After taking delivery of his brand-new 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07, owner Steve McCarthy shares his exhilarating first impressions of what he calls “the best sports car I have ever owned or driven.” This detailed account, originally posted on CorvetteForum, offers valuable insights into the C8 Z06 Z07’s performance, handling, and overall driving experience.
McCarthy, a CorvetteForum member, received his striking Red Mist Metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 z07 (VIN 00052) on November 22nd. Anticipating colder Nevada temperatures, he promptly ordered Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires, recognizing that the Z07 package’s track-focused Cup 2 tires are less than ideal in chilly conditions.
Eager to experience his new supercar, McCarthy swiftly completed the 500-mile break-in period within three days. He then shared his initial thoughts on the Corvette Z06 Z07, which quickly garnered attention on the forum. Following this, after performing a track alignment and carbon brake burnishing, McCarthy provided a more in-depth second impression of this naturally aspirated V8 marvel. His detailed observations are so insightful that we are sharing a condensed and reformatted version here for a wider audience.
Vehicle Configuration: The Z07 Corvette Spec
McCarthy’s Z07 Corvette is configured for both performance and style, featuring a range of desirable options:
- Model: 2023 Corvette Z06/Z07 Convertible Hard Top
- Trim: 3LZ
- Exterior Color: Red Mist Metallic
- Performance Features: Front lift, Edge Red calipers, Carbon Flash painted aero and ground effects
- Interior: Red/black interior
This configuration highlights the Z07 Corvette’s dual nature – track-ready performance with luxurious appointments suitable for everyday driving.
Engine and Transmission: A Symphony of Power
McCarthy is particularly impressed by the Z07 Corvette’s powertrain, stating, “I don’t know what I like more, the engine or the gearbox. Both are absolutely extraordinary.” The heart of the Z07 is the 5.5L LT6 naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing a staggering 670 horsepower. This makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in any production car.
He notes the engine’s impressive volume, perhaps even “too loud for tracks like Laguna Seca,” referencing his previous experience with a stock exhaust C6 Z06 being black-flagged for noise levels. This raw, visceral engine sound is a key part of the Z07 Corvette experience.
The transmission is equally lauded. In “Tour” mode, configured for maximum comfort, the car offers “minimum sound, steering and brakes as light as possible, and gear shifts super low (short shifting).” Conversely, “Race 2” mode unleashes the Z07’s aggressive character. McCarthy describes Race 2 as “violent and pissed off,” ideal for track use but overwhelming for casual street driving. He emphasizes that Race 2 is “truly intended for track duty only,” a departure from his usual preference for aggressive driving modes in previous vehicles.
Tires: Street vs. Track Performance
The Z07 package comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, designed for ultimate track performance. However, McCarthy immediately swapped these for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires.
He explains, “The Cup 2 tires are seriously sketchy when they are cold. And heaven forbid you encounter any amount of moisture or sand on the road.” He removed the Cup 2s after only a few hundred miles, prioritizing safety and street usability.
At Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, with the Pilot Sport 4S tires, McCarthy burnished the carbon ceramic brakes and briefly tested the car on the autocross course. He found the PS4S tires to perform “extremely well” in these conditions. McCarthy plans to reserve the Cup 2 tires “for the spring, and for track duty only,” considering street use of Cup 2 tires “not only a waste, but they are just not as fun as the higher-tread PS4S.”
This tire choice reflects a practical approach to enjoying the Z07 Corvette both on and off the track, optimizing tire performance for different driving scenarios.
Road and Wind Noise: Convertible Refinement
Initially, McCarthy found road noise to be “awful. Like, really, really loud,” even in the tamest driving modes, making it difficult to enjoy music or phone calls. However, after switching to Pilot Sport 4S tires, he noticed a significant improvement, although he acknowledges road surface could also be a factor.
Regarding wind noise in the convertible, McCarthy notes a “big difference” compared to his C7 Corvette. He finds the C8 Z07 much quieter with the top down, attributing this to the rear window design which “lowers and allows the wind to flow through as opposed to churning inside the car.” This improvement encourages him to drive with the top down “pretty regularly,” unlike his experience with the C7.
