Z06 is Changing/Evolving, Testing at the Tail of the Dragon

[Hulkamaniac]

Photos by Manuel Carrillo III

"Recent testing at our Milford Proving Grounds has taught us that we need more rear downforce on all three 2015 Z06 models (paraphrase of Tadge.Juechter at NCM Bash)". Here are the first examples. Tadge noted that they have learned, now that the record winter snow had recently melted and that could now start to use Milford, that previous plans to use the StingRay's Z-51 deck spoiler on a stage 1 had changed, noting that more rear downforce was needed on the stage 1 model.

Here is the first real world testing consequences, as perhaps the previously envisioned stage 2/3 spoiler is being field tested on a stage 1. Note, the heretofore strange combination of a phase 1 front splitter and a stage 2/3 deck spoiler. Also changed is the first time use of the "curved aero blade" on the rear fender transmission cooler intake grill on a stage 1.

A second car, also testing at the Tail of the Dragon, shows us, also for the first time, some new wheels. Are these going to be Z07 unique, just as there were "lightweight wheels" for the ZR1 in later years? Or might these be available across all Z06
stages?

And even the aero blade is changing slightly -- not the pointed edge-transition in its middle instead of the curved one as on previous show cars.

Finally, also consistent to what Tadge stated at the Bash, please notice that the center section of the spoiler, heretofore approximately the same height as the outside wickerbill, is now a little taller --again consistent with the need for more rear downforce.

[BOBSZO6]

The 2015 Z06 stages 1,2,3 all have different spoilers and the design is changing and being tested in the real world now. Stage 1 formerly used the Z51 spoiler, but that has been enlarged for Stage 1.

[purpleRac3r]

Are these truly recent pix? The Z06 is known to the world now, so I'm surprised the test cars still have "zebra tape" all over them. I can help with the wheels: those are the optional Cup wheels from the last couple of years of C6 production and were available variously on Gdand Sports and Z06s.

[Hulkamaniac]

These are recent pics.

Testing new spoilers for more downforce.

Possibly new aero as well.

Hence the reason for the camouflage.

[purpleRac3r]

Perhaps they are just reusing one of the earlier engineering cars from pre-reveal to save on some costs. It does look a little rough around the edges. It will be intersting to see how the final versions compare to the pieces seen on the show cars.