Porsche Racecar Driver Turns to Corvette Z06 for Track Weaponry (Torque Tuesday Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

Retired Porsche racer mods his 2015 C7 Chevy Corvette Z06 to precision, creating a downforce beast!

Corvette has remained an automotive icon for decades for many reasons. One major asset is Corvette’s ability to deliver a consistently satisfying but uniquely ‘Vette driving experience. Of course, Corvette drivers vary in what they want and need. For some, their dream ‘Vette comes off the lines from Bowling Green ready to go. Others find the automotive aftermarket can provide a little extra heat. In the case of this 2015 C7 Chevy Corvette Z06, the driver customized his car to enhance its inherent attributes. And rock some killer scissor doors.

Owned by retired racecar driverPeter Taddeo, the 2015 Corvette Z06 includes the Z07 Performance Package. Heavily influenced by the Corvette Racing program; the 2015 C7 Z06 was finely engineered with performance in its DNA.

When it was introduced, the 2015 C7 Corvette Z06 used a new and stronger aluminum frame than previous models. Additionally, it included a high-performance downforce-producing aero package, Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited slip differential, and all the goodies. At the heart of the Z06 is the 650 hp supercharged 6.2L V8 engine.

It was exactly what Taddeo wanted. And the man should know; he is a retired racer with the IMSA, and HSR, and–get this–drove mostly Porsche. A former Porsche racer choosing a 2015 C7 Corvette Z06? You love to see it.

“I had a C6 Z06 and always loved it,” he tells Customs N Classics car show. “The C7 for me was the most beautiful and potent Corvette ever.”

He chose his modifications very carefully. First, he spent a year running the car stock to see what might need tweaking; both in terms of getting maximum performance as well as honing its appearance. Yeah, he might be retired, but he still loves to hit the track.

First he wanted to maximize airflow, so he developed and installed a custom diffuser which added 200 lbs of downforce to the rear. And to further modify the aero he added canards to the side, and and lowered the car. A waterfall hood with a raised cowl was added, adding 2-inches of clearance and allowing for more hood vents.

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Things took a turn for the exotic with the Lamborghini doors. Carbon fiber body parts from ACS were added, as well as a composites wing from APR racing. Lashway Motorsports in Florida helped along the way.

Other upgrades include worked on the engines Halltech air box, flowed throttle body, Alchemy control Methyl injection system, American racing 2″ headers, a 2019 supercharger cover, 9% larger supercharger pulley. Taddeo is very happy with the results. The C7 Z06 runs smoother, breathes better, and is packed with 680 rwhp and 656 torque. Listen to her go.

Every Corvette driver isn’t focused on track time and quarter-mile runs. But it is safe to say that every Corvette owner wants all the power and capability their car has. Coupled with its low, clean, and strong appearance; the C7 Corvette Z06 is serious and seriously head-turning machine. It continues to thrill as Corvette owners find inventive ways to turn up the heat.

Photos: Customs-n-Classics/Peter Taddeo

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