Mary Barra Just Got More Cool Points: Presenting Her New '15 Black Z06

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

It’s not every day that the Bowling Green Assembly Plant receives an order to make a car for the company CEO, but this week the workers from UAW Local 2164 assembled a 2015 Black Corvette Z06 Convertible that will be shipped to GM’s headquarters in Detroit for General Motors Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra.

 

 

Mary took the reins at GM in January 2014 just in time for the North American International Auto Show, and coincidentally, the launch of the C7 Corvette Z06. The sports car obviously made an impression on the newly minted CEO too. Now, a year and couple months after the highly acclaimed sports car’s launch at NAIAS, she finally gets to sample the “technological tip of GM’s spear” (quoting Fehan) – the 2015 Corvette Z06.

 

Mary’s new Corvette is both a 650-horsepower performance machine and yet a nice boulevard cruiser as well. That’s because the Convertible is outfitted with both the Z07 Performance Package and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Black Z06 Convertible has a black top, black aluminum wheels and the only splash of color comes from the yellow Brembo brake calipers.

 

The Chief’s Corvette Z06 also comes equipped with the Stage 1 aerodynamics package based on the rear spoiler. The front spoiler is part of the Dealer PDI and so that will be installed when the car gets to Detroit.  http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2015/05/22/pics-here-is-general-motors-ceo-mary-barras-new-2015-corvette-z06-convertible/

  

 

Photo Credit: Corvette Blogger

I knu she wanted one

 

[Suaviloquent]

Knarly - now, I hope she continues to push the rest of the firm to continue to build vehicles that are the "Corvettes" of their respective classes/segments.

[cp-the-nerd]

Seems a bit like a publicity stunt to me. An automatic convertible kinda conflicts with the idea of the Z07 package. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd gladly eat my words and watch her tear up a racetrack.

[Drew Dowdell]

Seems a bit like a publicity stunt to me. An automatic convertible kinda conflicts with the idea of the Z07 package. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd gladly eat my words and watch her tear up a racetrack.

Learn more about that 8-speed auto and you'll understand why.  That transmission is faster than the Porsche DCT which itself is a faster shifting transmission than any manual.  With paddle controls in track mode, it's actually superior to a row-your-own by a wide margin. 

[cp-the-nerd]

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

 

I guess..... in such a car I would just pick the version that got me the best performance regardless.... 

[cp-the-nerd]

 

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

 

I guess..... in such a car I would just pick the version that got me the best performance regardless.... 

 

 

Well here's the dilema, you're spending $80,000+ on a sports car, do you want the extra tenth of a second for bragging rights, or do buy the version that is the most fun and engaging to drive? Because my money would go for the driving experience every time.

[Cmicasa the Great]

Cp ... Drive the A8 in the Stingray or Z06 and it will become clearer. As an owner of the M7 I can admit to being somewhat envious of the Automatic drivers. When I go out to buy the new CTSv I will not even remotely miss or wish for a manual in that car.

Edited May 27, 2015 by Cmicasa the Great

[SalesmanSean]

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

I get that, but as much as I love driving, and especially driving fast, I'm crap with a stick.  I've never been able to really tell when I should be shifting, and I get nervous with the extra pedal that I'm going to hit the wrong one at the wrong time or something.  So, even if it wasn't as great an automatic as it is, I'd still have to go for the auto.  I had a girlfriend once who was trying to teach me to drive a stick better and she kept telling me to listen and I would hear when to shift, but I could never hear a danged thing.  I was very thankful for the dash light on her car that told me when to shift.

[cp-the-nerd]

Bah! I'm surrounded by blasphemers...

[Drew Dowdell]

Bah! I'm surrounded by blasphemers...

 

Na, it just depends on what the person's goals are.  Remember, Barra has an all access season pass to Milford 

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

I get that, but as much as I love driving, and especially driving fast, I'm crap with a stick.  I've never been able to really tell when I should be shifting, and I get nervous with the extra pedal that I'm going to hit the wrong one at the wrong time or something.  So, even if it wasn't as great an automatic as it is, I'd still have to go for the auto.  I had a girlfriend once who was trying to teach me to drive a stick better and she kept telling me to listen and I would hear when to shift, but I could never hear a danged thing.  I was very thankful for the dash light on her car that told me when to shift.

 

 

 

 

LOL.. yeah Sean.. stick to automatics.

 

I personally LOVE driving manuals, but only in non traffic scenarios. Balto-Wash is not the best place for a stick. That being said.. my M7 ran up against a 2010 (stock)convertible Viper (I asked when we got off the exit) the other day and came out on top. Admittedly he did have a 130lb passenger in the car with him, but Sasha (my Stingray) was hitting all her gears in the right spots. A Stingray with 500HP vs a 600HP Viper. U should have heard the sounds coming out of the cars.. MUSIC.  

[Frisky Dingo]

Well, she got the right body style and a nice color combo at least. No way would I want this car as an auto.

 

And before a bunch of people try to shove the 8AT down my throat, yes, I've driven. It's good. Not as good as PDK or DCT, maybe on par with the better applications of ZF's 8AT. Still wouldn't want one over a manual.

[ccap41]

I'm not a 'vert fan at all because they look so bad in the up position(like this one) but holy F that black on black on black on black looks so menacing.

