Amazing indeed. I never would have considered a Corvette in the past - but with this one - a test drive may be in order (don't know how I'll arrange that, though).
As is probably the case with many of us, I buy cars for the whole package. The style, the feel, handling and power, the redline, the sound of the engine, the smell of the leather, HVS's time around the Green Hell, and dozens of other reasons that make my wife laugh. I once bought a black GMC Sierra Denali truck because it had four wheel steering, and semi-style lights on the roof of the cab.
Then there are the powerful intangibles and brand associations. For me, Porsches are clean mechanical perfection, elegant and sophisticated but understated, purposeful and sober. Finally, I factor in price, as I cannot afford to disregard value.
The case of the Z06 is a tough one. On paper, the performance is remarkable, and in person I am sure it would be stunning. The value is undeniable - a 997TT or a Z06 and $70,000 in change? But, in the morning, when I go out to the garage, what will I feel? Value does not stir the soul. And in real life, performance at the limits means little more than bragging rights. I will never drive 7:42 at Nurburgring and, for the most part, can't responsibly rocket to 60 in 3.5. Even if I did, would it be so different from 3.7? For me, value and performance will rarely, on their own, be deciding factors.
At one extreme, my little S2000 was a wonderful value. Looks were so so, but it handled and felt great. Straight line performance was nothing to write home about, though with the top down, a 9000 rpm redline and a perfect gearbox, it was delightful through mountain roads. And at $32,000 dollars, I had no qualms about spending another $8,000 for some super light Volk CE28Ns, coilovers, and lightweight racing brakes. The end result was a go-kart. A fast, fun little car that did damn well at the track, even when compared to my friend's 360 F1. Now that was a good value.
At the other end of the spectrum, the 996TT. The first time I drove it, my decision was made. The price was high, but at the time it represented everything I wanted from amazing performance to the little button that made the wing go up and down. Quite a thrill. Seems strange to say it, and even contrary to my point/counter-point, but all the tangibles and intangibles together somehow made it another good value. Or am I rationalizing? Hmmm.
So anyway, back to the Z06? I think it is somewhere in the bad part of the middle. Maybe that's just another way to say that sports car buying is an emotional endeavor, and math alone can never solve for all of the variables. I will, however, reserve judgment until I (or a few more of you) drive one.
Just rambling,
Paul