Originally published on CorvetteForum, Steve McCarthy, a proud owner, shares his exhilarating first impressions of the 2023 Corvette Z06 Z07. After eagerly anticipating the wide-body C8, McCarthy finally took delivery of his Red Mist Metallic dream machine (VIN 00052) on November 22nd. Despite the chilly Nevada weather prompting a tire swap to Pilot Sport 4S ZPs for better cold-weather grip than the track-focused Z07 package’s Cup 2s, McCarthy wasted no time putting the Z06 Z07 through its paces. Within a mere three days, he completed the 500-mile break-in period and immediately began exploring the full potential of what he now considers “the best sports car I have ever owned or driven.”
McCarthy’s detailed initial thoughts, originally shared within the CorvetteForum community, offer invaluable insights for anyone considering the Z07 package. He meticulously outlines his car’s specifications, delves into the performance of the engine and transmission, discusses tire choices, and even addresses practical aspects like road noise and the effectiveness of the front lift system. His hands-on experience, moving from a C7 Z51 directly to the C8 Z06 Z07, provides a unique perspective on the advancements and sheer driving pleasure this top-tier Corvette delivers. We’ve condensed and reformatted his extensive review to highlight the key takeaways for a broader audience.
Z07 Corvette Spec Highlights
McCarthy’s Z07 Corvette is configured to maximize both performance and open-top driving enjoyment:
- Model Year: 2023 Corvette Z06/Z07
- Body Style: Convertible Hard Top
- Trim Level: 3LZ (top-tier trim with premium features)
- Exterior Color: Red Mist Metallic
- Performance Options: Front Lift, Edge Red calipers, Carbon Flash painted aero and ground effects
- Interior: Red/black interior scheme
This build exemplifies a focus on both aesthetic appeal and track-ready capability, blending visual drama with functional performance enhancements.
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Transmission
McCarthy is particularly captivated by the Z06’s powertrain, stating, “I don’t know what I like more, the engine or the gearbox. Both are absolutely extraordinary.” The engine, Chevrolet’s 5.5L LT6 naturally aspirated V8, is not just powerful but also aurally intense. He notes its loudness, even suggesting it might be too aggressive for tracks with noise restrictions, referencing his past experience with a stock C6 Z06 at Laguna Seca.
The duality of the Z06 Z07 is a key highlight. In “Tour” mode, McCarthy configures the car for relaxed street driving: “minimum sound, steering and brakes as light as possible, and gear shifts super low (short shifting).” This tame setting contrasts sharply with “Race 2” mode. Activating Race 2 unleashes the car’s aggressive nature, transforming it into a “violent and pissed off” machine, ideally suited for track environments. McCarthy explicitly advises against daily driving in Race 2, finding it overwhelming and even nauseating for extended street use. This marked shift in driving modes is a significant departure for McCarthy, who previously favored aggressive driving modes even for daily commutes. The Z06 Z07’s Race 2 is unequivocally designed for the track.
Tire Talk: From Cup 2Rs to Pilot Sport 4S ZPs
The Z07 package comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R ZP tires, engineered for ultimate dry grip and track performance. However, McCarthy wisely opted to swap these for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP street tires due to colder temperatures. He describes the Cup 2Rs as “seriously sketchy when they are cold” and treacherous in damp or sandy conditions. After only a few hundred miles, he switched to the PS4S tires while awaiting better weather, acknowledging the Cup 2R’s limitations outside of optimal warm, dry track conditions.
McCarthy put the Pilot Sport 4S ZPs to the test at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, where a professional driver assisted him with carbon brake burnishing and some autocross laps. He reports that the PS4Ss performed “extremely well,” reinforcing their suitability as high-performance street tires that also offer respectable track capabilities. He plans to reserve the Cup 2R tires for spring and dedicated track days, considering their street use a “waste” and less enjoyable compared to the more versatile PS4S.
[Editor’s Note: We concur with McCarthy’s tire strategy. Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires excel when heated up on a track but become compromised in cold or wet conditions. Pilot Sport 4S tires offer a superior balance for street driving with commendable track performance, making them a more practical choice for varied use.]
Managing Road and Wind Noise
Initially, road noise was a significant concern for McCarthy. He described it as “awful. Like, really, really loud,” even in the tamest engine and exhaust settings, hindering music enjoyment and phone conversations. However, after transitioning from the Cup 2 tires to the Pilot Sport 4S tires, he noticed a considerable reduction in road noise. While acknowledging that road surfaces might also contribute to noise levels, the tire change appears to be a primary factor in improving cabin acoustics.
Wind noise, particularly in the convertible configuration, is another aspect McCarthy evaluated. He finds the C8 Z06 convertible significantly quieter than his previous C7 when driving with the top down. He attributes this improvement partly to the C8’s rear window design, which lowers to facilitate airflow and reduce turbulence inside the cabin, unlike the C7. This enhanced top-down experience makes open-air driving in the Z06 Z07 much more enjoyable and frequent for McCarthy.
