Great American Cars: Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Sure, gas prices in America are insane and the base model starts at USD70,000 but the Corvette Z06 is still spectacularly cool. This 2007 model packs in a 505-hp 7.0 Liter LS7 aluminum-block engine and also sports one the absolute best looking bodies of any GM power car ever made. It is GM's challenge to the Dodge Viper except sexier.

To say the Vette Z06 is mean is an understatement. It hits 100 kph from the standing block in 4 seconds with 637 Nm of Torque. To stop a car at that speed the Corvette Z06 employs monoblock six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers.

Z06 achieves a power-to-weight ratio superior to many exotic cars like the Dodge Viper and the Ferrari F430, in part because of its lightweight, yet strong, aluminum frame combined with a magnesium roof structure and engine cradle. The aluminum body structure weighs only 278 pounds, 136 pounds less than the Corvette coupe.