The last thing Jay Leno needs is another fantastic Corvette taking up space at his garage, but some guys have all the luck, huh? Watch him do a walk around with Chevrolet product specialist Shad Balch at his famous Burbank garage in this video from “Jay Leno’s Garage” on YouTube.
The subject Z06 Roadster is painted a gorgeous Night Race Blue Metallic with a matching blue top and Ebony interior. Optioned with the Z07 package which includes tire, brake and aerodynamic upgrades and GM’s new 8-speed automatic that’s actually faster than the manual version. All that hardware doesn’t come cheap with an MSRP pushing around $100,000.
Jay makes some great points during the walk around. First, the LT4 is not only a fantastic motor with 650 hp, but its super compact (thanks to pushrods) and contrary to critics, a thoroughly modern engine with nothing in common with Ed Cole’s original small block from 1955. Secondly, Leno speculates a Corvette doesn’t annoy folks (as much) as a uppity Lamborghini or Porsche and is proof that any American (or anyone else around the world for that matter) who works hard can own a Chevrolet supercar.
Leno is a Corvette evangelist and ally to all plastic fantastic followers. He obviously loves the new Z06 and that’s evident by his spirited run through the hills of Los Angeles which drew the attention of a local constable in a big Ford Expedition. We wonder if Leno or Chevy PR paid for the ticket.