Test drove a C6 Z06 today, all went well until...

A C6 Z06 is a great performance bargain, probably the best out there right now. As much as I would have liked a targa top, I understand why it wasn't offered. A targa top would have increased weight and effected chassis stiffness which went against the whole philosophy that GM designed the Z06 under. Light weight and high horsepower. I'm glad I bought mine. It's such a thrill every time I drive it.

That said if you really want a targa top then get the base model. It's a bit more comfortable on the street as well. The suspension on the Z is quite stiff in comparison to the base model.

 

The standard cars have a steel chassis with an aluminum cross-member. The ZO6's chassis is aluminum with a magnesium cross-member, and carbon composite floors. The roof is good, then my arms aren't dragging through the grass if it goes rubber up! LOL

 

For what it is worth, I hardly know anybody with C4 ZR-1 (or Z51 suspension) cars that have ever driven them more than about once with the top out...it needs to be there for chassis rigidity.

Maybe they learned their lesson from that experience. Note new ZR1 does not have a removable top either.

 

There is a company out there that will convert them to Targa top.

 

This is right up your alley Jonathan. A White Targa-top Z06!

http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=545698

Chris

 

Actually, they do come off, regardless of whether or not they were supposed too, haha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeO56-smgxI

 

That is one way to wreck a great Z06.

 

Thank God it was a buzz kill. One less poseur in a Z06. The car is a truly magnificent performance vehicle and every spyder variant of every car is (1) heavier; and (2) more flexible. PERFORMANCE, not posing, is th epoint fo the car and I for one am so glad it was not diluted.

Just get the base car - you'll have more left for designer clothes and gold chains.

or go pay extra for a slower version of the 430, LP560, Gallardo, Porsche, etc.

 

good post...it may bite a little but you speak the truth. the z-06 is a car lovers car!

 

You've got one heck of an attitude problem but that's another issue.

Your comment here is no different than saying anyone who buys a Lotus Elise, a CGT or an F50 is a poseur because they have a lift-off roof. Lame

 

If the car was designed to have a removable top initially, fine, as is the case of the Elise, CGT and F50. The Z06 with aluminum frame was designed as a coupe. Which is why I stand by my comment that the base car is a better choice - steel frame so it can support a convertible. Which is why I used the term "variant" as in the orignal car was a coupe and the top later chopped off.

As for the CGT, it has always been my thought that it is truly sad that a carbon fiber monocoque car is over 3000 lbs (like a much more conventional Z06). Wonder what could have been if the car had been a coupe? I still believe that the F50 and CGT were desinged more to market to the "look at me" demographic than the hard core enthusiast who would prefer to let form follow function. The iconic McLaren F1 ain't no stinkin' convertible.

As you might imagine, I have a Z06 - happen to have an Elise as well, but I have to admit the hard core performance (street, not counting the 2-11) variant is the Exige S 240 and Lotus recommends that the top stay on that car. Hmmmmmmmmm wonder why?

I stand by my comment; open cars are more for posing and less for performance driving. And I have open cars and use them to pose (although the Elise does have passable rollover protection and does see the track). I freely admit to posing and I even like chrome plated wheels (see avatar)! I am just glad the Z06 did not get diliuted by marketing wonks bowing to prospective buyers who would have the car for the wrong reasons.

You can get the base C6, bolt on Z06 fenders and quarters, add a supercharger or at least heads/cam, wheels and you are pretty close to an open Z06, albeit with more weight. But a Z06 it is not.

Next I am going to hear complaints that the Z06 does not come with an automatic!

I don't drive an XBOX, isn't it a convertble and front wheel drive?

 

As previously posted the tops do come off..they are just not supposed to. There was a recall on some of the early cars due to the tops coming off the cars. The adhesive they used to attach the top is not strong enough and the difference in air pressure actually sucks the roof off. Make sure if you buy/own a car that your car was taken care of. (Check with your Chevy dealer)

 

OK - if we still have one left after next week...

 

or these guys can do it for you
http://www.caravaggiocorvettes.com/dev2007/home.html

 

Guldstrand also has a targa top for the Z06

I have a Caravaggio interior in my Z and it looks like an Aston inside now

I was really sick of that stock tupperware interior

 

Have you driven either? I suspect that if you get the chance, you may change your mind.

 

there is an exception although i'll be damned if i can think of it. the base model is aluminum but the spider version is CF. the spider version is both lighter and stiffer than the coupe. it was on top gear awhile back.

 

I would love to see some pics

I know they do great work there!

 

Zonda

 

Yup... 50 hp more than the coupe and the same weight/rigidity. Both Zonda F coupe and roadster are in CF, the Zonda F roadster had bare CF look as a 25.000 (or was it 28'?) £ option...

 

Here you go, I recently installed the new Caravaggio dash and door panels but I dont have pics of that yet. My Z looks like an Aston inside now

I also installed 15" Brembo brakes which are amazing

She is an absolute weapon on the track now

I have engine upgrades coming from Katech soon so she'll have around 600hp on road gas
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The F50 chassis is pretty good but the

CGT was designed as a LeMans racer but either its class was cancelled or there was no $ to see it through

so The CGT is much more a real race car than the Enzo or F50

I think in a race an hour or longer the CGT will kill the F50/Enzo

F50 and Enzo share same chassis by the way

 

No they don't.