For the select few out there who have somehow missed the hoopla over the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, let’s take a quick minute to explain why this marvelous machine lands our award for Most Fun New Car of 2006.

First, the Z06 is based on, not surpisingly, the totally redesigned Corvette that made its debut for the 2005 model year. In standard form, the new ‘Vette puts out 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, all of that for a coupe or convertible that weighs less than 3,200 pounds. Between the long list of standard features and numerous options, this Chevy of all Chevys aims to satisfy a broad range of customers, a point accented by its $45,000 - $52,000 price tag. But, this everyday ride is just the start.

Move up to the Z06 and be rewarded with a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine cranking out 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of twist through a six-speed manual transmission. Even with all of the muscle under the hood, the Z06 stays shy of the 3,200-lb. mark and, therefore, is reportedly capable of launching to 60 mph in less than four seconds. That’s one, one thousand, two, one thousand, three, one thou…assuming you don’t drop the clutch and spend that time roasting the 19-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 325/30 rear tires. That’s fun, too. Of course, that kind of activity will keep you well clear of the EPA’s highway rating of 26 mpg. On the road or on the track drivers will find the Z06 to be a stellar handler, equally adept at running obscenely fast in the straights and clipping apexes, plus it’ll make quick work of hauling its butt to a stop.

Unlike other sparsely-featured supercars, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes with a healthy list of standard features, including climate control, leather seats, an oil pressure gauge, dual stainless steel exhaust, an MP3 player, a rear spoiler, and a heads-up display for the speedometer, radio functions, and more. As expected, upgraded brakes, a tighter suspension, and an oil cooler are also standard. The options list is bolstered by a navigation system, an upgraded sound system, side-impact airbags, heated seats, and more.

That’s all great news, but you can’t really have fun with a car if you’re always worried about damaging your grotesquely expensive toy. The Z06 has got ya covered with its $65,800 base price, which includes the $800 destination charge. In the world of sub-four-second supercars, that’s a helluva bargain, even leaving enough spare coin to cover frequent rear tire replacements. – Thom Blackett