Summary
- The 2002 Z06 TigerShark concept pushed the envelope in terms of design and performance, aiming to rival top names like Dodge Viper and Porsche Carrera.
- The TigerShark featured a more powerful engine than the C5 Z06, with a modified LS6 V-8 producing 525 horsepower.
- Although the TigerShark concept never came to fruition, Corvette enthusiasts can purchase a body kit to transform a C5 into a visually accurate version of the original concept.
The Chevrolet Corvette occupies a spot among the top sports cars in history, with its early models considered classics in every regard, while current Corvettes feature top-of-the-line tech and mechanics and exemplify the true essence of performance vehicles. Through the years, Chevrolet has been loyal to the Corvette nameplate, as modern strides in performance, power, and control have allowed it to produce essentially a true-blue American supercar at a reasonable price point.
But while the legacy of the Corvette is strong now, there were formative years and experimental concepts that paved the way for the refinement and experience observed in the build of the modern Vette.
Among those concepts, and an interesting chapter in the Corvette story, is the 2002 Z06 TigerShark. Created by Tecstar, an automotive engineering firm with more than 100 years of combined experience among the team, the Corvette Z06 TigerShark was marketed to GM as a hotter, more refined version of the C5 Corvette.
Featuring modified front and rear bumpers with aggressive race-inspired features, a bored-out LS6 V-8, and custom tuning, among other upgrades, the Tecstar team had high hopes that the TigerShark would recapture the attention of the speed community, as well as beat the top names in performance at the time, including Dodge Viper and Porsche Carrera.
Jay Leno Dissects TigerShark Corvette With Its Original Engineer
Recently Jay Leno, a well-known retired talk show host and avid car collector, took a deep dive into the 2002 Corvette Z06 TigerShark with one of the original members of the Tecstar team on his show “Jay Leno’s Garage”, giving enthusiasts a unique look behind the scenes of one of the most interesting concepts revolving around the Corvette.
Suffice it to say, there was much to unpack, but as the two car guys began dissecting the TigerShark’s make-up, the audience began to see, for the first time, the true ingenuity of Chevrolet, and how this particular concept pushed the envelope in nearly every regard.
Starting with the exterior, the first thing that catches the eye is the dazzling Millennium Yellow paint, a special shade developed by Chevrolet. As the eyes begin tracing the curves of the TigerShark, it becomes clear that the body and design differ from anything from that era.
The team at Tecstar fitted the TigerShark with custom bumpers and side scoops to not only assist the aerodynamic and intake cooling features but also to distinguish the TigerShark from its relatively popular base C5 Z06. The TigerShark also features unique front and rear fascia with a “chin” spoiler on the lower front and a “TigerShark” tail-style custom spoiler positioned at the rear.
Jay offers a unique insight about the body modifications, as his personal use of the TigerShark has resulted in him damaging the low-hanging front chin spoiler on more than one occasion. This design also meant that the Tecstar team couldn’t lower the TigerShark anymore, prompting them to take a deeper look at the aerodynamics of the body.
The TigerShark Features A More Powerful Engine Than The C5 Z06
When it comes to the power of the TigerShark, the Tecstar team aimed to rival the top names in performance, and to achieve that would require pushing the C5 Z06 to its limits mechanically and design-wise. To be considered an upgrade from the available C5 Z06, the TigerShark needed more than just a facelift, it needed to shatter the mold it was pulled from.
The team at Tecstart got to work boring out the factor LS6 V-8 featured in the C5 Corvette, increasing the displacement from 347 cubic inches to 402 cubic inches, which resulted in a significant bump in power compared to any available Corvettes at the time.
The modified LS6 produced a whopping 525 horsepower, an increase over the formerly 405-horsepower LS6. This increase in power required the Tecstar team to recalibrate the tuning and handling of the TigerShark, as well as replace the factory LS3 crankshaft.
The Tecstar team upgraded the exhaust on the TigerShark, not only adding the aftermarket flair and quality provided by the Corsa Performance exhaust but giving the unique Vette a commanding growl when turning loose the stroked-out LS6 V-8.
The TigerShark in Jay Leno’s personal collection features an LS7 engine from a sixth-generation C6 Corvette Z06, offering the power and modern quality Chevrolet is known for. Jay’s TigerShark also features Brembo brakes and Fiske Forged wheels, ensuring that the enhanced tuning from Tracstar gets put to good use.
After the dust settled, the TigerShark stood in a class of its own, boasting a high-output, high-performance powertrain with enhanced track-tuning and aftermarket parts. Along with the significant power boost, the TigerShark also sported a completely unique appearance, boasting aggressive air dams and scoop, reminiscent of the European supercars of the time.
Although the Tecstar team seemingly had a homerun on their hands with the TigerShark concept, they were ultimately unable to sell it to the GM top brass, condemning the hot concept to the imagination. Today, Corvette enthusiasts in the market for a TigerShark can purchase a body kit that transforms the C5 into a visually accurate, rendition of the original 2002 concept.
Jay Leno’s Garage Showcases Classic Cars And Hypercars
Jay Leno is a popular American personality and dedicated car collector, with a collection that ranges from one-of-a-kind hypercars to museum-grade artifacts. His collection of over 180 vehicles serves as a comprehensive timeline of automotive history, as well as a testament to his own obsession.
Notable Vehicles In Jay Leno’s Collection
- 1966 Oldsmobile Tornado
- 1986 Lamborghini Countach
- 2011 Audi R8 Spyder
- Blastolene Special
- 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
- 2017 Ford GT
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
- 1909 Stanley Steamer
His show “Jay Leno’s Garage” showcases some unique and otherwise unobtainable vehicles, offering insights and car history from Jay, as well as experts in the automotive world. His hope is to preserve the automotive history housed in his garage, as well as educate those curious to know more about vehicles, old and new.
Showing no signs of slowing down with his collection, or his show, Jay Leno will likely prove to be an invaluable resource in terms of classic car preservation, as well as automotive history and modern advancement.
Source
https://www.topspeed.com/jay-leno-2002-corvette-z06-tiger-shark/
