque is available at 4800rpm.

With the help of a new launch control system and a six-speed manual transmission, GM's LS7 engine shoves the Z06 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 318km/h.

Weighing 1440kg - fairly light by today's standards for mass-market road cars - the Z06 features an aluminium body-structure, with perimeter rails made from one-piece hydroformed aluminium rather, replacing the steel components of previous models.

Other lightweight components include carbon-fibre front wheelhouses, a passenger compartment floor made of a unique combination of carbon-fibre skinned balsa wood panels, and a magnesium alloy cradle and mounting points for the engine and suspension.

While the updated Z06 maintains the existing 2686mm wheelbase, new wheels - 18-inch up front and 19-inch at the back - along with new tyres and 340mm brake discs with four-piston calipers, are featured with the 2010 model.

The full Corvette colour palette can now also be had with the Z06, including Arctic White, Crystal Red metallic and the new Torch Red.

For US buyers, the 2010 starts at US$75,235 (AU$93,937).