@@XxCrazedEvolutionXxi disagree with that. There are plenty of regular production Vettes that are worth good money. The Z06 might have been regular production, but they only make about 11k of them. They'll definitely go up on value. I'm pretty sure they've already bottomed in price
I was sitting in a Chevy dealership in 2006 while my parents were working on the paperwork for a used van. There was a corvette zo6 just like this one. An old man bought it while I was sitting there. They fired it up for him and it sounded so monstrous.
The steering was upgraded in 2008. They went to the T6060 transmission that year as well with carbon syncros. Also if you got the Z07 Ultimate Performance Package you got carbon ceramic brakes and Brembo calipers, which is a significant upgrade. You also got magnetorheological shocks. For 1 year only (2011) if you opted for the Z07 UPP, you got hi-flo cats and the ZR1 (3 1/2" diameter) exhaust, giving an added 40 horse power. In 2012, due to California emissions, they went to 4 cats. Knowing it would suffer a drop in HP, for the 2011 model year, they increased the output and used the ZR1 exhaust on the Z06/Z07.
These cars Rev out to 7,000 rpm and can easily achieve 600+ whp when doing a heads/cam/intake setup. 3200 lbs and handle extremely well. Truly an amazing machine
He was babying it in like 4th gear at 30-40mph when he was accelerating it during the drive, if he had shifted down to 2nd, the exhaust note would have been higher pitch and he would get a speeding ticket in 2 seconds, or let the rear end loose like he did in his friend's Hellcat years ago, heheheh.
As a former C6 Z06 owner I'm disappointed Doug missed a funny quirk that balsa wood was used for part of the floor. As well as the very dim amber light by the passenger visor. An impressive feature was the ability to walk to and from the car and automaticity lock and unlock. Seemed like a fancy feature for back then.
If your car was THAT great, it wouldn't be on the chopping block. Having MUCH more engine than chassis/brakes/suspension is juvenile. It was never DESIGNED 1100HP.
Always thought the C6 Z06 Corvette with that massive 7.0L V8 was corvette’s peak . Endless hours roaming & customising this particular corvette in NFS most wanted and carbon ♥️
This is coming from a track junkie, so obviously I'm biased towards things that are just fast and not much else. Reality is a HUGE amount of modern sports car progress is in the tire technology. If you throw modern tires onto a C6 Z06 you would find that it likely outperforms just about everything short of maybe a new Porsche gt3. That C6 z06 is super relevant....the tires it came on, not so much 🙂
@@jackassrower well not just about everything, BUT if you do proper 2-ways, 600whp n/a, some aero - than yes, it will outperform just about everything Probably NOT short of gt3 even haha.
The key is for the hatch, the keyhole is by the license plate lights. There's also an electronic button to pop the hatch under there. The traction control button has multiple features. Hit it twice and you go into competitive driving mode. It allows you to spin the tires but keeps active handling on. It also gives you launch control on the manual 2010+ C6s.
I recently bought a mint C6 Z06 with 30K miles. Got the heads totally redone and upgraded, big Cam, headers. Big air box, Cat delete, upgraded electrical, and a tune. All Texas speed parts and It’s around 750 HP, it’s a total monster and it still gets 20 mpg. Less than $50K invested and only cars that cost 6 times that will come close to it for overall performance.
I'll never forget when the C6 first released and the first time I ever saw one out in the wild. It was pulling up behind me at a stop light, and at first glance in my rearview mirror, I legit thought it was a Ferrari pulling up behind me (just the way the headlights looked to me). Anyway, I've always been a huge fan of the C6 Vettes. Love seeing one on this channel.
When my grandpa let me drive his C6 Vette while I was visiting on vacation he would always leave me a message on the start screen like at 11:30 “Luv u Ben” “Let her rip” “clear for takeoff”
My dad had this black on black new in 2006. What a beast. The only thing we always complained about were the seats. They were horrible. It’s a shame they didn’t permit any upgrade over the base Vette because it was sorely needed. Big upgrade on the C7 in that area.
This was always my favorite Z06 ever made! Lighter than the standard Corvette, a huge N/A V8 revving to 7000 rpm and not over the top crazy looking. It was just perfect. I remember seeing the C6 Corvette for the first time at the Philly Auto Show and then seeing this car the following year. Great memories!
I did a couple exotic car tours which included a Ferrari F-430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago, Ford GT, Aston Martin Vanquish V12, Porsche 911 Turbo and the Z06 6 speed. I absolutely LOVED this car. I felt immediately at home. It was planted, inspiring confidence (unlike the standard vettes). It was powerful, sounded great and was just fun. At $70K brand new it beat the Ferrari and Porsche at Nuremberg at a fraction of the price. A true sports bargain at the time.
I love the C5 and C6. The other day I saw a red C5 non-Z06 driven by an older dude. It was so shiny and clean, it looked like how they look in video games. It looked better than new. It was a sight to behold, and turned my head more than the C8s that I see every week.
The hard key was really only used to open the trunk. The key hole was next to the license plate lights and the electric trunk button. If the battery dies in the key fob, open the glove compartment and there's a slot to put the key. Then you can press the brake and push the start button.
