Question for someone who knows: How did they manage to put $25,000 worth of options on the Vette? Seems a little unfair to mention that the Nissan is cheaper when it's bone stock and the Vette has an extra $25k added to its base price (unless these options are required to keep up with the GTR?)
The GTR has a higher price tag than a base Z06. With the added options, the prices for both are simular.
The Z06 in the article had some additions (Z07, carbon, navigation and 3LZ). One is the carbon package. This package includes carbon fiber splitter, spoiler, and side skirts. It also had the Z07 package which is Mich PS2 tires, different wheels, carbon ceramic brakes and selective magnetic ride control (with launch control). The 3LZ package is an interior upgrade that adds more leather.
There are four different models of corvette and each of those models has options / packages available. Vettes range in price from about 50K to 120K.
1) Basic C6, which can also come in a rag top or targa. There are four different trim options for the interior. There are a couple performance related options also available.
2) Grand Sport. This is a basic C6 but with wide body fenders, wider tires and different wheels to give it the look of the Z06. The Grand Sport coup also comes with a dry sump engine oiling system found on the Z06. In other words, it’s a Z06 poser. It’s quite popular as it’s about 20K less than a Z06 and many folks don't care about the etra performance. You can get the GS in targa or convertible too.
3) Z06. Completely different animal. Starts out with an aluminum and magnesium frame, completely different brakes, suspension and carbon fiber front fenders. You can not get this car as a convertible or targa because of the aluminum frame. It is built to be light; so many creature comforts are not available. You can only get it with the 6 speed manual transition. The Z06 also has the LS7 engine, which is a 505 hp, naturally aspirated, 7.0 ltr (427 cubic inch) small block with a 7000 rpm redline. It also has a dry sump oiling system. It has a perfect 50/50 four corner weight distribution.
4) ZR1. This car has everything the Z06, but a different, more powerful engine, carbon ceramic brakes, and a completely different traction and handling control system called PTM. The engine is a supercharged 6.2 ltr (364 cubic inch), 638 hp. It also has a dry sump oiling system. This car has carbon fiber body parts the Z06 does not, including the roof and hood. The car is about 250 pounds heavier than the Z06 and has a different weight distribution of 52/48. What really stands out with this car is PTM. It’s a somewhat revolutionary control system that still gives the driver a “hands on” experience, but makes the car more forgiving than the Z06.
