Test runs always pose a certain risk for the car and its test driver. One wrong move and the car breaks down or worse, crashes into a wall.
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 found that out firsthand recently at the Nurburgring when it crashed in the Green Hell after reportedly trying to set an official lap time. Details behind the crash->ke277 have been kept under wraps, but judging from these photos, the Corvette Z06 seems to have sustained some heavy damage on the front end, enough to prematurely end the session.
General Motors->ke1024 test driver Jim Mero was reportedly behind the wheel of the Corvette Z06 at the time the crash happened. Fortunately, he was not injured nor was anybody else.
If the ‘Vette really was there to set an official lap time, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a little while longer before we find out what that time is. Nevertheless, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open because there are reports that another Corvette Z06 was in the vicinity, possibly as a backup model in the event the first one has any problems.
Click past the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Why It Matters
The important thing is nobody got hurt; that's priority number one. But from an automotive standpoint, it's not a good look for the Corvette Z06 to crash like that if it was trying to set an official record around the Nurburgring.
Isn't the Corvette Z06 supposed to be beefed up with performance modifications to improve its power and handling capabilities? Then again, maybe human error contributed to its crash. But the Corvette Z06 still doesn't come out roses here, especially after all the hype it received preceding its launch.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was launched at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and it came with a lot of promises, most notably its position as the most aerodynamically efficient model General Motors has ever built.
The car also received dramatic exterior modifications to go with a more powerful engine, a new sports suspension system, and a new high-performance brake system. All together, the Corvette Z06 represents the top of the food chain as far as the new-generation Corvette Stingray is concerned.
The Corvette Z06 is powered by a supercharged, 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That's good enough to cover 0 to 60 mph in 2.95 seconds.
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes with a base price of $78,995. You can also opt to upgrade the car with a $2,995 Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package and a $7,995 Z07 Performance package.