@@Ballanesian.Cowboy So sad that I have to agree with you. I’m not excited about new upcoming cars anymore. They’re just getting more insulated, artificial and imo uglier
I don't know that it looks new, but it has aged very well. It's almost universally appealing and everyone knows it's a Corvette. Some men know what a Z06 is. You don't get the attention of a Lamborghini, but if you're like me, you don't want that. A simple "nice car, man" is enough.
i was up all last night looking up c6 builds and fell in love. now i wake up and see doug put out a review. coincidence or fate? mark my words i will buy this car.
Get shopping, you won't be disappointed. Took me three years but in 13 I found an 09 Atomic Orange Z06, and definitely keeping it forever :-) Awesome cars!
I love my Corvettes, my very first actual sports car was a c6 Z06 at 26 years old I went through the Ferraris and other exotics, and guess what I ended with a C7 z06 I love Corvette
My 8 year old grandson loves these Doug Demuro reviews. In the past few days, he has watched over 30 of them. He imitates the starting “THIS” and loves the Doug Score. Keep doing what you’re doing.
As a C6 Corvette owner the key is to unlock the hatch manually if the battery dies or for some reason you want to use the key. The hatch also opens with the fob, the button on the dash and the button on the back above the license plate.
I own one and love it. I had the opportunity to purchase a C8 Stingray and passed that up because I couldn't justify (or afford) two and I love this car so much. The C8 is faster on the stopwatch, but this car has such a viceral feel, like the power could kill you if you don't treat it with respect. That's what I love. You forgot to mention a cavernous hatchback suitable for Costco runs or weekend trips. Despite being a sports car, it's not totally useless like some are.
I remember my first time seeing a C6 Z06 in person at Atlanta Dragway. Valvoline had brought a black one to run on their trailer dyno and demonstrate that their oil helped maintain consistent performance. It sounded fantastic but it was absurdly loud. So much so that when we spoke with one of the booth attendants, he told us that they were only allowed to run their demonstration once per hour because other vendors had complained to event staff that the constant dyno runs they'd done the day before were distracting. Great times.
I have the same 2006 Z06 in yellow! I love it! I am unfortunately trying to sell it now too. The actual key is used to lock the center console and I think open the doors if the key fob battery dies. Newer Vettes got new key fob design that hides the metal key inside, but 2005-07 (I think) use older key fob design with an actual key that’s separate. These cars will lock themselves when you get out, close the door and walk away, and will unlock when you try to open the door and have the key fob on you. Can’t think of any other car that had this feature back in 2005/06. The navigation is pretty outdated today obviously, but what’s really cool about it is that it actually has a 3D mode! I’ve been using it since I found out about it while messing in the radio controls and settings haha. It’s pixelated but works just like any other navigation in today’s cars! And the Z06, at 3,132 lbs is just under 50 lbs lighter than the lightest C6 base model Corvette (3,179 lbs), not 14 lbs lighter. It’s 14 lbs heavier than C5 Z06 but with 100-120 hp more than C5 Z06, it more than makes up for it. And apparently the C6 Z06 with Z07 package is even lighter, at 3,073 lbs (according to Wikipedia). Really awesome cars! Buy one now before prices go up!
The LS7 was also used in an Australian HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) model; the W427, which was based on the VE Commodore (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the USA).
Racing against one of these was the most fun I’ve ever had driving. Freaking neck and neck the whole way over 3 races. I definitely want one some day. Such a cool car
I had an 08 for 12 wonderful years. It was the best, most fun, most reliable car I have ever owned! Plus the museum delivery experience is a bucket list item you have to do!!
Having an 08 Z06, one of the feature that I find funny is the adjustable steering wheel. The telescopic function is electronic, which was pretty nice for those years. But the height was still adjustable by pulling a good old lever. Another little detail that this car had was a fuel economy feature, forcing you to shift from 1st to 3rd on certain circumstances. If you gently rev the first gear over 2000rpm, the dashboard will tell you to shift to third and the 2nd becomes kinda blocked even if you want to ignore their eco driving advice... Happily, a cheap little device can be plugged to the transmission to remove that.
This was the best car I ever bought . Absolutely loved it and it's amazing on fuel . I wish I kept it with my c7 manual z06 love the torque and that 427
@user-tz8bi7yk6n 100% c7 z06 manual and I loved both I've had both . I love the hard top removal on the c7 the interior is leaps and bounds better and it's the last front engine z06 made way better residual value
Love the C6 Corvette, growing up with it of course, it’s naturally my favorite Gen. The ZR1 and Carbon Limited Z06 are my favs, would love to see more content about the latter. Largely undocumented, especially in the “Doug Way” on the internet.
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee Yes, the C6 came in many different flavors ranging from mild to wild. I still remember seeing the C6 ZR1 on Top Gear on one of their American road trips and being fascinated by the C6 ZR1's plexiglass window in the hood to look at the engine. The C6 Z06 is the perfect balance of big power without being overly wild. You could drive a C6 Z06 ever day. The C7 Z06 is a bit racy and the C5 Z06 is starting to become pretty valuable.
To the people that knock the C6 ZO6, Go lay out an extra $225,000 for the Ferrari or Lambo performance equivalent with the better interior that will cost you $5k for a brake job, or $500 for an oil change.
I have a 2008 Z06 and it is great. I drive it every day too. I get over 30mpg on the highway and around 17 around town. If I keep my foot out of it I can get even better mileage. Even though it is 16 years old it still hits the high 190s and I have beat a number of Chargers and Challengers top end too. It is pretty even on the slower speeds but I think aerodynamics give me the edge top end.
