Australian and New Zealand automotive journalists have lauded the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, wearing locally made Carbon Revolution carbon fibre wheels, after putting it through its paces around Sandown Raceway in Melbourne.
Journalists compared various Corvette models, including the Z06 and E-Ray on which Carbon Revolution wheels can be optioned. The ultra-lightweight carbon fibre wheels reduce unsprung, rotating mass by 18.5kg (41 lbs) across the vehicle compared to the already lightweight forged aluminium option.
Tim Warren from M2 described the “visceral” driving experience, citing the improved handling and responsiveness from the Carbon Revolution wheels.
“You eat up the curbs with the Australian built Carbon Rev rims, and no surprises, you go faster,” Warren wrote.
Lighter wheels = faster lap times
At 1.5 seconds faster per lap over a two-minute lap, the Carbon Revolution wheel option on the Z06 provides a significant boost to performance.
CarExpert writer James Wong commended the “very sexy” wheel option, which also enhances the Z06’s performance.
“Genuinely, I felt like I was driving a race car. Everything feels a touch more dialled in and focused compared to other Corvette variants,” he wrote.
Stephen Ottley, writing for Torque Café, said the wheels and other high performance carbon fibre additions made the Z06 akin to much more expensive performance vehicles from Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren and Ferrari.
“All these extras make this the ultimate version of the Z06, and enhance its track abilities, helping it stop stronger, turn sharper and feel more stable in the faster corners,” he said.
Hardcore yet liveable – the benefits of low unsprung mass
Scott Newman described the “track monster” Z06 in a video review but pointed out the surprisingly pliant ride on the uneven surface at Sandown Raceway.
Reduced unsprung mass allows suspension components to work more effectively. Riding on lightweight carbon fibre wheels can bestow even the most hardcore supercars with surprisingly low NVH levels.
Carbon Revolution wheels are available on the Corvette Z06 and E-Ray, as well as the upcoming Corvette ZR1. The wheels are available in markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
