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"         When fitted with new-for-2011 performance and Carbon packages, the Z06 has all the suspension, carbon-fiber bits and weight-saving parts of a ZR1. We knew it would be good, just not how good. The necessary performance parts add $13,490 to the price. It&amp;#039;s the usual Corvette bargain, but fully optioned out as was this test car, it comes dangerously close to the price of a still-superior ZR1. The two things really missing from the Z06 are the ZR1&amp;#039;s supercharged V-8 with an extra 133 bhp and the Performance Traction Management system.   With the added grip of the Michelin tires and Magnetic Ride Control suspension, the lack of PTM on the Z06 can almost be overlooked. Upgrades have transformed the Z06 into a corner-hungry beast that seemingly can&amp;#039;t put a foot wrong. Gone is the skittishness at the limit of the stock Z06 that frightens and unnerves. In its place is the reassuring sure-footedness of the ZR1 that ultimately is the reason for the Z06&amp;#039;s lap time dominance at the track.   One might think that the additional carbon components would save weight, but in the end our test car is only 20 lb. lighter than the ZR1 and still 115 lb. heavier than the base Z06. Although carbon was added, so were heavier shocks and wheels. This is still the lightest car of the group, its weight-to-power ratio beating even the mighty Turbo S.   Every car here is fast and teases the driver through the turns. Normally seen as just a kink, Turn 1 at 130 mph becomes something treacherous. The data reveal about 1g of cornering force here. That this kink is also the crest of a hill makes for some serious pucker factor. Interestingly, the two rear-drive cars just touched their rev limiters through the apex, helping to keep them planted, the Corvette in 3rd and the Aston in 4th. It was the ridiculously fast Turbo S that was right on the limit here, rotating with unnerving quickness at apex. Each car could hold full throttle, but these cars are so quick it was getting a little sketchy. Where&amp;#039;s PTM when I want it?   Beneath the carbon-fiber hood is the handbuilt LS7 V-8, a race-engineered 427-cu.-in. &amp;quot;small&amp;quot; block that has been ripping and snorting its way to 505 bhp since 2006. The Corvette was built around this engine, and it shows. The quintessential V-8 burble emanates throughout the car; it rumbles up the spine and shivers through the shift lever. Bring the Z06 to full roar and your senses are bombarded with input that heightens the experience to a fever pitch.   Tall gearing and the instantaneous torque delivery of the naturally aspirated V-8 make shifting a rare necessity. Romp around back roads and leave it in 2nd to scare away the deer, or choose a higher gear and mellow out. Easily the most playful, the Corvette is built to enjoy trips like this. Taunting us with its savage exhaust note, the Z06 begs us to lay into the throttle whenever appropriate, or when we can get away with it. There&amp;#039;s never a fear of not being noticed in a high-performance Corvette. Everyone hears you coming long before you get there.   As we mentioned, our Z06 test car is the Lite beer of Corvettes. All the grip of a ZR1, but with slightly less power. Still enough to dominate on the track, but not quite enough to rival the technology of the Turbo S on the street. But that&amp;#039;s okay; we prefer cars with three pedals\u2014slower at the drag strip or not. We&amp;#039;re enthusiasts who like to be involved in driving the car. And the 7.0-liter V-8 demands our attention.   Up next:                                                                               "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/road-tests/reviews/a16654/2011-chevrolet-corvette-z06-to-the-power-of-12/>