As a former owner and racer of a C6z, love seeing this thru Doug’s eyes. It is a bargain until your engine grenades at 160mph at Auto Club Speedway and you realize it’s 20-25k to rebuild or build from scratch, and the C5z is only like 5-6k for the same problem. C5 better budget racer. Like many, I pulled everything out of the car down to the tub and fame and put a cage, huge APR wing and canards. Oh, and the physical key fob I believe, can be put into a slot in the glove box if the car and fob stop communicating (dead battery) in order to start the car. I also remember Ll the quirks of the TPMS putting you in limp mode right before your track session. Pro-tip, get a TPMS reset device, pull up next to any other GM car from that era and click the button. Worked every time.
I have a C6 Z51 and it is fun to drive...I can imagine how much more fun it would be with another 100HP on the Z06. Thanks for the video and I sure the bids just went on the car
I daily a cammed C6Z which is fine until I have a passenger. The suspension knocks your fillings out on the local roads but it doesn’t bother me much while driving
@agmike98 that's sounds awesome. Would love to get behind the wheel of a cammed corvette. I had the loud motorcycle once upon a time and felt like I wanted something quieter when getting my fun car. Enjoy the ride, cheers!
I was upset years ago when I had just started looking for my C5 Z06 and Doug released his video on it being such a sports car bargain. Now I'm looking to upgrade to the C6z soon and of course he does this lol
It's like a perfected C5. Especially the body design, absolutely gorgeous outside, AND inside!! I mean inside the engine, that noise melts my face. The interior is beautiful in the way it serves purpose, and perfectly so for that time period. Who needs Hermes when you've got LS7? 'Murican perfection!!
An old girlfriend of mine had a 2006 Z6 Z06 and did a few upgrades to it. It was a beast. It was a giant killer. Best bang for the buck sports car of its era.
A friend gave me a ride on a road course in one of these. It was like riding a Rollercoaster. Unbelievable g-forces. I had two tap out after 3 laps, before I lost my lunch!
You forgot to mention that it has a dry sump oil system so it works better for track use than wet sump. It has the exhaust valve drop problem(LS7) where the exhaust valve can drop into the engine an everything goes kaboom.
I own a base C6, such a lovely car to drive and so easy/cheap-ish to maintain, always turns heads and I get a lot of compliments randomly, but you HAVE to change the exhaust, I changed to a Corsa which made the C6 growl like an older big-block and I love it. The 11:04 Key mentioned goes below the trunk, if your battery dies it's your ONLY way to access the car, you put the key in facing upwards, open the trunk and pull the lever on the left side to open the door manually (as can be seen below Doug's head at 15:36), GM will make you a key using your VIN if you lose it for $45, the blank you can buy it at any hardware store for less than $2, the blank number is B106 and B106P (plastic head) , otherwise they'll try charging you $25 for the blank ALONE.
I guess your's isn't a z51 with NPP exhaust? My 2012 grand sport has a switch for the exhaust and when it open it sounds great. A lot of people run after market exhaust witht he stock NPP mufflers since they sound so good and can quiet down the car.
I can't really say my base C6 turned heads until I cammed it. Pretty sure it only turns heads now because it's loud AF, lol. I love it though, wish I could've justified a C6 Z06 because it was my childhood dream car but the extra money for the slight performance gain wasn't there for me.
I also have C6 Z51. It has the NPP exhaust and when I start the car it rattles the garage. I think to have it open by itself otherwise you need to be spinning around 3500 rpm or something. My experience with the car over the last 8 years is that it has been surprisingly reliable but I am keeping money aside for when/if the clutch needs changing.
@@Brian_Eugene_Leeit's c6 z06 or c6z nobody calls it z06 c6. Generation comes first. Same as e39 m5 and not m5 e39. And if you are confusing audi and Corvette it's your own problem nobody else would mix them up
@@dchall8052 it's not a muscle car. A muscle does not have 2 seats. This is a sports car and a sharp one at that. No corvette is considered a muscle car..sport car. Is a Ferrari a muscle car? Same here.
@@ThePauliebuck Hey Rob, you sound fun at parties. I have a C6 Z06 in my garage. It's a 7 liter naturally aspirated monster on steroids. She's not some dainty sport car like your Miata or some nail polish Ferrari. All muscle.
It’s amazing that cars this fast are legal. I remember Ford had to get “creative” with the 93 Cobra numbers and claimed it only had 235 HP when it really had more like 275 HP. Might have been an emissions thing but still, nowadays these cars are insane.
What you said about the rear loving to step out was definitely right. I always owned fast cars from the day I got my first one, but the C6 Z was the first car that legitimately scared me sometimes especially in cold weather and once the tires got some miles on them. Even punching it in a straight line with TC/active handling off could have the rear completely stepped out, and putting a little too much throttle going through a corner would have you spinning. I learned real quick what NOT to do while driving that thing. With that said, I loved every second of it.
Glad I’ve had mine for a while. Best corvette ever made and there is no debating that. Exclusively manual, exclusively hardtop, naturally aspirated LS7.
The video of Jeremy Clarkson going from zero to...like...150 or something in ONE GEAR in one of these is friggin awesome. (It's just the Top Gear review vid if you wanna check it out, dear reader. 😁)
I had one of these, it was a 2008. Bought it off the showroom floor. First gear was good for 60mph. I was in a long sweeper in second gear at a lil over 90mph, the sweet part of the powerband, floored it and it started to come around on me! Another great feature was, you could literally start from a dead stop in 5th gear, and take it to top speed, which was obtained in 5th, not 6th gear.
