The Z06.R is completed and...
The Z06.R is completed and ready to be loaded onto a transporter for its debut in Monte Carlo. Notice how closely the finished car resembles Paul Deutschman's original design.
Callaway Cars officials were understandably excited last summer when they learned about the FIA's new GT3 racing series. The GT3 category was created to allow various supercars to compete against each other in a six-race series in 2006. Although Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Nissan, and Ascari all expressed interest in building GT3 entries, Callaway felt the upcoming '06 Z06 could be the car to beat. The only concern was the availability of the new ber-Vette.
The company's European branch, Callaway Competition, was tasked with tracking down the FIA-mandated specifications for prospective GT3 entries. These were quickly obtained, and longtime Callaway designer Paul Deutschman was tapped to pen a proposed design based on the soon-to-be-released Z06. Callaway Competition's Ernst Woehr looked over Paul's design and set out to determine how to build a GT3 racer.
A massive wing from a C5-R...
A massive wing from a C5-R should keep the back of the Z06.R firmly planted at speed. Note the lower diffuser unit below the exhaust. Only the outside taillights are functional. The lower, amber part of the lens is for turn and hazard functions.
First, Callaway Competition engineers researched the new Z06's frame dimensions and found them to be identical to those of a C5. This was good news, as it meant they could transfer key design components-including rollcage, suspension, aerodynamics, and fuel-flow designs-from their awesome C5-based C12-R race car.
Now all they had to do was find a car. This proved difficult until GT3 hopeful Team Carsport Europe asked Callaway to build the team a Z06 for the new series.
When Woehr and the rest of the Callaway Competition crew agreed to build the Carsport Z06 in early October, they knew they would be working on a tight schedule. In fact, the FIA wanted all eligible cars in Monte Carlo for a press conference on December 2, 2005. Making matters worse, Carsport's black export Z06 wasn't delivered to Callaway's Leingarten, Germany, shop until October 26. This left only 36 days to complete the project.
The Z06 dashpad and center-console...
The Z06 dashpad and center-console cover are all that remain of the original interior. The red arrow points to the export-only foglight button. This switch turns on the two inner taillights to supposedly enhance visibility during foggy and rainy conditions.
Back in the United States, Callaway Cars officials decided they needed a second Z06 to help speed the construction process. The second car would be used for parts-fitting while the first car was having its rollcage and body painted. Fortunately, one of Callaway's good customers had just taken delivery of a silver Z06 and agreed to lend it to the company during construction. The owner also agreed to let Ernst and his team dismantle the car so they could "pre-fit" various parts that would ultimately end up on the race version. His only request was that they return the Z06 to roadworthy condition at the end of the project. Talk about a good customer!
It took the Callaway Competition team two days to strip the black Carsport car of its interior and wiring. The removed parts-including seats, airbags, radio, carpet, wiring, and more-filled up a small storeroom. Finally, the engine, drivetrain, and body were removed, completing the dismantlement phase. The engine was sent to England to be tested and have its computer reprogrammed. A new LS7 engine was delivered to Callaway Cars, to be used in the fabrication of the racer.
 Giovanni Ciccone puts his...  Giovanni Ciccone puts his extensive custom-bodywork experience to good use in fitting the aftermarket bumper to the factory front fender. The red arrow points to the export-only parking lamp that's inserted into the factory headlight bucket. |  A brand-new, non-running engine...  A brand-new, non-running engine was installed for the press conference. |  The logo on the C5-R wing...  The logo on the C5-R wing says it all. |