Chevrolet Corvette Z06 can do 0-60mph sprint in 2.95 seconds

When fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission and the Z07 performance package, the Z06 can race from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 2.95 seconds. The quarter mile (402m) dash takes just 10.95 seconds, at the end of which the car is running at 204km/h.

With the standard seven-speed manual, but still with the Z07 performance pack fitted, the Corvette Z06 completes the 0-60mph standard in 3.2 seconds. In this configuration the quarter mile time blows out slightly to 11.2 seconds.

According to GM, the new Corvette Z06 is the fastest production car it has tested at the company's 4.7-kilometre Milford Road Course, edging out the ZR1 version of the previous generation Corvette.

The seventh-generation Corvette Z06 features a supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 V8 engine churning out 466kW of power and 861Nm of torque for the rear wheels to handle.

An aggressive aero package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as part of the optional Z07 performance pack. Those Brembo stoppers can bring the Z06 to a standstill from 96km/h in just 30.4 metres.

To put the new Corvette Z06's performance in context, the Ferrari 458 Speciale coupe has a quoted 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds.

In the States, the Speciale carries a list price of US$288,000 ($330,000). The Z06, on the other hand, is considerably cheaper, with the coupe retailing for US$78,995 ($90,500) and the convertible going for US$83,995 ($96,100). Note that these prices exclude sales and other taxes, which vary from state to state.

Chevrolet has yet to announce the performance figures for the Z06 convertible.