Thanks for posting a video about this great cause… of helping raise the value of our 730hp+ C6Z
Doug should really review Jakub’s yellow beast.
Good marketing tactic for his auction site
😭😭😭😭 Nooo! Now I'll never be able to afford one! 😭😭😭
It’s a mass produced corvette not gonna be worth much money, unlike the vipers that shot up in price.
@@XxCrazedEvolutionXxi disagree with that. There are plenty of regular production Vettes that are worth good money. The Z06 might have been regular production, but they only make about 11k of them.
They'll definitely go up on value. I'm pretty sure they've already bottomed in price
Doug is single-handedly raising the prices of every car that I love; with every video that comes out
I'm legit mad about this one
Pump and dump scheme unironically, I hate it here.
most car youtube is ironically cancer
dammit doug
Dream killa. 😂
Everyone in the market for a C6Z hates this video coming out lol. But it's awesome to see Doug pay tribute to one of the true classics.
I have been keeping an eye out the last couple months for one that has below 50k miles and there are only so many available 😭
why would u pay that much money for something thats so terrible on the inside
@@pramey because its fun
@@pramey the missing bells and whistles make the car much lighter, if you want luxury buy an S class
@@pramey It's not that bad of an interior
I was sitting in a Chevy dealership in 2006 while my parents were working on the paperwork for a used van. There was a corvette zo6 just like this one. An old man bought it while I was sitting there. They fired it up for him and it sounded so monstrous.
Seems like your parents love those corvettes huh?
@@purwantiallan5089no we were there looking at an astro van. Lol.
@@richardlanier2113 was it yellow?
ahhh the memories!!
I was sitting in a Chevy then I felt something heavy
Diahrea !
The steering was upgraded in 2008. They went to the T6060 transmission that year as well with carbon syncros. Also if you got the Z07 Ultimate Performance Package you got carbon ceramic brakes and Brembo calipers, which is a significant upgrade. You also got magnetorheological shocks. For 1 year only (2011) if you opted for the Z07 UPP, you got hi-flo cats and the ZR1 (3 1/2" diameter) exhaust, giving an added 40 horse power. In 2012, due to California emissions, they went to 4 cats. Knowing it would suffer a drop in HP, for the 2011 model year, they increased the output and used the ZR1 exhaust on the Z06/Z07.
Love my C6 Z07
Me too@@ZakDeckich
Thanks for the info!
@@ZakDeckichZ07 C6? I am not sure about that car.
@@purwantiallan5089 what are you not sure about? They do exist. Have the 2011 Carbons and the 2011-13 Z07 package
These cars Rev out to 7,000 rpm and can easily achieve 600+ whp when doing a heads/cam/intake setup. 3200 lbs and handle extremely well. Truly an amazing machine
My c6z made 664 whp NA
@@NegativoZ06 that's incredible
He was babying it in like 4th gear at 30-40mph when he was accelerating it during the drive, if he had shifted down to 2nd, the exhaust note would have been higher pitch and he would get a speeding ticket in 2 seconds, or let the rear end loose like he did in his friend's Hellcat years ago, heheheh.
These were whipping on cars costing 2, 3 and 4 times more.
@@Mistadontplay89still can
As a former C6 Z06 owner I'm disappointed Doug missed a funny quirk that balsa wood was used for part of the floor. As well as the very dim amber light by the passenger visor. An impressive feature was the ability to walk to and from the car and automaticity lock and unlock. Seemed like a fancy feature for back then.
also the magnesium front engine cradle, and the carbon fiber front fenders
And the carbon that sandwiches the balsa wood floor
Later C4s had a key fob that auto locked and unlocked?
Lol my 98 c5 locks and unlocks on approach...
Also the LS7 was hand built by one person.
Hands down, the best looking Corvette. Honorable mention to the C5!
Nope. The best looking is the C3
The C6 was a more taught C5, with the C7 perfecting that generational look.
C7 looks too transformish. Would take a C6 over a C7 any day
C1 and C2 are good too.
Better than the abomination that is c7
2 days left on my 1100 hp C6Z auction on ebay, and Doug drops this vid. Timing is impeccable
If your car was THAT great, it wouldn't be on the chopping block. Having MUCH more engine than chassis/brakes/suspension is juvenile. It was never DESIGNED 1100HP.
@@rolexomegaspecialist9411 C6 platform can absolutely handle 1000+ hp
@@rolexomegaspecialist9411 cope harder bro
Always thought the C6 Z06 Corvette with that massive 7.0L V8 was corvette’s peak . Endless hours roaming & customising this particular corvette in NFS most wanted and carbon ♥️
Love this car!! But we all know the prices are going up right after this video lol. Keep up the good work Doug!
Prices for the C6 have been steadily going up since 2019, people are finally realizing what a great bargain the C6 is... well, was.
I wanna own a c6 zr1 one day 🙏🏾 I always loved how the car looked and in terms of performance it held its own against the best sports cars
Good work for him indeed smh
Wait what ? I bought a c6z in 2021 for 40k and in 2023 I sold it for 52k😂
@@NegativoZ06the normal c6 was 20k not so much time ago
It's amazing how these cars are still relevant today. Especially in motorsports where it continues to set records.
