By a Corvette Expert
Steve McCarthy C8 Z06 Z07
Experiencing the 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07: A Deep Dive
After patiently waiting and completing the break-in period on his brand-new 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07, CorvetteForum member Stephen McCarthy shares his initial impressions, hailing it as the “best sports car I have ever owned or driven.” Delivered in striking Red Mist Metallic, this particular C8 Z06 (VIN 00052) is more than just visually stunning; it’s a performance machine that has quickly won over its owner.
Initially concerned about the track-focused Z07 package’s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in cooler Nevada temperatures, McCarthy wisely opted for a set of Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires for better street usability. He diligently completed the 500-mile break-in within three days and promptly shared his initial thoughts on CorvetteForum. Following this, after a track alignment, carbon brake burnishing, and further exploration of his new Z06 Corvette, McCarthy provided a more detailed second impression. His insights are so valuable that we are highlighting them here for a broader audience.
The following is a condensed and reformatted version of McCarthy’s original review.
The Z06 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
Engine and Transmission Performance of the C8 Z06
Z06 Z07 rear end
McCarthy is particularly impressed by the Corvette Z06‘s powertrain: “I don’t know what I like more, the engine or the gearbox. Both are absolutely extraordinary.” He notes the engine’s commanding sound, acknowledging it might be too loud for tracks with noise restrictions, referencing his past experience with a stock C6 Z06 being black-flagged at Laguna Seca.
For everyday driving, the Z06 Corvette offers versatility. In Tour mode, it can be configured for a relaxed experience with minimized sound, light steering and braking, and early gear shifts. Conversely, Race 2 mode unleashes the car’s aggressive nature, described as “violent and pissed off,” making it ideal for track use but overwhelming for street driving. McCarthy, a long-time enthusiast accustomed to driving in aggressive modes, now finds Race 2 primarily for track environments, highlighting the C8 Z06‘s focused performance capabilities.
Tire Choice for Street and Track: Pilot Sport 4S vs. Cup 2
Cup 2 tires
Recognizing the limitations of the factory-equipped Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires in cold conditions, McCarthy switched to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires. He found the Cup 2 tires “seriously sketchy when they are cold” and unsuitable for varied road conditions.
After swapping to the Pilot Sport 4S tires, he tested them at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, where a professional driver assisted in burnishing the carbon ceramic brakes. The Pilot Sport 4S tires performed admirably on the autocross course. McCarthy plans to reserve the Cup 2 tires for warmer weather and dedicated track days, considering them less practical and enjoyable for regular street driving compared to the more versatile Pilot Sport 4S. This highlights the importance of tire selection based on driving conditions for Z06 Corvette owners.
Road Noise and Wind Management in the Z06 Convertible
hardtop convertible
Initial road noise with the Cup 2 tires was “awful,” impacting music and phone call clarity. However, switching to Pilot Sport 4S tires significantly reduced road noise. Wind noise with the top down is noticeably improved compared to the C7 Corvette convertible, making top-down driving more enjoyable in the C8 Z06. McCarthy believes the redesigned rear window, allowing airflow through the cabin, contributes to this improvement.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Burnishing is Crucial
dealership pickup
McCarthy strongly advises burnishing the carbon ceramic brakes, stating they are “garbage until you burnish them.” Initial brake feel is poor, with long stopping distances and a stiff pedal. He cautions drivers to be “very, very careful” until the brakes are properly bedded in. Once burnished, the brakes become “absolutely fantastic and very linear” and, importantly, quiet, unlike some aftermarket track pads.
He also points out minor surprises: the absence of standard steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid in the Z07 package. While not critical, these are considerations for serious track enthusiasts planning to push their Z06 Corvette to its limits.
The Value of Front Lift on the Z07
Z06 z07 front lift
The front lift system is lauded as “incredible.” Its GPS-based automatic activation at up to 1,000 locations is highly practical for navigating driveways and speed bumps. McCarthy recommends the front lift option, especially for Z07 package equipped Corvette Z06 models due to their lower ride height and track-focused design.
Evolution from C7 Z51 to C8 Z06: A Driving Enthusiast’s Perspective
Steve McCarthy C7 Corvette Z51
McCarthy’s driving background includes transitioning directly from a C7 Z51 to the C8 Z06. His preference for a wide-body Corvette led him to wait for the Z06. Despite initial reservations about moving away from manual transmissions and front-engine cars (having owned a C6 Z06), his limited experience with mid-engine cars (brief track time in a 488 GTB and 911 Turbo S) didn’t prepare him fully for the C8 Z06‘s transformative driving dynamics.
Driving Impressions: Responsiveness and Handling of the C8 Z06
C8 Z06 Z07
After a track alignment, McCarthy’s initial reservations about the car’s feel vanished. He describes the Corvette Z06 as “very, very responsive” with “epic” turn-in confidence. The mid-engine layout provides a distinct handling advantage over front-engine cars, eliminating the need to compensate for weight distribution during cornering. He praises the ability to threshold brake deep into corners and aggressively apply throttle early on corner exit without fear of instability.
While acknowledging the universally acclaimed performance of the Z06 Corvette, McCarthy emphasizes the learning curve involved in mastering its limits. Unlike previous cars where he could easily induce and control slides, the C8 Z06‘s immense grip requires a recalibration of driving techniques. He notes the engine’s rapid revving nature makes controlling slides challenging initially. Currently driving cautiously, he plans to explore the car’s full potential in the spring and experiment with more aggressive track alignment settings.
Justifying the Cost: An Emotional Decision
Z07
McCarthy views owning the Z06 Corvette as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” driven by passion rather than pure cost analysis. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with and enjoying cars, stating his desire for a wide-body Corvette was the primary motivator for choosing the Z06. For him, the decision wasn’t about push-rod versus overhead-cam engines or front versus mid-engine, but about fulfilling a personal desire.
He acknowledges the difficulty in definitively stating whether the Z06 is “worth the extra cost over a Z51,” as they are “very, very different cars.” Ultimately, the Corvette Z06 makes him smile, which he considers the essential quality of any car he owns. He even suggests he would own both a wide-body Z51 and a Z06 if garage space permitted, highlighting his appreciation for both models.
Final Verdict: The C8 Corvette Z06 Z07 is Exceptional
red mist metallic
McCarthy concludes that in Tour mode, the Corvette Z06 Z07 is surprisingly daily drivable, though he primarily intends it for track use. He anticipates surprising European sports car owners on track days, confident in the Z06‘s performance capabilities.
In summary, he describes the C8 Z06 Z07 as “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.” This enthusiastic owner review underscores the exceptional nature of the Z06 Corvette and its position as a top-tier sports car.
Photos: Steve McCarthy
Tags: C8 Z06, corvette z06, Z06 Z07
