New For 2002
- LS6 engine (Z06 model) receives 20-horsepower increase, to 405 hp, and 15 foot-pounds more torque for a total of 400 lb-ft of torque
- Revised rear shock valving on Z06
- Aluminum front stabilizer bar links for Z06 and models equipped with optional Z51 suspension
- New high performance front brake pads for Z06
- Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case
- Cast aluminum wheels replace forged aluminum on Z06
- Head-Up Display (HUD) now standard on Z06
- Electron Blue exterior color (Navy Blue Metallic and Dark Bowling Green Metallic no longer available)
CHEVROLET BUILDS THE QUICKEST Z06 CORVETTE EVER AT 405 HP, AND REFINES COUPE AND CONVE
For nearly 50 years, the Corvette has had a special place in America’s garage. Crafted from a precise blend of power, performance, style and comfort, Corvette’s success has been based on a willingness to embrace advancing technology while remaining true to its heritage. Today’s Corvette exemplifies this philosophy like no other.
More power
Last year’s introduction of the Z06 Corvette, based on the former hardtop model and the legendary 1960s Z06 option package, is aimed at true performance enthusiasts at the upper end of the high-performance market. And now, an extra boost of 20 hp, to 405, makes Z06 the quickest production Corvette ever.
This upgrade to the LS6 engine’s output is the result of new hollow stem valves, a higher-lift camshaft, a low restriction mass air flow (MAF) sensor and a new low restriction air cleaner design. Eliminating the PUP converter from the exhaust system enables better flow of spent gasses and reduces vehicle weight, without compromising Corvette’s NLEV (National Low Emission Vehicle) status.
Suspension upgrades
The Z06-specific FE4 High-Performance suspension system features a larger front stabilizer bar, a stiffer rear leaf spring and specific camber settings – all calibrated for maximum control during high-speed operation. The 2002 Z06 also has new rear shock valving for a more controlled ride.
Although retaining the same design and color finish, the unique aluminum Z06 wheels are now produced using a cast rather than a forged process. The magnesium wheel option for Coupes and Convertibles is no longer available.
Maximum agility
The foundation of Corvette’s agile handling is hydroformed frame rails. Its four-wheel independent front suspension features cast aluminum upper and lower A-arms. The Z06 and models equipped with the available Z51 package now have aluminum front stabilizer bar links for lighter weight. The rear suspension has a transverse leaf spring system.
All Corvettes have the second-generation Active Handling system as standard equipment. The system features dynamic rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel lockup, and rear brake stability control to assist the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high acceleration conditions. It also has integral traction control calibrated to allow drivers to experience the Corvette’s power and handling while controlling excessive wheelspin. The system’s on/off switch and “Competitive Mode” enables drivers to disengage the traction control feature without giving up Active Handling’s other benefits. For more information on Active Handling, see the “Applied Technology” section of the Corporate press kit.
Additional refinements
Now standard on Z06, the Corvette’s Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vehicle speed and many other gauges digitally on the windshield ahead of the steering wheel, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road. HUD remains an option on Coupes and Convertibles.
For 2002, the automatic transmission cooler case is constructed of lightweight cast aluminum, replacing the previous stainless steel design.
New high performance front brake pads on Z06 provide improved lining durability and fade resistance in high performance situations.
Coupes and Convertibles receive an AM/FM/In-dash CD system as the new standard entertainment system. An AM/FM/Cassette system is available when buyers order the remote 12-disc CD changer. The 12-disc CD changer is also available with the CD radio.
Corvette’s exterior color palette adds Electron Blue, replacing Navy Blue Metallic previously offered on Coupes and Convertibles. Electron Blue also takes the place of Speedway White as one of five choices on the Z06.