This is coming from a track junkie, so obviously I'm biased towards things that are just fast and not much else. Reality is a HUGE amount of modern sports car progress is in the tire technology. If you throw modern tires onto a C6 Z06 you would find that it likely outperforms just about everything short of maybe a new Porsche gt3. That C6 z06 is super relevant....the tires it came on, not so much 🙂
@@jackassrower well not just about everything, BUT if you do proper 2-ways, 600whp n/a, some aero - than yes, it will outperform just about everything
Probably NOT short of gt3 even haha.
The specs are still impressive for almost 2024. It was ahead of its time.
@@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRISTwell in terms of stats and looks, it kinda reminded me a lot to Aston Martin DB5 and Nissan Fairlady Z 240ZG 1971.
The key is for the hatch, the keyhole is by the license plate lights. There's also an electronic button to pop the hatch under there.
The traction control button has multiple features. Hit it twice and you go into competitive driving mode. It allows you to spin the tires but keeps active handling on. It also gives you launch control on the manual 2010+ C6s.
Good looks fam
this is the first time ever that I have seen Doug miss a feature on a car😅😅
Came here to say this 🤣
@@lostfound9346 The 944 videos are a trainwreck in terms of missed features, especially the turbo
@@lostfound9346it’s pretty common for Doug sadly.
I recently bought a mint C6 Z06 with 30K miles. Got the heads totally redone and upgraded, big Cam, headers. Big air box, Cat delete, upgraded electrical, and a tune. All Texas speed parts and It’s around 750 HP, it’s a total monster and it still gets 20 mpg. Less than $50K invested and only cars that cost 6 times that will come close to it for overall performance.
I always wanted this car, I finally bought one, every time I drive it, it put a smile in my face! I love it ! C6 Z06. 💣💣💥💥💨💨
You singlehandedly just raised this cars price to $50,000 with this video
It’s literally already 50k.
I'll never forget when the C6 first released and the first time I ever saw one out in the wild. It was pulling up behind me at a stop light, and at first glance in my rearview mirror, I legit thought it was a Ferrari pulling up behind me (just the way the headlights looked to me). Anyway, I've always been a huge fan of the C6 Vettes. Love seeing one on this channel.
the headlights are veryyy similar to the Ferrari 360, one of my fav features on the c6 too.
@@Enzo187 Weird thing, that's just what I dislike, the headlights. Too tiny for my taste.
When my grandpa let me drive his C6 Vette while I was visiting on vacation he would always leave me a message on the start screen like at 11:30
“Luv u Ben”
“Let her rip”
“clear for takeoff”
W grandpa
How cool
My dad had this black on black new in 2006. What a beast. The only thing we always complained about were the seats. They were horrible. It’s a shame they didn’t permit any upgrade over the base Vette because it was sorely needed. Big upgrade on the C7 in that area.
I drove one, in black, years ago. What an incredible experience. C6 is in my opinion the pinnacle of Corvette!
I was lucky enough to work on the corvettes at a Chevy dealer when these came out. They will always be high on my list of cars to own.
Good to see Doug reviewing such cool cars again. Keep it up Doug!
I thought Doug was going to review a new car.
Sooo much better than the electric cars or hyper ultra luxury SUVs
@@gaveintothedarkness Ok
It’s only because it’s on cars and bids 🥴
MMMMM that is cool
Doug’s facial expressions behind every Corvette he drives will forever be my favorite thing
Dear editor, thank you for the continued improvements on the photos and examples of what Doug is referring to. A very nice touch!!
I have a 2013 Z06. Love it. Reliable, fast, good gas mileage, and huge storage area in the back.
This was always my favorite Z06 ever made! Lighter than the standard Corvette, a huge N/A V8 revving to 7000 rpm and not over the top crazy looking. It was just perfect. I remember seeing the C6 Corvette for the first time at the Philly Auto Show and then seeing this car the following year. Great memories!
Hands down my favorite car of all time and is still number 1 on my “to buy” list. Exotics and hypercars are awesome. But C6z’s are 1000x cooler.
Zr1 is the best corvette ever made that's on the same category as exotic super car/ hyper. This vette is just a sports car
I did a couple exotic car tours which included a Ferrari F-430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago, Ford GT, Aston Martin Vanquish V12, Porsche 911 Turbo and the Z06 6 speed. I absolutely LOVED this car. I felt immediately at home. It was planted, inspiring confidence (unlike the standard vettes). It was powerful, sounded great and was just fun.
At $70K brand new it beat the Ferrari and Porsche at Nuremberg at a fraction of the price.
A true sports bargain at the time.
@@Trasshprodtrippin’
I love the C5 and C6. The other day I saw a red C5 non-Z06 driven by an older dude. It was so shiny and clean, it looked like how they look in video games. It looked better than new. It was a sight to behold, and turned my head more than the C8s that I see every week.
The hard key was really only used to open the trunk. The key hole was next to the license plate lights and the electric trunk button. If the battery dies in the key fob, open the glove compartment and there's a slot to put the key. Then you can press the brake and push the start button.
Been there and done it lol
The only corvette with a timeless design. Still looks like a new car design today
I’d say that was true till before the pandemic. Cars have no tasteful design anymore 😭
@@Ballanesian.Cowboy So sad that I have to agree with you. I’m not excited about new upcoming cars anymore. They’re just getting more insulated, artificial and imo uglier
and the very simple steering wheel and dash. car interiors now are just overcomplicated.
