The new Z06 engine, called LS7 in tribute to a super high performance big block that was supposed to go into production as a Corvette option in 1970 but never made it, sounds more like a race piece than a road engine. Its .591-inch lift cam pulls strong all the way to a 7,000 rpm redline, 11.0:1 compression puts the big squeeze on the air/fuel mixture, low-restriction intake and exhaust (featuring 3-inch diameter pipes) systems optimize air flow, dry sump oiling keeps it all slick, and heavy-duty forged internals help ensure that everything holds together even when it’s pushed to the limit. Despite all of this however, the engine purrs at idle like a content kitty cat. Even when you bury your right foot and unleash all 500 horses the 7-liter alloy mill is silky smooth. To be sure, there is a deep-throated roar in the exhaust note as the rush of power simultaneously throws you back and surges the car forward, but there is none of the snarling nastiness that has traditionally accompanied the astounding level of acceleration the Z06 yields. While the Z06’s blinding acceleration and hair raising top speed are obviously numbers to be reckoned with, they are only part of the new car’s allure. As with each of the vehicles created under chief engineer Dave Hill’s tutelage, the new Z06 is all about optimum balance. Complementing its fantastic propensity to go is an equally impressive ability to stop.