Steve McCarthy C8 Z06 Z07
After putting miles on his new 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07, a seasoned owner shares his exhilarating first impressions, hailing GM’s latest creation as “freakishly fast, responsive, planted, and head-turning.”
Stephen McCarthy, a member of CorvetteForum, eagerly took delivery of his striking Red Mist Metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07 (VIN 00052) on November 22nd. Aware of the approaching colder Nevada temperatures, he wisely preempted any issues with the track-focused Z07 package’s Cup 2 tires by promptly ordering a set of Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires, recognizing the Cup 2’s limitations in cooler conditions.
Driven by enthusiasm, McCarthy swiftly completed the 500-mile break-in period within a mere three days. He then shared his initial thoughts on the Corvette Z07 in a detailed forum post. Following this, after fine-tuning the car with a track alignment, carbon brake burnishing, and further exploring the capabilities of this naturally aspirated V8 supercar, he provided even more in-depth impressions. His insights are exceptionally valuable for anyone interested in the new Corvette Z07, and we are pleased to present a condensed and reformatted version of his experience here on the CorvetteForum homepage.
The following content is adapted and reorganized from the original owner’s review.
The Corvette Z07 Spec Highlights
C8 Z06 Z07
- 2023 Corvette Z06/Z07 Package
- Convertible Hard Top
- 3LZ Trim Level
- Red Mist Metallic Exterior Color
- Front Lift System
- Edge Red Brake Calipers
- Carbon Flash Painted Aero and Ground Effects
- Red/Black Interior Theme
Engine and Transmission Performance
Z06 Z07 rear end
The owner is particularly impressed by both the engine and gearbox of the Corvette Z07, describing them as “absolutely extraordinary.” He notes the engine’s powerful sound, acknowledging it might even be too loud for tracks with noise restrictions, referencing a past experience with his C6 Z06.
For everyday street driving, he utilizes the Tour mode, configuring the car for maximum comfort and subtlety. This includes the quietest exhaust setting, lightest steering and braking feel, and early, smooth gear shifts. Conversely, Race 2 mode transforms the Z07 into a more aggressive machine, ideal for track environments. McCarthy emphasizes the significant difference between these modes, pointing out that Race 2, while exhilarating, is truly intended for track use only and can be overwhelming for regular street driving, even causing discomfort for extended periods. This marks a change for him, as he previously favored more aggressive settings even for street driving in his older Corvettes.
Tire Choice: From Track to Street with the Corvette Z07
Cup 2 tires
Recognizing the limitations of the factory-equipped Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires in cold conditions, the owner opted to switch to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires. He found the Cup 2 tires to be “seriously sketchy” in cold weather and prone to losing traction even with minimal moisture or road debris. After only a few hundred miles, he replaced them with the PS4S tires while reserving the Cup 2s for warmer weather and track days.
At Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, with the assistance of a professional driver, he burnished the carbon ceramic brakes and tested the Pilot Sport 4S tires on the autocross course. He reported excellent performance from the PS4S tires, reinforcing his decision for street use. He believes using the Cup 2 tires on the street is not only impractical but also less enjoyable compared to the more versatile Pilot Sport 4S.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: We concur with this assessment. Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires excel in hot, dry conditions, making them ideal for track performance. However, their cold-weather performance is significantly compromised. Pilot Sport 4S tires offer a better balance for street driving, providing excellent grip and handling without the temperature sensitivity of the Cup 2s.]
Road Noise and Wind Management in the Z07 Convertible
hardtop convertible
Initially, road noise was a significant concern, described as “awful” and “really, really loud,” even in the quietest car settings. This made listening to music or phone calls challenging. However, after changing to the Pilot Sport 4S tires, the road noise noticeably decreased. While acknowledging that road surfaces could also be a factor, the tire change appears to have made a substantial difference.
Regarding wind noise in the convertible configuration, the owner observed a considerable improvement compared to his C7 Corvette. He now frequently drives with the top down due to reduced wind noise, a contrast to his limited top-down driving in the C7. He speculates this improvement might be due to the C8’s rear window design, which lowers to facilitate airflow and reduce turbulence within the cabin.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Burnishing is Key
dealership pickup
The carbon ceramic brakes on the Corvette Z07 require proper burnishing to achieve optimal performance. The owner initially found them to be “garbage” with poor feel and extended stopping distances. He describes the brake pedal as feeling “super heavy and stiff” before burnishing. He strongly advises caution when driving the car before the brakes are properly bedded in. Once burnished, however, the brakes transform into a “absolutely fantastic” system with a linear feel and, importantly, remain quiet, unlike some aftermarket track brake pads known for noise when cold.
