The Z06's eight-speed is nine pounds lighter than the six-speed automatic in the Stingray thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and Chevy claims that it can crack off shifts under wide-open throttle quicker than the PDK dual-clutch automatic in the Porsche 911.

The heart of the car remains a small-block V-8, but for the first time ever, the Z06 will have a supercharged engine. With an output of 625 hp and 635 lb-ft of torque "plus," it enables the new Z06 to truly tread in supercar territory. Those ratings aren't final, but you can put a "big emphasis on the 'plus,' " Juechter says. That should reduce the sting of losing the intoxicating normally aspirated V-8 engine that has traditionally powered the Z06. The supercharger yields more low-end torque, which will make the car more responsive on the street and on the track. Expect a sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (the 2013 ZR1's posted time) or less, easily quicker than before. The blower also allows Corvette engineers to wring more power out of a smaller engine. The 2015 Z06 uses a 6.2-liter LT4 V-8, compared with the 505-hp, 7.0-liter LS7 in the last Z06.

As with the Stingray, the Z06 gets modern technologies to aid fuel economy, although engineers are quick to point out that performance wasn't compromised in pursuit of this goal. Continuously variable valve timing, direct injection, and cylinder deactivation migrate from the base C7, allowing for "surprising" fuel efficiency, Chevy says.

Base price: $79,000 (est.)

There are three aerodynamic options.
- The "standard" Z06 uses a plastic front splitter, a carbon-fiber hood, and a rear spoiler that is borrowed from the Stingray's Z51 performance package.
- The carbon-fiber aero package (available in black or with an exposed carbon-fiber finish) swaps in carbon fiber for the front splitter and rocker panels, and it adds a larger rear spoiler.
- Hard-core track rats will want the Z07 package, which adds large front splitter winglets, carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, and an adjustable spoiler for maximum performance on the track. The Z07 package creates the most downforce of any General Motors production car in history.