I don't know that it looks new, but it has aged very well. It's almost universally appealing and everyone knows it's a Corvette. Some men know what a Z06 is. You don't get the attention of a Lamborghini, but if you're like me, you don't want that. A simple "nice car, man" is enough.
exactly, that's why I really like this car, well I'm suspect to say it bc I really love old things and old designs in general, it's so beautiful
One of my favorite cars of all time, thank you for finally reviewing one!
i was up all last night looking up c6 builds and fell in love. now i wake up and see doug put out a review. coincidence or fate? mark my words i will buy this car.
Get shopping, you won't be disappointed. Took me three years but in 13 I found an 09 Atomic Orange Z06, and definitely keeping it forever :-) Awesome cars!
I love my Corvettes, my very first actual sports car was a c6 Z06 at 26 years old I went through the Ferraris and other exotics, and guess what I ended with a C7 z06 I love Corvette
My 8 year old grandson loves these Doug Demuro reviews. In the past few days, he has watched over 30 of them. He imitates the starting “THIS” and loves the Doug Score. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Hi Doug. The Z06 didnt start with the C5 model. It started with the C2 in 1963. :)
As a C6 Corvette owner the key is to unlock the hatch manually if the battery dies or for some reason you want to use the key. The hatch also opens with the fob, the button on the dash and the button on the back above the license plate.
I'm glad someone here knows what the key is for.
I had to use that key a lot of times as the battery drains itself. I had to install a kill switch.
Yup. If the battery is dead you pop the hatch and then pull the door release to get in the car.
To me this is a classic car. I’ll take this over a C7 or C8 any day
The last model to look like a Corvette to me.
@@guillermojperea6355 Agree 100%
LMAO, imagine calling a 2006 a classic
@@rustler08 haha, whatever you say little man! Pipe down from the cheap seats
I remembering seeing these at the track when they first came out and they were going 20-30mph faster down the straights than everything else .. phew
This is one of the GREATEST cars GM has ever made. I always thought this was the beginning of Chevrolet making some of it's best performance vehicles.
I own one and love it. I had the opportunity to purchase a C8 Stingray and passed that up because I couldn't justify (or afford) two and I love this car so much. The C8 is faster on the stopwatch, but this car has such a viceral feel, like the power could kill you if you don't treat it with respect. That's what I love. You forgot to mention a cavernous hatchback suitable for Costco runs or weekend trips. Despite being a sports car, it's not totally useless like some are.
Man I love the C6 Z06 so much, I have a 2008 C6 LS3 Manual and I love it to death. I cant wait to be in a position to move up to a Z06 !
I went from a 2012 gs to 07 c6z06
Best decision I ever made
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee why are you commenting that on everyone’s comments😂 no one says it that way evidently
I remember my first time seeing a C6 Z06 in person at Atlanta Dragway. Valvoline had brought a black one to run on their trailer dyno and demonstrate that their oil helped maintain consistent performance. It sounded fantastic but it was absurdly loud. So much so that when we spoke with one of the booth attendants, he told us that they were only allowed to run their demonstration once per hour because other vendors had complained to event staff that the constant dyno runs they'd done the day before were distracting. Great times.
The C6 and the C2 are the best looking generations of Corvettes.
The C6 Z06 and ZR1 are my top 2 favorite GM cars to own.
I have the same 2006 Z06 in yellow! I love it! I am unfortunately trying to sell it now too. The actual key is used to lock the center console and I think open the doors if the key fob battery dies. Newer Vettes got new key fob design that hides the metal key inside, but 2005-07 (I think) use older key fob design with an actual key that’s separate. These cars will lock themselves when you get out, close the door and walk away, and will unlock when you try to open the door and have the key fob on you. Can’t think of any other car that had this feature back in 2005/06. The navigation is pretty outdated today obviously, but what’s really cool about it is that it actually has a 3D mode! I’ve been using it since I found out about it while messing in the radio controls and settings haha. It’s pixelated but works just like any other navigation in today’s cars! And the Z06, at 3,132 lbs is just under 50 lbs lighter than the lightest C6 base model Corvette (3,179 lbs), not 14 lbs lighter. It’s 14 lbs heavier than C5 Z06 but with 100-120 hp more than C5 Z06, it more than makes up for it. And apparently the C6 Z06 with Z07 package is even lighter, at 3,073 lbs (according to Wikipedia). Really awesome cars! Buy one now before prices go up!
Been wanting a doug review of this car for a long time, Such a great car. Thank you Doug
The LS7 was also used in an Australian HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) model; the W427, which was based on the VE Commodore (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the USA).
This is a cool fact I wasn’t aware of! Just looked it up and it’s a four door!! I’d imagine that’s a rare find if you can get your hands on one.
@@beachmaster5000 yes, there were less than 150 produced.
Racing against one of these was the most fun I’ve ever had driving. Freaking neck and neck the whole way over 3 races. I definitely want one some day. Such a cool car
I had a 2007. Sold it a few years ago when we had our 2nd kid... I miss that car so much!
I had an 08 for 12 wonderful years. It was the best, most fun, most reliable car I have ever owned! Plus the museum delivery experience is a bucket list item you have to do!!
Having an 08 Z06, one of the feature that I find funny is the adjustable steering wheel. The telescopic function is electronic, which was pretty nice for those years. But the height was still adjustable by pulling a good old lever. Another little detail that this car had was a fuel economy feature, forcing you to shift from 1st to 3rd on certain circumstances. If you gently rev the first gear over 2000rpm, the dashboard will tell you to shift to third and the 2nd becomes kinda blocked even if you want to ignore their eco driving advice... Happily, a cheap little device can be plugged to the transmission to remove that.
