Steve McCarthy C8 Z06 Z07
The 2023 Corvette Z06 has already cemented its place as a performance icon, but for those seeking the zenith of track capability, the Z07 package elevates it to an entirely different stratosphere. CorvetteForum member Stephen McCarthy recently took delivery of his Red Mist Metallic Z06 equipped with the coveted Z07 package and, after the break-in period, shared his exhilarating first impressions, declaring it “the best sports car I have ever owned or driven.” His hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into what makes the Z07 more than just a trim level – it’s a transformative upgrade for serious driving enthusiasts.
McCarthy’s journey with his Corvette Z06 Z07 began in late November, receiving VIN 00052. Aware of the performance limitations of the track-focused Cup 2 tires in colder Nevada temperatures, he wisely preemptively ordered Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires for more versatile street driving. He diligently completed the 500-mile break-in within days and promptly shared his initial thoughts on the CorvetteForum. Following this, after crucial steps like a track alignment and carbon brake burnishing, McCarthy delved deeper into exploring the full potential of his Z06 Z07. His detailed account, originally shared in a CorvetteForum thread, is so compelling and informative that we are highlighting it here for a wider audience of performance car aficionados.
Z07 Package: The Spec Highlights
C8 Z06 Z07
McCarthy’s Corvette Z06 is configured to maximize both performance and visual appeal, showcasing the key elements of the Z07 package:
- Model: 2023 Corvette Z06 with Z07 Performance Package
- Body Style: Convertible Hard Top – for open-air thrills without compromising rigidity.
- Trim Level: 3LZ – the highest trim, loaded with premium features and technology.
- Exterior Color: Red Mist Metallic – a striking, modern shade that accentuates the Z06’s aggressive lines.
- Performance Options:
- Front Lift – essential for navigating steep driveways and speed bumps with the low Z06.
- Edge Red calipers – adding a vibrant pop of color behind the wheels.
- Carbon Flash painted aero and ground effects – enhancing aerodynamics and visual aggression.
- Interior: Red/black interior – creating a sporty and luxurious cockpit environment.
Engine and Transmission: A Symphony of Performance
Z06 Z07 rear end
McCarthy is captivated by both the engine and transmission of his Z06 Z07, stating, “I don’t know what I like more, the engine or the gearbox. Both are absolutely extraordinary.” The heart of the Z06, the naturally aspirated 5.5L LT6 V8, is renowned for its high-revving nature and ferocious power. He notes the engine is “LOUD,” perhaps even too loud for tracks with strict noise limits, referencing his past experience with his C6 Z06.
He describes the duality of the car’s driving modes: Tour mode for relaxed street driving with minimized sound and smooth shifts, and Race 2 mode, which unleashes the Z07’s aggressive character. “In Race 2, the car is violent and pissed off,” he remarks, emphasizing its track-focused intensity. He explicitly advises against using Race 2 for regular street driving, finding it overwhelming and even slightly nauseating for extended periods – a stark contrast to his previous driving habits where aggressive modes were his norm. This highlights the Z07’s true nature as a track-bred machine that demands respect and provides an unparalleled raw driving experience when desired.
Tires: From Track Prowess to Street Versatility
Cup 2 tires
The Z07 package comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, designed for maximum dry grip on the track. However, McCarthy wisely swapped these for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires for better all-around usability. He points out the Cup 2 tires become “seriously sketchy when they are cold,” and treacherous in even সামান্য moisture or loose road debris. He removed them after only a few hundred miles, recognizing their limitations for daily driving and colder conditions.
At Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, with the help of a professional driver, McCarthy burnished the carbon ceramic brakes and tested the Pilot Sport 4S tires on the autocross course. He found the PS4S tires to perform “extremely well,” confirming their suitability for spirited street driving and even some track use. He plans to reserve the Cup 2 tires for dedicated track days in warmer weather, acknowledging that using them on the street would be wasteful and less enjoyable than the more versatile PS4S. This tire choice underscores a key consideration for Z07 owners: balancing ultimate track performance with practical street driving.
Road Noise: Managing Comfort in a Performance Beast
hardtop convertible
Initial road noise with the Cup 2 tires was “awful” for McCarthy, impacting music listening and phone calls even in the tamest car settings. Switching to Pilot Sport 4S tires significantly improved the noise level, although he acknowledges road surface could also be a factor.
