The Z06 received a little more flare for the 2009 model year. Outwardly, new “spider” design, 10-spoke Z06 wheels were offered in multiple versions: Sparkle Silver, Competition Gray and Chrome.
Inwardly, the 2009 Z06 now featured color-keyed door and instrument panels (for those models equipped with red and titanium interiors,) gray stitching was now included on the Ebony base seats (previously, the stitching had been red), and the door sill plates now came equipped with the Z06 logo. Additionally, all 2009 Z06 Corvettes included an upgraded acoustic package standard.
Mechanically, the Z06 Corvette remained largely the same. The 505-horsepower LS7 engine returned for the new year, though it did receive a larger-capacity, dry-sump oil system. The dry-sump system included a capacity upgrade to the 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) system of the new ZR1. For 2009, GM sold a total of just 3,386 Z06 Coupes with a base price of $73,255.
In this video from Roads Untraveled on YouTube, we get to explore a 2009 Corvette Z06 that’s been modified to produce over 600 horsepower, matching the C8 Z06. Now, the C6 Z06, produced from 2006 to 2013, was the last naturally aspirated Corvette Z06 with a manual transmission.
Watch the video to see if this modified C6 Corvette Z06 could be the ultimate performance bargain if you’re after big NA V8 power with a manual transmission.