General Motors Media Press Release
FOR RELEASE: January 9, 2001
DETROIT - Chevrolet's all-new Corvette Z06 has been selected by the editors of Automobile Magazine as the magazine's 2001 Automobile of the Year.
Jean Jennings, editor-in-chief of Automobile Magazine, will make the formal presentation of the award to Ronald L. Zarrella, President of General Motors - North America, on January 12 in Detroit during the gala charity preview of the North American International Auto Show.
"The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is, at long last, a real, 100 percent, no excuses, no explanations, no footnotes American sports car, one capable of holding its own with just about anything on the road, at a price that no other car company in the world can approach, let alone match," said Jennings. "How could it not be our 2001 Automobile of the Year?"
"That's high praise coming from a publication as respected as Automobile Magazine," said Zarrella. "Their editors, like other driving enthusiasts, have come to appreciate that the new Z06 is very simply the quickest, best-handling Corvette ever and sets new standards in every part of the high-performance spectrum."
Based on the former hardtop model - already the lightest, stiffest and quickest Corvette - the Z06 has as its heart a new LS6 engine that delivers 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Derived from the 5.7L LS1 that powers coupe and convertible models, the aluminum block has been modified for high-speed operation and new high-compression cylinder heads improve airflow efficiency.
The Corvette Z06 also features a unique suspension system, as well as specific forged aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle SC Supercar tires. A titanium exhaust system - the first-ever use of this exotic material in a mass-production car - contributes to the Z06's light weight and improved performance. Like all '01 Corvette models, the Z06 comes standard with a second-generation Active Handling system, which makes the car more agile.
Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year, first awarded in 1990, recognizes and celebrates the "best of the best" of all new passenger vehicles each year. The Automobile of the Year is the only award given by an enthusiast magazine that selects from among all new passenger vehicles available. All vehicles sold through franchised dealers that are not classified as "gas guzzlers" by the EPA are eligible.
Previous Corvette models have been named Automobile Magazine All-Stars in 1990, '91 and '92 and Readers' Choice All-Stars for Best Sports Car in 1998 and '99.