Braking Performance: Carbon Ceramics and Burnishing
The Z07 Corvette features carbon ceramic brakes, which McCarthy describes as “garbage until you burnish them. Seriously.” He experienced a lack of feel and “terrible” stopping distance initially, along with a “super heavy and stiff” brake pedal. He strongly advises caution until the brakes are properly bedded in.
Once burnished, however, the carbon ceramic brakes become “absolutely fantastic and very linear,” and notably “QUIET,” unlike aftermarket track-focused brake pads which can be noisy when cold.
McCarthy expresses mild surprise that GM did not include steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid as standard, particularly on the Z07 package, considering its track focus. While not major issues, he notes these as items to potentially address for serious track use.
Front Lift System: Essential for Z07 Owners
McCarthy highly recommends the optional front lift system, especially for Z07 owners. He praises its ability to store up to 1,000 GPS-defined locations and automatically activate at these spots.
“Every time I pull up to my driveway, the front end automatically lifts. Every time I approach the massive speed bumps at my club, the front end automatically lifts.” For owners concerned about ground clearance with the Z07’s aggressive aero, the front lift is an invaluable feature.
Transitioning to Mid-Engine: Driving Dynamics
McCarthy’s previous experience includes a C7 Z51 and a C6 Z06. He notes limited mid/rear-engine experience, primarily track time in a Ferrari 488 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo S. The C8 Z06 represents a significant shift to a mid-engine platform for him.
Initially, before a track alignment, McCarthy found the car’s handling “weird.” However, after setting GM’s recommended track alignment, his perception transformed dramatically.
C8 Z06 Driving Impressions: Responsive and Planted
With the track alignment, McCarthy’s driving experience became overwhelmingly positive. “Once I did the track setup, though, wow.” He emphasizes the Z07 Corvette’s exceptional responsiveness and confidence-inspiring turn-in. “This car is very, very responsive. The confidence on turn-in is epic.”
He contrasts the mid-engine Z07 with front-engine cars, where he was always mindful of “backing it in” to corners and careful on corner exit. The Z07 eliminates these concerns. “This car never gives me that feeling. I feel like I can threshold-brake all the way to the apex and aggressively pick the throttle super early with no worry or drama.”
While acknowledging the Z06’s universally recognized brilliance, McCarthy focuses on the personal learning curve. He notes that rotating the car like his previous front-engine Corvettes is not yet intuitive due to the immense grip. “As I write this, I am unable to do that with the Z06. The grip is just too good.”
He describes the car’s handling at the limit as quick and responsive: “When the back end of this car steps out, it does so quickly and it comes back into line quickly. The engine revs so fast, it’s almost hard to catch when you are hooning it.” He is proceeding cautiously, planning to fully explore the car’s limits in the spring.
Cost and Ownership: A Passion-Driven Decision
McCarthy views the Z07 Corvette as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” driven by passion rather than purely financial considerations.
“For me (one of 8 billion people on this planet) it was not so much a cost-based decision as one of what do I want?” He emphasizes the importance of emotional connection with a car: “I believe driving a car should be an experience, and we should engage and connect with our cars. …like every car I have ever owned, this car makes me smile and that is what it should do.”
He finds it difficult to objectively justify the Z06’s premium over a Z51, recognizing they are “very, very different cars.” However, for McCarthy, the Z07 fulfills a specific desire for a wide-body, high-performance Corvette, making it a worthwhile purchase.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Sports Car Experience
McCarthy concludes that the Corvette Z06 Z07 is exceptional, summarizing it as “freakishly fast, responsive, planted, and head-turning. A real joy to drive and worth every penny. Best sports car I have ever owned or driven.”
He anticipates using it as both a daily driver in “Tour” mode and a formidable track weapon, eager to challenge European sports cars. The Z07 Corvette, in McCarthy’s view, is poised to “surprise a lot of folks” with its capabilities.
Photos: Steve McCarthy
Tags: Corvette Z06, C8 Z06, Z06 Z07, Sports Car Review, Performance Car, Track Car
