Chevrolet brings back the vaunted Z06 Corvette for 2006, replete with a 7.0L LS7 V-8 engine packing 505 hp. The 2006 Z06 Coupe and Convertible are now available with a new electronically-controlled 6-speed Paddle Shift transmission with three modes: Drive, Sport, and Paddle Shift. Inside, there’s a new, smaller-diameter steering wheel, an automatic passenger airbag switch, and XM Satellite Radio is included on models with the optional Bose audio system. Two new colors, Velocity Yellow and Monterey Red, join the exterior color palette while Titanium Gray becomes an interior choice, and Storm Gray is offered as a new convertible top color.

Fifty-three years ago, Chevrolet introduced the Corvette with an inline 6-cylinder engine. Two years later, in 1955, GM engineers inserted a 195-hp small-block V-8 between the shock towers and a performance legend was born. Today, the Corvette generates 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque from its standard 6.0L V-8 and routes this power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

Using technology transferred from the very successful Corvette racing program, the Z06's mighty 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) small-block LS7 Gen IV aluminum V8 generates 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of tire-shredding torque. It can launch this 3132-pound Chevrolet supercar from zero to 60-miles per hour in an astounding 3.7 seconds, through the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125-miles per hour and to 198-miles per hour top speed. The Z06's unique and exceptionally light and stiff aluminum body structure boasts hydroformed perimeter rails, a magnesium front cradle and carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses—there's simply nothing else as fast or refined at anywhere near its price.

Fresh from its complete remake last year, the sixth-generation Corvette marches into 2006 as beloved as ever. Smaller, lighter and more powerful than the previous Corvette, the current model is without question the best Corvette to date. Foot-pound for foot-pound, there is no better deal for the money. The Corvette faces a litany of costly competitors, including two from right here in America: the Dodge Viper and Ford GT. The super sports car market is heating up. Though the Corvette still has some catching up to do in the refinement department versus some more expensive import competitors, there's no denying the cars performance credentials are in order.