2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition

Commemorative Editions

The commemorative editions recognize the success of the C5-R racing program. In 2002, the Corvette C5 continued to dominate the field with nine wins in 10 American Le Mans Series races, also nabbing the 2002 GTS Manufacturer Champion and GTS Team Champion awards. Combined with a second consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Corvette continued to make history.

The Commemorative Edition Coupe and Convertible include new Le Mans Blue paint with Shale interior, special badges and polished wheels. The convertible's top also is Shale to match the interior.

The Commemorative Edition Z06 also is Le Mans Blue and also includes a C5-R Le Mans stripe scheme, special badges, polished Z06 wheels and a lightweight carbon fiber hood.

Z06 Ride Tempered at Nürburgring

Over the period of a month in 2002, engineers put the Z06 through its paces at Germany's fabled Nürburgring racetrack to give the definitive street-legal sports car an even better ride. Since it was completed in 1927, the 12.8-mile (20.6 km) Nürburgring circuit has been the ultimate challenge for vehicle dynamics. The course has 177 corners, and in between them is every conceivable combination of radius, camber and gradient - not to mention altitude that varies by nearly 1,000 feet (305 m). No other track in the world places such extreme demands on a vehicle's suspension, brakes and powertrain, which is why Nürburgring is where the world's finest sports cars are regularly tested.

After a month in Germany, it was back to General Motors Milford Proving Grounds, where new shock absorber valving was "dialed in" and balanced for optimum performance on American roads.

The result is a suspension that feels "more tied down, more glued to the road," said Harlan Charles, product manager for the Corvette.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control