1st to 4th not 3rd but yes same concept. 😊
Best generation for the Corvette imo. GM absolutely KNOCKED it out of the park with the design and performance.
I had a 2006 Z51 ( not a Zo6). Loved it. Drove the 06 Zo6 and it would humiliate many sports/ muscle car at more than twice the price.
Ive always wanted one. Absolutely beautiful cars with minimal modifications, sound extremely good, can go very fast. Cant ask for much more
The best looking Vette ever along with the c6 zr1
By far my most favorite Corvette. Can't wait to see this.
Love my 2010… never tire of the intoxicating driving experience!
I hear ya. Life is better sitting in my Z :-) Cheers from Canada. What color did you get?
This was the best car I ever bought . Absolutely loved it and it's amazing on fuel . I wish I kept it with my c7 manual z06 love the torque and that 427
Between the c7z and c6z which would you prefer as a weekend car?
@user-tz8bi7yk6n 100% c7 z06 manual and I loved both I've had both . I love the hard top removal on the c7 the interior is leaps and bounds better and it's the last front engine z06 made way better residual value
friends of mine own the only c6 zo6 made in LeMans blue. Sold at Barrett Jackson years ago.
This is one of my favorite cars ever made, I’m glad that you got to review it!
I had a C5 and that car is crazy quick and fun to drive. I bet the C6 is amazing.
Love the C6 Corvette, growing up with it of course, it’s naturally my favorite Gen. The ZR1 and Carbon Limited Z06 are my favs, would love to see more content about the latter. Largely undocumented, especially in the “Doug Way” on the internet.
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee Yes, the C6 came in many different flavors ranging from mild to wild. I still remember seeing the C6 ZR1 on Top Gear on one of their American road trips and being fascinated by the C6 ZR1's plexiglass window in the hood to look at the engine. The C6 Z06 is the perfect balance of big power without being overly wild. You could drive a C6 Z06 ever day. The C7 Z06 is a bit racy and the C5 Z06 is starting to become pretty valuable.
To the people that knock the C6 ZO6, Go lay out an extra $225,000 for the Ferrari or Lambo performance equivalent with the better interior that will cost you $5k for a brake job, or $500 for an oil change.
I have a 2008 Z06 and it is great. I drive it every day too. I get over 30mpg on the highway and around 17 around town. If I keep my foot out of it I can get even better mileage. Even though it is 16 years old it still hits the high 190s and I have beat a number of Chargers and Challengers top end too. It is pretty even on the slower speeds but I think aerodynamics give me the edge top end.
As a former owner and racer of a C6z, love seeing this thru Doug’s eyes. It is a bargain until your engine grenades at 160mph at Auto Club Speedway and you realize it’s 20-25k to rebuild or build from scratch, and the C5z is only like 5-6k for the same problem. C5 better budget racer. Like many, I pulled everything out of the car down to the tub and fame and put a cage, huge APR wing and canards. Oh, and the physical key fob I believe, can be put into a slot in the glove box if the car and fob stop communicating (dead battery) in order to start the car. I also remember Ll the quirks of the TPMS putting you in limp mode right before your track session. Pro-tip, get a TPMS reset device, pull up next to any other GM car from that era and click the button. Worked every time.
I have a C6 Z51 and it is fun to drive...I can imagine how much more fun it would be with another 100HP on the Z06. Thanks for the video and I sure the bids just went on the car
They just started getting cheaper and you did this, way to go Doug
I have a 2010 C6 base. Very comfortable and can be very rowdy when you want it to! Love the Z06, but needed something I could daily. Great review!
I daily a cammed C6Z which is fine until I have a passenger. The suspension knocks your fillings out on the local roads but it doesn’t bother me much while driving
@agmike98 that's sounds awesome. Would love to get behind the wheel of a cammed corvette. I had the loud motorcycle once upon a time and felt like I wanted something quieter when getting my fun car. Enjoy the ride, cheers!
I was upset years ago when I had just started looking for my C5 Z06 and Doug released his video on it being such a sports car bargain. Now I'm looking to upgrade to the C6z soon and of course he does this lol
It's like a perfected C5. Especially the body design, absolutely gorgeous outside, AND inside!! I mean inside the engine, that noise melts my face. The interior is beautiful in the way it serves purpose, and perfectly so for that time period. Who needs Hermes when you've got LS7? 'Murican perfection!!
Superb car! The headlights remind me of the Ferrari 360!
Thanks for making both of mine go up in value!
This engine was also used in Australia! We had a HSV W427 limited run sedan with this engine. Super rare and expensive!
An old girlfriend of mine had a 2006 Z6 Z06 and did a few upgrades to it. It was a beast. It was a giant killer. Best bang for the buck sports car of its era.
Looks amazing totally analog beauty beats any sports car from today
One of my favorite Corvettes
These things are also street car monsters. Pretty much unbeatable right now.
...unbeatable?...
@@rmp5s Stock it can smoke 95% of traffic.
The LS7 is literally the greatest engine ever made
@@aaron4757 95% != "unbeatable"...and "best engine ever made" is HIGHLY debatable.
@@rmp5s i never said unbeatable did I? Keep quiet bud
@@aaron4757 Read the OP, "bud".
It was a good value. Until this video was posted
Still sold for just $35k!
