This export Z06 was used by...
This export Z06 was used by GM to validate the new Corvette's performance in a European environment. When testing was completed it was shipped to Callaway Competition to be converted into a GT3 race car.
Now that the car was stripped, the team began outfitting it with a rollcage. To do this, tubes were fitted to the interior and through the firewall to the front and back of the frame. The aluminum frame was stripped of all paint, and steel plates were formed and bolted to it. The plates were then removed, and the rollcage was welded to the steel plates and reinstalled in the car.
Meanwhile, the body panels were shipped to a local paint shop, along with the aftermarket fiberglass hood and front bumper used on the SPEED GT Corvettes. After the rollcage was completed, the entire car was sent to the same paint shop to have marine gray paint applied to the interior. The remainder of the frame and underbody were painted black.
The Callaway Competition team...
The Callaway Competition team spent two days removing the equipment from the black Z06. Would you do this to your new Z?
While the car was at the paint shop, Callaway fabricated front and rear splitters and test-fitted them on the silver car. This work consumed 28 days, which left only eight days to reassemble the car and ship it to Monte Carlo for the press event. When the car returned from the paint shop, the interior was completed first, followed by the engine bay and the installation of the body panels. Finally, the suspension and rear wing were added, along with the windshield. Unfortunately, the original engine had not returned from England, so the non-running spare was installed with the remainder of the stock drivetrain.
This room was filled with parts that were removed from the car. Check out the amount of wiring lying on the floor.
The completed Z06-dubbed the "Z06.R" by the Callaway crew-was rolled out of the shop at 5 p.m. on December 1 and loaded on a transporter for the 13-hour drive to Monte Carlo. As we mentioned in last month's "New World Order" story, the car was a big hit the next day in Monte Carlo and looks to be a legitimate contender for the GT3 title. Team VETTE would like to thank Callaway Competition and Team Carsport Europe for giving us an exclusive inside look at this exciting project.
 The chalk mark on the frame...  The chalk mark on the frame tells us this is chassis No. 83. Notice how the rollcage is being fabricated and mounted to the aluminum frame on steel pads. |  The once-black car has returned...  The once-black car has returned from the paint shop, and the reassembly process has begun. The car now has a completely painted rollcage, and the painted quarter-panels have been attached. |  A single floor-mounted pedal...  A single floor-mounted pedal assembly replaces the individual factory units. This system is fully mechanical and easy to repair. |
 Here, the Z06 front and rear...  Here, the Z06 front and rear bumpers are waiting for installation. Notice the partially dismantled silver Z06 that was loaned to Callaway Competition for this project. |  The 427-inch LS7 and supporting...  The 427-inch LS7 and supporting drivetrain are prepared for installation. |  Here, the Z06.R is being fitted...  Here, the Z06.R is being fitted with a coilover-suspension system that uses adjustable competition shocks. The stock plastic transverse springs have been discarded. |
 To maximize braking efficiency,...  To maximize braking efficiency, Callaway Competition built these carbon-fiber brake ducts to attach to the front upright. |  The Z06.R is equipped with...  The Z06.R is equipped with two fuel cells, one on each side of the car. The tanks can be filled from either side. |  The factory brakes were replaced...  The factory brakes were replaced with these Callaway/Alcon 14-inch rotors. Stock calipers were retained in the rear. |