Braking Performance: Burnishing is Key
McCarthy provides a critical insight into the Z07’s carbon ceramic brakes: “The carbon ceramic brakes are garbage until you burnish them. Seriously.” He emphasizes their initial lack of feel, extended stopping distances, and a “super heavy and stiff” brake pedal. He strongly advises extreme caution when driving the car before properly bedding in the brakes.
Once burnished, however, the carbon ceramic brakes transform dramatically. McCarthy praises them as “absolutely fantastic and very linear” and, importantly, “QUIET.” This contrasts sharply with aftermarket track pads like Hawk DTC 80s, known for their noise when cold. The burnished carbon ceramics offer both high performance and street-friendly quietness.
Despite the advanced braking system, McCarthy expresses surprise that GM didn’t include steel braided brake lines and high-temperature brake fluid as standard, especially on the Z07 package. While not major drawbacks, he considers these minor omissions as “one more thing to fool with” for serious track enthusiasts.
The Indispensable Front Lift System
For Z07 package buyers, McCarthy strongly recommends opting for the front lift system: “The front lift is incredible and you can set up to 1,000 gps defined locations.” He highlights its automatic activation at programmed locations, such as his driveway and speed bumps at his club. The system’s ability to automatically raise the front end at known obstacles provides significant convenience and protection against scraping the low front splitter, making it a highly valuable feature for daily driving and navigating varied terrains. For Z07 owners concerned about ground clearance, the front lift is practically essential.
Stepping Up from a C7 Z51
McCarthy’s driving background provides context for his Z06 Z07 impressions. He transitioned directly from a C7 Z51 to the C8 Z06, driven by his desire for a wide-body Corvette, a preference dating back to 2020. Initially, he valued manual transmissions and was hesitant to part with his C7 Z51 (and even more so his C6 Z06). His experience with mid-engine cars was limited to brief track time in a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Porsche 911 Turbo S.
This leap from a front-engine C7 Z51 to a mid-engine C8 Z06 Z07 represents a significant shift in driving dynamics and car philosophy. His perspective is rooted in a long-term Corvette ownership and a developing appreciation for the mid-engine platform.
Driving Dynamics: A Mid-Engine Revelation
After the initial 500-mile break-in, McCarthy had his dealership perform the recommended track alignment. He notes a dramatic improvement in handling post-alignment: “Before I did the track setup, I honestly did not like the feel of the car… Once I did the track setup, though, wow.” He attributes his initial discomfort to years of driving with track alignments, making the factory Z06 setup feel unfamiliar.
With the track alignment, the Z06 Z07’s responsiveness became “very, very responsive.” He emphasizes the “epic” confidence on turn-in, a stark contrast to front-engine cars where he was always mindful of corner entry and exit dynamics. The mid-engine Z06 Z07 allows for aggressive threshold braking deep into corners and early throttle application without drama.
McCarthy acknowledges the Z06 Z07’s universally recognized capabilities, stating, “I do not need to say how amazing the car is. Everyone knows that, and words simply fail to do the car justice.” However, he highlights a learning curve in fully exploiting its potential. While he could easily induce and control slides in his previous front-engine Corvettes, the Z06 Z07’s immense grip makes this different. “The grip is just too good,” he remarks.
He describes the Z06 Z07’s rear end stepping out “quickly” and recovering “quickly,” and the engine’s rapid revving requires fast reflexes when pushing the limits. While he has experimented with low-rpm slides, he admits to being “super, super cautious” and not yet fully comfortable sliding the car like his C7 or C6 Z06. He plans to further explore the car’s handling in the spring and potentially experiment with even more aggressive camber settings.
The Question of Cost and Desire
McCarthy frames his Z06 Z07 purchase as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” emphasizing the experiential aspect of car ownership. For him, it wasn’t purely a rational, cost-based decision but rather a question of “what do I want?” He reflects on his evolving preferences—push-rod vs. overhead-cam engines, front-engine vs. mid-engine, Z51 vs. Z06—concluding “Yes” to all, highlighting his appreciation for diverse automotive experiences.
He acknowledges the difficulty in objectively justifying the Z06’s premium over a Z51, noting they are “very, very different cars.” Ultimately, the Z06 Z07 fulfills a deeper desire, making him smile and enriching his life. He even suggests that if a wide-body Z51 existed and garage space permitted, he might own both, underscoring his passion for Corvettes in various forms.
Final Verdict: Z07 Corvette Exceeds Expectations
McCarthy summarizes his Z07 Corvette experience succinctly: “In summary, 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 envisions using it as both a capable daily driver in “Tour” mode and a formidable “track weapon.” Anticipating track days, he looks forward to surprising European sports car owners with the Z06 Z07’s performance.
His concluding statement, “Best sports car I have ever owned or driven,” encapsulates his profound satisfaction and validates the Z07 Corvette as a truly exceptional machine.
Photos: Steve McCarthy
Tags: Z07 Corvette, Corvette Z06, C8 Z06, Z06 Z07 Package, Corvette Review, Performance Car Review, Sports Car, Track Car, Car Owner Review, Steve McCarthy, CorvetteForum
