Due to its enhanced performance capabilities, the Z06 underwent additional testing and validation over and above the testing that the regular C5 experienced, as outlined earlier in this source book.

"We took the Z06 to the limit to prove that it's robust when driven in really extreme conditions," states Dave Hill. "The Z06 has been designed specifically for people who plan on competing with it, and they need to know that it's already been hardened for competition by the people who made it. The Z06 has been proven out, and it is tough stuff."

Z06 Testing

Track testing bears out the fact that the Z06 is a completely integrated sports car. The result: faster lap times* and quicker acceleration on the track.* "When you think how fast we were with the C5 over the C4, and how much faster the Z06 is over the C5, it's obvious this isn't just a little tweak," emphasizes Mike Neal. "This is another jump, almost as big as when we introduced the C5 back in 1997."

*Compared to 2001 coupe and convertible with LS1 engine.

Titanium Exhaust Validation

Working closely with a titanium supplier and a muffler fabricator, the Corvette Team did an extensive amount of testing to ensure that the titanium exhaust system of the Z06 would withstand the brutal environment of the racetrack. The titanium exhaust system was validated for fifty hours on a dynamometer at 1245° Farenheit at 10.0 Gs of force.