Top Cars

We're big fans of Ugur Sahin, who in the past has penned a modern interpretation of the Ferrari Dino that made our knees weak. Last year he unveiled renderings for a reinterpretation of the C6 Corvette called the Z03. Being used to seeing his designs remain on-paper fantasies, we were pleasantly surprised this morning to learn that his firm, UgurSahinDesign, has partnered with well known tuner Mallett Cars to bring the Z03 to life.

Since we last saw it, the Z03 has undergone further styling revisions, and we say for the better. They tell us all the tweaks were made to increase engine cooling and improve downforce, while the new headlights were redesigned to better accompany the car's Z06-like see-through hood. That new powerdome provides some extra clearance for what Ugur Sahin and Mallett have planned for the Z03 powerplants. The base engine will be a supercharged version of GM's LS7 V8 producing 700 hp. For those interested in the ultimate of bespoke Vette conversions, however, there's an optional engine upgrade featuring twin turbos and an expected output of 999 hp.

Just to convert your C6 into the Ugur Sahin design with carbon fiber bodywork will set you back $69,000, not including the price of the donor car. The engine upgrades will run $32,700 for the 700-hp, supercharged version and $35,795 for the 999-hp, twin-turbo version. At only a couple thou more than the supercharged engine, the 999-hp option seems like a steal. That is, until you tally the total cost and realize you've just spent six figures creating a super Corvette that still has the same interior.