Z06 makes the Forbes Top 3 . . .

[6 Shooter]

Fall is the season when things start to die--but fall will be the time when this year's new-car offerings really start to come alive.

The slide show that follows showcases a dozen of the hottest cars that are reaching showrooms, and the cars are all about speed. Three of them--Bentley's Continental Flying Spur, BMW's M5 and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06--have over 500 horsepower, while other vehicles, such as Pontiac's Solstice and Toyota Motor's (nyse: TM - news - people ) new Lexus IS, are designed to make their parent companies' images more sporty.

http://www.forbes.com/2005/09/02/luxurycars-newmodels-fall-cx_dl_0906feat_ls.html

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

NEW YORK - On Sale: Fourth Quarter 2005
Base Price: $65,800
Speaking of ridiculously fast cars, check out Chevrolet's newest Corvette, the 505-hp Corvette Z06. Corvette sales have been down slightly this year despite the recent introduction of an overhauled, base-model Corvette. We think a significant reason for the decline has been that customers are waiting for the Z06, which, according to General Motors, will be the fastest Corvette in history*. It will have a top speed of 198 mph.

* General Motors' media Web site says the Z06 will be the fastest Corvette ever. Forbes.com sent multiple e-mail messages to GM seeking verification of this statement and at press time had not received a response.

http://www.forbes.com/2005/09/02/cx_0906feat_slide_3.html

 

[Rob]

I think part of the reason for the decline in sales is due to:

1. The economy. Let's face it....it sucks.

2. Anticipation of the Z06

3. First year for a new generation

Regardless, I see plenty of C6s here in southern NH, and I'd still give my right arm to get one.