Can still get them around $30k. Great deal honestly
A friend gave me a ride on a road course in one of these. It was like riding a Rollercoaster. Unbelievable g-forces. I had two tap out after 3 laps, before I lost my lunch!
You forgot to mention that it has a dry sump oil system so it works better for track use than wet sump. It has the exhaust valve drop problem(LS7) where the exhaust valve can drop into the engine an everything goes kaboom.
I own a base C6, such a lovely car to drive and so easy/cheap-ish to maintain, always turns heads and I get a lot of compliments randomly, but you HAVE to change the exhaust, I changed to a Corsa which made the C6 growl like an older big-block and I love it. The 11:04 Key mentioned goes below the trunk, if your battery dies it's your ONLY way to access the car, you put the key in facing upwards, open the trunk and pull the lever on the left side to open the door manually (as can be seen below Doug's head at 15:36), GM will make you a key using your VIN if you lose it for $45, the blank you can buy it at any hardware store for less than $2, the blank number is B106 and B106P (plastic head) , otherwise they'll try charging you $25 for the blank ALONE.
I guess your's isn't a z51 with NPP exhaust? My 2012 grand sport has a switch for the exhaust and when it open it sounds great. A lot of people run after market exhaust witht he stock NPP mufflers since they sound so good and can quiet down the car.
I can't really say my base C6 turned heads until I cammed it. Pretty sure it only turns heads now because it's loud AF, lol. I love it though, wish I could've justified a C6 Z06 because it was my childhood dream car but the extra money for the slight performance gain wasn't there for me.
I also have C6 Z51. It has the NPP exhaust and when I start the car it rattles the garage. I think to have it open by itself otherwise you need to be spinning around 3500 rpm or something. My experience with the car over the last 8 years is that it has been surprisingly reliable but I am keeping money aside for when/if the clutch needs changing.
Need a Z06 so you don’t really have to change the exhaust
As a VW/Audi guy, those replacement keys still sound like a bargain. :D Corvette is the only domestic car I have my heart set on some day.
AND NOW PRICES have now skyrocketed Doug has made a video
Exactly
Wow Doug thanks for raising the price on another car that I would like to buy
🤦♂️a video doesn’t raise the price by much of anything
To me, this is the best-looking Corvette ever and in the best color. Perfection.
Still my all time favorite. Love the C6 Z06. Strong V8 and no squeaking roof.
C6 Z06 sported magnesium roof panel and front fenders in carbon fiber. Added to the weight savings. Love my 09Z.
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee - Not sure what you're talking about. All C6 Z06 came with magnesium roof panel and pained carbon fiber front fenders.
@@Brian_Eugene_Leeit's c6 z06 or c6z nobody calls it z06 c6. Generation comes first. Same as e39 m5 and not m5 e39. And if you are confusing audi and Corvette it's your own problem nobody else would mix them up
Don't sweat the English, lol, we're both driving Z's :-) What color did you get?
The 6th Gen Z06 is truly one of the best muscle cars ever made. Performance + beauty is incredible.
@@dchall8052 it's not a muscle car. A muscle does not have 2 seats. This is a sports car and a sharp one at that. No corvette is considered a muscle car..sport car. Is a Ferrari a muscle car? Same here.
@@ThePauliebuck Hey Rob, you sound fun at parties.
I have a C6 Z06 in my garage. It's a 7 liter naturally aspirated monster on steroids. She's not some dainty sport car like your Miata or some nail polish Ferrari. All muscle.
This car Its a masterpiece.
Love watching Doug discover NA displacement
It’s amazing that cars this fast are legal. I remember Ford had to get “creative” with the 93 Cobra numbers and claimed it only had 235 HP when it really had more like 275 HP. Might have been an emissions thing but still, nowadays these cars are insane.
What you said about the rear loving to step out was definitely right. I always owned fast cars from the day I got my first one, but the C6 Z was the first car that legitimately scared me sometimes especially in cold weather and once the tires got some miles on them. Even punching it in a straight line with TC/active handling off could have the rear completely stepped out, and putting a little too much throttle going through a corner would have you spinning. I learned real quick what NOT to do while driving that thing. With that said, I loved every second of it.
I really like the C6 generally, it's probably my favourite Corvette, with the C4 in 2nd place.
C4??? yikes
Agreed the face lift c4 is my 3rd fav .
C6,C7, C4
Glad I’ve had mine for a while. Best corvette ever made and there is no debating that. Exclusively manual, exclusively hardtop, naturally aspirated LS7.
I still love my one. The roaring sound makes me smile everytime i'm driving it.
C6 z06 was my first sports car. Will buy another soon
The video of Jeremy Clarkson going from zero to...like...150 or something in ONE GEAR in one of these is friggin awesome. (It's just the Top Gear review vid if you wanna check it out, dear reader. 😁)
I remember! 4th gear, I think
@@jamesengland7461 It was 5th!! CRAZY to think about!!
Great video as always Douglas.
This car is living proof that there's no replacement for displacement.
If in doubt, bore it out!
Looks way better then the c7 and c5. This is an amazing car.
I had one of these, it was a 2008.
Bought it off the showroom floor.
First gear was good for 60mph. I was in a long sweeper in second gear at a lil over 90mph, the sweet part of the powerband, floored it and it started to come around on me!
Another great feature was, you could literally start from a dead stop in 5th gear, and take it to top speed, which was obtained in 5th, not 6th gear.