2015 Corvette Z06 first official images

The 2015 Corvette Z06 has made its world debut, and it's incredible. Chevy's claiming "at least 625 hp" from a 6.2-liter supercharged small-block. Unlike with the C6-generation Z06, the removable roof panel from the standard Corvette is retained for Z06 duty and it's available with an automatic transmission for those who can't operate a 7-speed manual. The aforementioned small-block V-8 is being called the LT4, and will produce 635 lb-ft of torque to go along with its impressive horsepower figure. Using a new 1.7-liter supercharger developed by Eaton, the LT4 develops 37 percent more horsepower and 40 percent more torque than the LT1 in the standard Stingray, while adding just an inch to the height of the motor.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 features a reworked front fascia for improved airflow.

The aluminum structure of the standard Stingray is used in the Z06 and will be essentially unchanged for C7.R duty. Chevy is claiming that the Z06 and C7.R were developed together. When equipped with the Z07 performance package, Chevy claims that the new Z06 has been recording lap times that are faster than their times for the outgoing Corvette ZR1.

Some of that on-track speed comes from the Z06's optional aero packages. While the standard car's bodywork has already been modified for more speed, downforce and stability, buyers have the option to upgrade to a carbon fiber aero package with a new front splitter, rocker panels and a larger rear spoiler. If that's not enough, the Z07 performance package comes with larger winglets for the the front splitter and an adjustable center section for the rear spoiler that allows the driver to look through it.

The Z06 also gets even more grilles and vents to assist in keeping it cool. The supercharger's intercooler is fed cold air by a reworked front-fascia. Both front and rear brakes benefit from cooling vents. Since 50 percent more air is directed toward the transmission and differential, the rear fascia has been given larger openings.

The rear of the Corvette Z06 is wider and has a unique spoiler.

The standard Z06 gets two-piece steel brake rotors in 14.6 x 1.3-inch up front and 14.4 x 1-inch in the rear. The calipers are six-piston units up front and four-piston at the rear. Buyers opting for the Z07 package will get carbon-ceramic rotors of 15.5 x 1.4-inches up front and 15.3 x 1.3-inches out back. The Z07 brakes are 23 lbs lighter than the standard Z06 brakes.

Standard tires are Michelin Pilot Sports in P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear. The Z07 package replaces the Pilot Sports with Michelin Sport Cups tires. To accommodate the new rubber, the wheels have been widened to 19x10 in the front and 20x10 in the rear. To accommodate the wheel and tire package, the fenders have been widened more than two-inches at the front and more than three inches at the rear.

The suspension is carried over from the Stingray, though it's been "uniquely calibrated for the higher performance threshold." Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard, as is the electronic limited-slip diff.

The interior offers new colors and a unique, flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Since the Corvette Stingray debuted at last year's Detroit auto show, enthusiasts have been awaiting the Z06. From what we can tell so far, it doesn't look like they'll be disappointed.

By Rory Carroll