Teresa’s View

I spent much of my week with the Corvette Z06 tester giving friends and neighbors rides, including my friend Tamera, who, as I mentioned in a previous column, is planning to purchase a ‘Vette for her upcoming midlife crisis. Although the Z06 definitely put a smile on her face, especially accelerating to freeway speeds — “The g-forces make my skin appear tighter!” — she felt it was a bit much to handle over the long haul. I think she’s putting way too much thought into this “crisis.” I mean, what’s a crisis without excess? Am I right? While the regular Corvette is powered by a lovely sounding 6.0-liter V-8 engine, the Z06 gets a 7.0-liter version that delivers 505 horsepower — a 105 hp increase. A six-speed manual with overdrive is the only transmission available for the Z06, as it should be.

Like its slower (!) siblings, the Z06 is at its best when driving in a straight line. However, additional performance technology enhances the Z06’s abilities in the twisty bits. Still, the car is a handful and one should give it one’s complete attention when driving. Standard traction and stability control systems help compensate for deficient driving skills, but won’t override stupidity.

The Corvette’s designers did a fab job of the exterior. Leaner, shorter and narrower than the previous iteration, the latest design pays homage to those groovy Sting Ray bodies of the ‘60s — a change most notable from the front where exposed headlamps from that era replace the square, retractable lens. Polished aluminum wheels provide accent to the 18-inch front and 19-inch rear tires. Demerits for the tacky, cheap plastic materials in the cabin. They detract from the initial positive impression.

This is a small cabin and just a two-seater. The glove box was enlarged for 2007, but that is a relative term in the storage-space deficient cockpit. Bring the small purse.

Finally, if you are considering a Corvette, please practice graceful exits before hitting the streets in your holiday finest. We don’t want any Britney Spears moments, do we?

What Is It?: The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 first appeared in 2001, further enhancing the sports car’s place as an American icon on wheels. The two-door, two-seater is offered with a choice of two options packages — the 1LZ and 2LZ. Prices start at a smidge over $70K, making it nearly twice as expensive as the regular Corvette, but still a great value in the performance sports car category.

Gadget Rating: 6.5 out of 10. The Z06 is reasonably well equipped. Keyless access with push button ignition is standard, as is an audio system featuring a CD and MP3 player and radio data system; dual air conditioning; and heads-up display. Our 2LZ tester added a Bose audio upgrade, XM satellite radio, side impact airbags and steering wheel radio controls.

So, Where Are Ya From? The Corvette is built in Bowling Green, Ky.

Cheat Sheet: Chevy is a long-time member of the General Motors family.