Regarding wind noise in the convertible Z06 Z07, McCarthy notes a substantial improvement over his C7 Corvette. He finds wind noise “much less” with the top down, attributing it to the rear window design that allows wind to flow through, making top-down driving far more enjoyable and frequent in his C8 Z06 Z07. This demonstrates advancements in the C8 platform in refining the convertible experience even in a high-performance model.
Brakes: Unleashing the Stopping Power of Carbon Ceramics
dealership pickup
The carbon ceramic brakes, a hallmark of the Z07 package, initially underwhelmed McCarthy. He describes them as “garbage until you burnish them,” lacking feel and exhibiting “terrible” stopping distance with a “super heavy and stiff” pedal feel. He strongly advises caution until the brakes are properly bedded in.
However, once burnished, the carbon ceramic brakes transform dramatically, becoming “absolutely fantastic and very linear” and, importantly, “QUIET” compared to aftermarket track pads he’s used. He expresses slight surprise that GM didn’t include steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid standard on the Z07, considering its track focus, but acknowledges these are minor points. This highlights the critical importance of proper brake burnishing for optimal performance and the exceptional capability of the Z07’s carbon ceramic braking system once properly prepared.
Front Lift: A Must-Have for Z07 Practicality
Z06 z07 front lift
McCarthy unequivocally recommends the front lift option, especially for Z07 owners. He praises its “incredible” functionality, allowing storage of up to 1,000 GPS locations for automatic lifting. His car automatically lifts for his driveway and speed bumps at his club, demonstrating its everyday practicality. “If you get the Z07 option, you really should get the front lift,” he concludes, emphasizing its essential role in navigating real-world obstacles with the low-slung Z07.
Driving Experience: From C7 Z51 to Z06 Z07 Revolution
Steve McCarthy C7 Corvette Z51
McCarthy’s driving background provides context for his Z07 impressions. Coming from a C7 Z51 directly to the C8 Z06, with limited mid-engine experience (brief track time in a 488 GTB and 911 Turbo S), the Z06 represents a significant leap. He had been waiting for the wide-body C8 since 2020, prioritizing aesthetics initially, but now fully appreciates the performance revolution the Z06 Z07 delivers.
C8 Z06 Z07 Driving Impressions: A Paradigm Shift
C8 Z06 Z07
After the break-in service and track alignment, McCarthy experienced a dramatic transformation in the car’s feel. Initially, the factory Z06 setup felt “weird” to him, accustomed to track alignments for 13 years. However, post-track alignment, “wow.”
He emphasizes the Z06 Z07’s exceptional responsiveness and “epic” turn-in confidence. Compared to front-engine cars where he was mindful of corner entry and exit, the Z06 Z07 provides a new level of confidence. “I feel like I can threshold-brake all the way to the apex and aggressively pick the throttle super early with no worry or drama.”
He acknowledges the difficulty in fully conveying the car’s capabilities with words, stating, “Everyone knows that, and words simply fail to do the car justice.” He is still adapting to the mid-engine dynamics, noting the immense grip level compared to his previous Corvettes. While comfortable rotating front-engine cars, he is still learning the Z06 Z07’s limits, describing the rear end stepping out and recovering “quickly.” The engine’s rapid revving requires quick reflexes when pushing the car. He is proceeding cautiously, planning to fully explore the car’s potential in the spring and potentially experiment with a more aggressive camber setup.
Z07 Cost and Value: A Personal Perspective
Z07
McCarthy frames his Z07 purchase as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” driven by passion and experience rather than purely cost. He believes driving should be an engaging experience and prioritizes fulfilling his automotive desires. His decision was driven by wanting a wide-body Corvette, regardless of engine or drivetrain layout.
He finds it difficult to objectively assess the Z06’s value premium over a Z51, recognizing they are “very, very different cars.” Ultimately, the Z06 Z07 makes him smile, which he considers paramount. He even muses about owning both a wide-body Z51 and the Z06 Z07 if garage space permitted, highlighting his appreciation for both Corvette models.
C8 Corvette Z06 Z07 Verdict: The Ultimate Sports Car
red mist metallic
McCarthy summarizes his Corvette Z06 Z07 experience as “freakishly fast, responsive, planted, and head-turning.” He sees its dual nature – a comfortable daily driver in Tour mode and a formidable track weapon. He anticipates surprising European sports car owners on track days and concludes it’s “a real joy to drive and worth every penny. Best sports car I have ever owned or driven.” His enthusiastic endorsement underscores the transformative impact of the Z07 package in creating a truly exceptional and track-focused Corvette.
Photos: Steve McCarthy
Tags: C8 Z06, Corvette Z06, Z06 Z07, Z07 Package