He also expresses slight surprise that GM didn’t include steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid as standard, especially on the Z07, considering its track-focused nature. While not critical issues, they are aspects owners might consider upgrading for enhanced track performance.
The Value of Front Lift on the Corvette Z07
Z06 z07 front lift
The front lift system is lauded as an “incredible” feature. Its GPS-based memory function allows for storing up to 1,000 locations where the front lift will automatically activate. The owner highlights its convenience for подъезжая to his driveway and navigating speed bumps at his club, where the front end automatically raises to prevent scraping. He strongly recommends opting for the front lift, particularly for those choosing the Z07 package, given its lower ride height and track-oriented design.
Driver’s Background and Transition to Mid-Engine
Steve McCarthy C7 Corvette Z51
The owner’s driving history includes transitioning directly from a C7 Z51 Corvette to the C8 Z06. His interest in the wide-body design was a key factor in waiting for the Z06. While appreciating manual transmissions, he was willing to embrace the C8’s technology. His prior experience with mid-engine cars was limited to brief track time in a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Porsche 911 Turbo S, making the C8 Z06 a significant shift from his front-engine Corvette background.
C8 Z06 Z07 Driving Dynamics: A New Level of Responsiveness
C8 Z06 Z07
After the initial 500-mile break-in, the dealership performed the recommended break-in service and set the track alignment specified by GM:
- Front: Caster +8 degrees, Camber -2 degrees, Toe in 0.1 degrees
- Rear: Caster 0 degrees, Camber -2 degrees, Toe in 0.1 degrees, Thrust Angle 0 degrees
Initially, before the track alignment, the owner found the car’s handling “weird” compared to his accustomed track alignment settings used for 13 years. However, the track alignment dramatically transformed the driving experience. He describes the car as “very, very responsive” with “epic” turn-in confidence.
He contrasts the C8 Z06’s handling with front-engine cars, where he was always mindful of corner entry and exit techniques. With the Z06, he feels a new level of confidence, enabling aggressive braking into corners and early throttle application without concern for instability.
While acknowledging the Z06’s widely recognized performance, he emphasizes that words struggle to fully capture its capabilities. He is still adapting to the car’s dynamics, particularly rotating the car at will, a technique he was proficient in with previous Corvettes. The Z06’s exceptional grip makes deliberate slides more challenging to initiate and control, requiring a period of adjustment. He is proceeding cautiously, particularly while still refraining from fully exploring the engine’s high-rev range. He intends to further push the car’s limits in the spring and may experiment with a more aggressive camber setup.
Cost and Personal Value of the Corvette Z07
Z07
The owner views the Corvette Z07 as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” emphasizing the importance of an engaging and connected driving experience. His primary motivation for choosing the Z06 was the wide-body design, a feature he desired since the C8’s initial release.
He reflects on personal preferences, appreciating both push-rod and overhead-cam engines, as well as front-engine and mid-engine layouts. For him, the decision to purchase the Z06 was driven by personal desire rather than purely cost-based considerations.
Acknowledging his advancing years, he expresses a desire to avoid future regrets and prioritize experiences. He finds it challenging to definitively state whether the Z06’s higher cost is “worth it” compared to a Z51, recognizing them as distinct cars. Ultimately, he concludes that the Z06, like all cars he has owned and cherished, brings him joy, which he considers a fundamental aspect of car ownership. He even suggests that if garage space permitted, he would consider owning both a wide-body Z51 and the Z06.
Final Verdict: The Corvette C8 Z06 Z07 Experience
red mist metallic
In Tour mode, the Corvette Z06 Z07 demonstrates daily drivability, although the owner primarily intends to use it as a track-focused machine. He anticipates its track performance will surprise many, particularly when competing against European sports cars, continuing his tradition of challenging them in previous generation Corvettes.
In summary, he describes the Corvette Z06 Z07 as “freakishly fast, responsive, planted, and head-turning,” affirming it as “a real joy to drive and worth every penny.” He concludes emphatically, “Best sports car I have ever owned or driven.”
Photos: Steve McCarthy
Tags: C8 Z06, Corvette Z06, Z06 Z07