2002 Z06 CORVETTE
To say that the 2001 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette was launched to wide-ranging acclaim is an understatement, the Z06 has won the hearts of Corvette aficionados everywhere. For many, the 2001 Z06 represented as close to perfection as has ever been achieved in a sports car. It has been received with unprecedented praise for its ability to deliver performance, agility, and control – all wrapped in a visually stunning package. For 2002, Chevrolet engineers have provided a new definition of perfection.
Corvette has been synonymous with performance for nearly 50 years. Proving that you can never have too much of a good thing, GM engineers extracted an additional 20 horsepower from the LS6 engine that debuted in 2001. For 2002, the LS6 delivers an awe-inspiring 405 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
“We could have chosen to remain satisfied with our achievements for 2001, instead, we set our sights on breaking the 400-horsepower barrier,” said Dave Hill, Performance Cars vehicle line executive and Corvette chief engineer. “At 405 horsepower, the LS6 will match the highest peak power level of the legendary 5.7-liter DOHC LT5, which powered the ZR1 Corvette.”
More Torque = Better Performance
“When you hear customers talking about wanting more power, what they really mean is that they want more torque. It’s torque that gets you going, whether launching from a standstill, or accelerating out of a corner. At 385, last year’s Z06 was already in an elite class. For 2002, we’ve upped the ante with another 15 pounds-feet of torque, for a total of 400 pounds-feet at 4,800 rpm. The result is one that must be experienced to be appreciated,” said Hill.
The Z06 will continue to be outfitted with the unique six-speed manual transmission for 2002. It will enable skilled drivers to achieve 0-60 mph times of 3.9 seconds and to cover a quarter mile in 12.4 seconds at 116 mph. By comparison, the 2001 powertrain combination achieved 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph.
LS6 Clutch Improvements
To withstand the greater torque output of the new engine, the LS6 clutch was redesigned. Clamp load has been increased seven percent and durability has been augmented by the following enhancements:
The clutch-driven disc was redesigned, with the flange plate thickness increased by 20 percent – from 5 mm to 6 mm The damper springs were redesigned to increase wind-up rate, from 33 Newton-meter degrees to 35 Newton-meter degrees Premium alloy steel wire is now used for the damper springs
These changes ensure long life and good performance for the LS6 clutch.
World-Class Agility and Handling
“While the 2002 Z06 is the quickest Vette to date, the Corvette team never lost sight of the fact that the Z06 is a total performance package. With this goal in mind, the suspension has been improved to keep the Z06 the well balanced sports car that it is, and the standard against which all other sports cars are measured,” said Hill.
The valving of the Z06’s rear dampers was also revised, allowing for smoother, more efficient transfer of the additional horsepower and torque to the pavement.
“Revising the damping allowed us to improve the track performance of the Z06, as well as its everyday ride quality,” said Mike Neal, Corvette ride and handling development engineer.
In addition to generating more power, Corvette engineers also scrutinized every possible means to reduce vehicle mass, which in turn results in improved vehicle handling. Their efforts resulted in:
Cast aluminum front stabilizer links (versus rolled rod steel links), resulting in a 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs.) weight saving Cast-spun aluminum wheels (versus forged aluminum), for a total mass savings of 0.6 kg (1.3 pounds)
These are further enhancements to the world-class FE4 suspension system that debuted in 2001.
A Solid Foundation
“The 2002 Z06 Corvette is the complete package, a vehicle that can be driven at the limit with supreme confidence. It’s a true driver’s car, designed to provide the driver with the information and feedback required for enthusiastic driving,” said Hill.
This latest Z06 builds upon the solid foundation established by the previous model-year offering, one that had already raised performance to a whole new level.
The 2001 Z06 introduced a standard Second-Generation Active Handling system, providing a great deal of assistance to the Corvette driver and an added level of safety to occupants.
The 2001 Corvette coupe, convertible and Z06 models broke new ground in the areas of refinement, with better noise isolation, better idle quality, reduced maintenance costs and improved fuel economy.
