Chevy Corvette Z06 priced at $78,995, with go-fast goodies extra

Low prices — at least by supercar standards — have long been the Chevy Corvette’s trump card. Every comparison with a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Nissan GT-R begins with noting how far below $100,000 the hot Z06 version comes, even if in previous generations the Vette lost ground on interior appointments and options.

Today, Chevy revealed the price of the new 2015 Corvette Stingray Z06 with its 650 hp engine, and it’s still well below $100,000 —but not as much as before.

Chevy says the base Z06 for 2015 will start at $78,995 including destination charges. The convertible version for the wealthy and confused will start at $83,995. The major options: a $2,995 Carbon Fiber Ground Effects package for extra doses of downforce and the Z07 Performance Package — namely Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires, adjustable aero bits and carbon ceramic brakes — runs $7,995.

Like the previous generation Z06, Chevy will sell this one in three trim levels, and while Chevy didn't immediately detail those, in previous generations the full-boat 3LZ ran about $9,000 more. A full-boat Z06 will edge toward $100,000, but with the new, highly competent Stingray chassis, the modern interior and tech like the Performance Data Recorder, you can still make the argument a new Vette Z06 is a performance bargain. Just a tip to those whose significant others might need convincing.