 The Answer to Many Corvette Owners' Prayers by: Andy Roderick - Team NCM DAY 2 -- We (the automotive press members) all drove to the track at Mid Ohio in Corvettes provided by Chevrolet. Some were 2000 models and some were 2001 models. You could choose between coupes or convertibles. I chose a coupe because I had never had the chance to drive one before. The first order of business was a ride in a Chevrolet Venture around the portion of the track that we would be using. The driver showed us the course and explained what to watch out for. He completed the course in great time on the second lap. The fast part of the track was blocked off so we could not get too crazy. I did manage to hit 100 on the long straight part of the track that we were allowed to use.
The power difference is startling. At no rpm band are you left wanting for more power. Even the exhaust note tells you this is a real bad machine. Although this is a serious track Corvette, it is also very streetable. This Corvette is so well balanced that I would put it up against any other production Corvette to date. Power comes on hot and heavy. You have to take a lap or two to find out just how much is too much with this car. The new parameters they gave the active handling makes this system much less intrusive, yet still helped me avoid having an up close and personal relationship with a concrete retaining wall. This is every weekend racers dream. If autocross is your thing, you will love this machine. The autocross track was small but very challenging. The first time I drove a few laps on the autocross course I drove the Z06 first. When I drove the 2000 hard top on the auto cross course next, it felt as if there was a power switch that had been turned off. Cutting two seconds off a forty-second lap time is not difficult in the Z06. No trailer needed here. Drive it to the track so you don't miss half of the fun.
Z06's were not the only Corvettes provided for testing. The 2001 convertible is now much quieter due to the added sound proofing and the 5 layer convertible top. Active Handling is now a standard feature on all Corvettes and is a welcome addition to all the safety features that Chevrolet already provides.
Chevrolet, not only are you listening, you are giving us exactly what we have been asking for. There's a new KING in town.
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At the Mid Ohio track we got to drive both 2000 hardtops as well as the 2001 Z06. I chose to drive the 2000 first to better feel the difference between the two. When I first drove the Z06, I treated it like the 2000 hardtop, BIG mistake.
From an appearance standpoint, I like the red calipers and red seat inserts; this makes a striking package on a black Z06. The tires are not run-flats so a small can of sealer and a pump that plugs into your cigarette lighter are included. This has been the case on some of the export cars since 1997. These tires provide better grip and improve the handling as well. 
Chevrolet provided us with great food all weekend and also had their new display called Corvette Heritage at the racetrack at Mid Ohio. If you hear that this display will be anywhere near you, go see it. You won't be disappointed.
