Chevrolet used a hydroformed, all-aluminum chassis combined with magnesium bits and carbon fiber pieces to keep the weight off. For example, the Z06's front fenders are carbon fiber, as are portions of the balsa wood sandwich floor panels. The new Z06 comes as a coupe only, with the standard removable roof panel permanently affixed for improved structural rigidity.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar run-flat tires are two inches wider in back at 325/30ZR19, tucked beneath quarter panels flared an extra 1.5 inches so that they'll fit. The Z06's butt is three inches wider than standard, an undesirable attribute on American bodies but a damn sexy feature on this American sports car. Helping the tires to keep the Z06's power from overwhelming its driver are Sachs monotube shock absorbers that replace the standard Corvette's available Magnetic Ride Control Suspension dampers, stiffer springs, and heavier duty struts. Red-painted, six-piston brake calipers clamp down on cross-drilled 14-inch front and 13.4-inch rear rotors to scrub speed.