Greater emphasis on performance is further enabled with a standard Head-Up Display (HUD) for 2002 Z06 models. It provides critical vehicle information – including tachometer, vehicle speed, oil pressure, coolant temperature and fuel gauges, among others – promoting a “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road,” philosophy.
“We realize that the Z06 is not for everyone. But, for the extreme performance enthusiasts, the race-bred 2002 Z06 provides them with a vehicle that challenges the threshold of performance and handling, with absolutely no compromises,” stated Tadge Juechter, Performance Cars assistant chief engineer. “The 2002 Z06 is a total performance package!”
CORVETTE TESTING DESIGNED TO RETAIN “AMERICA’S FAVORITE SPORTS CAR” ICON STATUS
Chevrolet Corvette has been called “America’s favorite sports car” for its ability to deliver proven power and performance in a production model. At Chevrolet, we take great pride in Corvette’s status and work diligently to ensure it will remain a source of automotive awe and inspiration for years to come. That is why Corvette is subjected to the same general durability testing as all other General Motors vehicles. Then, it’s tested even further, with three additional tests – 250 miles of autocross, 24 hours on the racetrack and top speed at wide-open throttle – to ensure that America’s sports car is ready for high-performance use.
Autocross
The autocross portion of the testing includes 250 miles on an autocross course. It takes about five fuel tank loads to complete the 250 miles, with a total vehicle inspection at every fuel stop. Instrumentation monitors everything, from oil pressure to transmission temperature. This test is a precursor to the 24 hours on a race track.
24 Hours on the Racetrack
After the autocross test, Corvette spends 24 hours at competition speeds on a road course.
“It’s really the equivalent of 24 individual sprint races, each lasting one hour,” explains Mike Neal, Corvette ride and handling chassis development. “It takes about an hour at track speed to consume a tank of fuel. The car then comes in; we check and top off fluids, replace brakes and tires, download our instrumentation and send the car out again. We do this until the car has completed 24 hours on the track.”
The 2.2-mile road course used to validate the ’02 Z06 consists of a 120-mph straightaway, 90-mph sweeping curves and 40-mph hairpins. The drivers make 12 shifts per lap and brake 10 times per lap. “Compared to the 2001 Z06, the 2002 model is half a second faster around our test track,” adds Neal.
Throughout the testing, equipment monitors and records 30 channels of thermal information from critical components and fluids. In addition to the temperature readings, other pertinent data is collected and analyzed, including, oil pressure, engine rpm, vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, as well as fore and aft acceleration.
“For the Corvette, this additional testing is essential in validating the robustness of the vehicle for racing application,” explains Neal. “In the case of the 2002 Z06, the track-testing phase was key in helping us determine that a new clutch design was needed.”
The clutch of the 2001 Z06 had already been enhanced to deal with the increased power of the LS6 (over the LS1); with the additional power of the 2002 LS6, a new clutch design was developed to ensure long life and good performance.
“Our 24 hours of at racing speeds is an invaluable complement to our normal durability testing,” says Dave Hill, Performance Cars vehicle line executive and Corvette chief engineer. “It’s one test that is severe enough to give Corvette the robustness our owners expect. It’s what makes Corvette stand out among the competition.”
Top Speed Wide-Open Throttle
To simulate high-speed, autobahn conditions, Corvette is subjected to a wide-open throttle test on our five-mile circle track at the Milford Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. Starting with a full tank of gas, the car is driven flat-out at its 171-mph top speed until the fuel tank is empty – approximately 30 minutes. The test validates the car’s ability to withstand extreme thermal loads reliably.
Validating Performance
“It’s important to keep in mind that with Corvette – and especially with the Z06 – buyers are purchasing a vehicle that has been thoroughly tested under all conditions, “emphasizes Dave Hill. “Our rigorous testing ensures that the Corvette can be put through its paces on the race track and still serve as reliable transportation in everyday situations. This testing further adds to Corvette’s legend as America’s favorite sports car.”
