Steve McCarthy C8 Z06 Z07
A CorvetteForum member shares his exhilarating experience with his new 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07, highlighting its blistering speed, responsiveness, and track-ready capabilities.
Stephen McCarthy, a member of CorvetteForum, recently took delivery of his striking Red Mist Metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07. Eager to experience the full potential of his new supercar, he quickly swapped the factory track-focused Cup 2 tires for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires, better suited for Nevada’s cooling temperatures.
After swiftly completing the 500-mile break-in period, McCarthy shared his initial thoughts and then followed up with a more detailed review after track alignment and carbon brake burnishing. His comprehensive and insightful feedback is invaluable for anyone considering the new Z06, and we’re excited to feature it here for the broader Corvette enthusiast community.
The following is a condensed and reformatted version of McCarthy’s original impressions.
Diving into the Z06 Specs
C8 Z06 Z07
McCarthy’s 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07 boasts an impressive configuration:
- Model: 2023 Corvette Z06/Z07
- Body Style: Convertible Hard Top
- Trim Level: 3LZ
- Exterior Color: Red Mist Metallic
- Performance Features: Front lift, Edge Red calipers, Carbon Flash painted aero and ground effects
- Interior: Red/black interior
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Transmission of the Z06
Z06 Z07 rear end
McCarthy is particularly captivated by the Z06’s powertrain: “I don’t know what I like more, the engine or the gearbox. Both are absolutely extraordinary.” He notes the sheer volume of the naturally aspirated engine, emphasizing it might be too loud for tracks with noise restrictions, referencing his past experience with a stock C6 Z06.
He elaborates on the driving modes, stating, “For street driving, in Tour mode, I have the car set up in the mildest setting possible — minimum sound, steering and brakes as light as possible, and gear shifts super low (short shifting).” In contrast, “Race 2 mode is pretty much the opposite. In Race 2, the car is violent and pissed off (which is amazing when you want it).” He emphasizes the track-focused nature of Race 2 mode, cautioning against its use for regular street driving due to its intensity.
Tire Choice: Street vs. Track for the Z06
Cup 2 tires
McCarthy made a practical decision regarding tires, “I removed the Cup 2 Rs that come on it and replaced them with Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires.” He explains the Cup 2 R tires are “seriously sketchy when they are cold” and perform poorly in wet or sandy conditions. After experiencing this firsthand, he opted for the Pilot Sport 4S tires for street driving, reserving the Cup 2 Rs for track days in warmer weather.
He tested the Pilot Sport 4S tires at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, noting their excellent performance during brake burnishing and autocross. This highlights the versatility of the Z06, capable of both track prowess and comfortable street driving with the right tire setup.
Road Noise and the Z06 Convertible Experience
hardtop convertible
Addressing road noise, McCarthy initially found it “awful. Like, really, really loud,” even in the tamest driving modes. However, he observed a significant improvement after switching to Pilot Sport 4S tires. He suggests this change, or perhaps different road surfaces, contributed to a quieter cabin.
Regarding wind noise in the convertible, he states, “Regarding wind, with the hardtop convertible down, the wind noise is much less than it was on my C7.” He appreciates the reduced wind turbulence compared to his previous C7 Corvette convertible, attributing it to the rear window design that facilitates airflow.
Braking Performance of the Z06: Carbon Ceramic Brakes
dealership pickup
McCarthy emphasizes the importance of properly preparing the Z06’s brakes: “The carbon ceramic brakes are garbage until you burnish them. Seriously. There is no feel, and the stopping distance is terrible.” He strongly advises caution until the brakes are correctly burnished, noting the initially heavy and stiff pedal feel.
Once burnished, however, the brakes transform: “Once they are bedded in, though, they are absolutely fantastic and very linear. And they are QUIET.” He contrasts this with noisy aftermarket brake pads, highlighting the refined performance of the Z06’s carbon ceramics after proper break-in. He also points out minor areas for potential improvement, such as standard steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid, particularly for the Z07 package.
Front Lift: A Must-Have for the Z07 Z06?
Z06 z07 front lift
McCarthy is highly impressed with the front lift system: “The front lift is incredible and you can set up to 1,000 gps defined locations.” He describes its automatic activation in familiar locations like his driveway and speed bumps, emphasizing its practicality. He concludes, “If you get the Z07 option, you really should get the front lift,” highlighting its value for navigating daily obstacles with the low-slung Z07.
Stepping Up to the C8 Z06: Driving Impressions
Steve McCarthy C7 Corvette Z51
Having transitioned from a C7 Z51 directly to the C8 Z06, McCarthy shares his driving experience, noting his previous limited experience with mid-engine cars. After getting a track alignment, his perspective dramatically shifted: “Before I did the track setup, I honestly did not like the feel of the car… Once I did the track setup, though, wow.”
He praises the Z06’s responsiveness and handling: “This car is very, very responsive. The confidence on turn-in is epic.” He contrasts the driving dynamics with front-engine cars, where managing corner entry and exit is more critical. With the Z06, he feels a newfound confidence to brake later and apply throttle earlier, highlighting the mid-engine platform’s advantages.
McCarthy acknowledges the Z06’s exceptional capabilities, stating, “I do not need to say how amazing the car is. Everyone knows that, and words simply fail to do the car justice.” He notes a learning curve in mastering the Z06’s handling, especially in sliding and controlling the car at the limit, but recognizes the immense grip and potential. He plans to further explore the car’s capabilities in the spring and experiment with more aggressive track alignments.
The Z06 Value Proposition: Cost and Desire
Z07
McCarthy frames his Z06 purchase as a personal fulfillment: “For me, this is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… I believe driving a car should be an experience, and we should engage and connect with our cars.” His decision was driven by the desire for a wide-body Corvette, a preference dating back to 2020.
He contemplates the value question, “So it is really hard for me to say if a Z06 is worth the extra cost over a Z51. I honestly don’t have an answer. They are very, very different cars.” He concludes that the Z06, like all cars he’s owned, “makes me smile and that is what it should do,” emphasizing the emotional connection and driving pleasure. He even suggests he would own both a wide-body Z51 and a Z06 if garage space allowed, appreciating both models for their distinct qualities.
Final Verdict: The C8 Corvette Z06 Z07 Experience
red mist metallic
McCarthy summarizes his experience with high praise: “In summary, freakishly fast, responsive, planted, and head-turning. A real joy to drive and worth every penny. Best sports car I have ever owned or driven.” He envisions the Z06 as both a capable daily driver in Tour mode and a formidable track weapon, eager to challenge European sports cars. His enthusiastic verdict underscores the exceptional performance and driver engagement offered by the Corvette Z06.
Photos: Steve McCarthy
