Combining his passion for high-performance cars with his interest in alternative fuels, Jay Leno has partnered with Pratt & Miller Engineering to modify a production Corvette Z06, giving it higher performance and the ability to run on E85 fuel.

Pratt & Miller Engineering builds and races the highly successful C6.R Corvettes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the American Le Mans Series.

Replacing the stock LS7 Z06 engine is a custom 8.2-liter (500 cubic inch) all aluminum small-block V8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque.

Built by Katech Engines, the same company that builds the engines for the C6.R race cars, the fuel system and engine control computer were modified to accommodate E85 fuel. It also features a strengthened T-56 6-speed manual transmission, Centerforce dual-friction clutch and a Corsa exhaust system.

“The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren’t diametrically opposed concepts,” said Leno. “I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline.”

Exterior and Interior Design

Finished in gloss black with a carbon-fiber front splitter, the C6RS copies the body of the C6.R race cars with wider front and rear fenders, wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler, and a racing-style rear diffuser that incorporates an LED-lit backup light. 

The hood, front fender louvers, rocker panels and lower grille further distinguishes it from the production Z06. Also, all of the front panels are carbon fiber with custom brakes ducts routed through the front fenders.

The black forged aluminum BBS wheels use racing style center-lock hubs and are fitted with P295/30ZR18 tires on the front and P345/30ZR19 tires on the rear.

Additional features include a custom DeWitt high-capacity radiator with dual fans, a carbon-fiber ram-air induction system, carbon-fiber inner fender panels that vent hot air from the engine compartment and Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers for the front and 4-piston calipers for the rear.

Inside the C6RS features luxury premium appointments including red leather seats and Genuine Corvette Accessories such as a two-tone shift knob and boot, leather-covered console arm rest, an interior trim kit and racing-style pedal covers.

There is talk that Pratt & Miller will build a limited run of 25 C6RS Corvettes, but that has not yet been confirmed.