 

Seems a bit like a publicity stunt to me. An automatic convertible kinda conflicts with the idea of the Z07 package. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd gladly eat my words and watch her tear up a racetrack.

Heck, for her.. This is an investment. Think of 10 years from now going to buy(at auction) the most expesive car GM makes, a Corvette Z06, owned by the head of GM.

 

Okay, the more I think about it anything a person like that owns basicall goes up in value.. But the Vette more so.

[ccap41]

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

I feel the same way!  This kind of car(unless I plan on competing in it) should be a manual transmission car. I understand how superior the auto is but that doesn't make it a more fun car. It makes it less fun. Even if I'm on a track I want a manual. The only time I want the auto would be is I was seriously competing and every tenth counted, for whatever reason.

 

..also coming from a man in a mommy-mobile..

 

Also, the 8spd is only faster than the Porsche DCT at full throttle upshifts(I know that is when it counts the most) not all of the time, just pointing that out.

 

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

 

I guess..... in such a car I would just pick the version that got me the best performance regardless.... 

 

As if you(or me) could extract all 650hp correctly anyway..lol

[Drew Dowdell]

 

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

I feel the same way!  This kind of car(unless I plan on competing in it) should be a manual transmission car. I understand how superior the auto is but that doesn't make it a more fun car. It makes it less fun. Even if I'm on a track I want a manual. The only time I want the auto would be is I was seriously competing and every tenth counted, for whatever reason.

 

..also coming from a man in a mommy-mobile..

 

Also, the 8spd is only faster than the Porsche DCT at full throttle upshifts(I know that is when it counts the most) not all of the time, just pointing that out.

 

I'm aware that the 8-speed has serious performance credentials, it's probably the best torque converter autobox ever built. I'm just never going to be sold on an auto over a stick in this type of car, and when someone does pick the auto, I can't help that slight judgement against them as an auto enthusiast in the back of my mind. I know, I know, big talk for a dude in a family sedan.

 

I guess..... in such a car I would just pick the version that got me the best performance regardless.... 

 

As if you(or me) could extract all 650hp correctly anyway..lol

 

 

If one transmission lets me get closer than the other... then sure.

[smk4565]

I wonder if she wishes should could have a nicer car than a Corvette, but doesn't want to buy a car from another car maker.

[SalesmanSean]

I wonder if she wishes should could have a nicer car than a Corvette, but doesn't want to buy a car from another car maker.

If she wanted a "nicer" car she'd get a Cadillac.  Really, whichever way she wants to go her needs are more than capably filled from somewhere in the GM lineup, and in a much more attractive package than many of their European competitors.

[Drew Dowdell]

I wonder if she wishes should could have a nicer car than a Corvette, but doesn't want to buy a car from another car maker.

 

Cadillac is about to launch the CTS-V.... I'm sure she has some pull with Johan.

[balthazar]

That black vette up top is sick, and I'm not even a Corvette guy. 

[SuperDuper]

I'd have a CTS V-Sport by now if I was upper management at GM.

[Cmicasa the Great]

I wonder if she wishes should could have a nicer car than a Corvette, but doesn't want to buy a car from another car maker.

 

 

 

Sorry slim.. the Z06 is pretty damn nice. Puts almost everything outside of a $250,000 488 to shame. Interior is Cadillac level.. which is these days better than most anything coming from your fav Benz.

[oldshurst442]

 

I wonder if she wishes should could have a nicer car than a Corvette, but doesn't want to buy a car from another car maker.

 

 

 

Sorry slim.. the Z06 is pretty damn nice. Puts almost everything outside of a $250,000 488 to shame. Interior is Cadillac level.. which is these days better than most anything coming from your fav Benz.

 

I cant wait to see the day when Cadillac is back on top on par with M-B...

Sexy M-B

 

V16 Cadillac Boat Tail...just as sexy and high end

 

Iconic

 

So is this...

 

However....in this decade....all M-B had was that Gullwing...

Cadillac on the other hand...

 

 

Oh...and this is about Corvettes...

Awesome History from M-B

 

 

Ditto for Corvette

 

 

As much as you want to show German bravado SMK4565...

The Corvette... well, Ill let the Corvette speak for itself...

 

No matter how nice that Gullwing is...no matter how posh the new SLs are evolved from that first Gullwing...

Corvettes...well...they are winners!!!

 

I dont think Mary Barra wants anything else...I think she is PROUD what GM has to offer...I think she is PROUD what the Corvette is all about...I think she is PROUD in the company she is leading...

Edited June 9, 2015 by oldshurst442

[Cmicasa the Great]

. Cadillac is an iconic American brand. Heritage? It has it in spades, but for a brief moment.. 20 years of its 100+ year history is put out mediocre product that did not latch hold of the changing trend towards Sport-Lux.. and Americans never forgave them for it. BMW is the go to Sport Lux, while Mercedes is the Luxury leader. Audi and Lexus win buyers who want something still German, but different or reliable (Lexus). Jag and Cadillac are currently on the fringe. They are the old up and coming that have to prove themselves worth of the new world order.. despite Jag quite possibly inventing the idea of Sport.. and Cadillac quite possibly inventing the idea of Lux