The 2006 Corvette Z06 has been chosen as the official pace car for the 48th edition of NASCAR's premier race - the Daytona 500, which will take place on Feb. 19. Host of the "Tonight Show", auto enthusiast Jay Leno, will have the honor of driving the pace car.
This marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been chosen to lead the race. Commenting on the selection, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper commented: "It is a wonderful honor to have Corvette serve once again as the Daytona 500 pace car. Chevrolet has a long, successful history at Daytona and there's no better vehicle to showcase our performance legacy than the Corvette Z06 - a car that was born on the race track."
Power for the pace car comes from a 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, which generates 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm). Little wonder got 0-60 mph sprints in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. To maximize performance, lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber front fenders have been used, and the chassis is composed of aluminum and magnesium. An impressive racing-ready suspension and large 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels enable it to stay firmly planted on the track. However, for its role leading the pack, the pace car has been outfitted with strobe lights and safety equipment.
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