The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the range-topping performance model in the Corvette lineup and is widely regarded as one of the best performance bargains on the planet. Although the Z06 has a price tag north of $70,000, it offers the kind of performance normally reserved for cars costing twice as much.

At the heart of the Corvette Z06 is a 7.0L LS7 engine. Born out of Chevrolet's racing program, each V8 engine is hand-built at the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan and features a dry-sump lubrication system, titanium valves and connecting rods, forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt main bearings and a high-profile cam.

The result is a Society of Automotive Engineers-certified 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Despite its massive amount of power, the Corvette Z06 does not incur a federal government gas-guzzler penalty.

The Z06 package also includes several other performance features. To keep weight down, the Z06's front fenders, wheelhousings and floorboards are made of carbon fiber. To further cut weight, Chevrolet gave the Z06 an aluminum body structure -- shaving off 136 pounds from a Corvette Coupe -- and a magnesium roof structure and engine cradle. The weight-savings measures give the Corvette Z06 a power-to-weight ratio of, besting the Ferrari F430 and Porsche GT3 RS.

Massive six-piston front and four-piston rear disc brakes provide more than enough stopping power to haul the Corvette Z06 down from speed.

The interior of the Corvette Z06 remains relatively unchanged from the standard coupe, but does offer specific badging and a few unique styling cues.