Wheels

By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

Chevrolet announced the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, a limited-production model that pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and ’69 – and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06’s 7.0L LS7 small-block V8.

The 427 Limited Edition Z06 features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. It also features graphics on the hood and fascia that evoke the style of the famed “stinger” hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Also unique to this model are “427” hood badges. Each example is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager who is retiring after 15 years on the job, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

“The heritage of the 427 designation with the Corvette is legendary,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. “Recognizing the tie-in of the original 427 engine and the LS7’s 427-inch displacement has been on the Corvette team’s mind since the Z06 was introduced, and we’re thrilled to express it in this special model.”

Available under order code Z44, this special Z06 enters production this spring. Only 427 will be offered in the United States and Canada, with 78 more exported outside North America. That’s a total of 505 production vehicles – the same number of horsepower produced by the LS7 engine.

The special-edition Corvette includes the 3LZ premium equipment package with a custom, leather-wrapped interior. A navigation system is the only option. As with other Corvette models, customer delivery is available at the Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.

A breakdown of the 427 Limited Edition Z06’s unique content includes:

• Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior paint with stinger-style graphics and 427 hood badges
• Exclusive, new chrome wheels
• Body-color rear spoiler and door handles
• Exclusive dark titanium custom leather-wrapped interior
• Special Crystal Red interior trim plate graphic pattern
• Console armrest signed and numbered by Wil Cooksey
• “427”-embroidered seats and floor mats
• “Z06” sill plates

The Z06’s LS7 7.0L engine reintroduced the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. It uses racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability – it is rated at 505 hp. The only transmission offered with the Z06 is a six-speed manual.

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