The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for 2023 is unlike any other Corvette before it. Not on the street, at least .The new super-high-performance variant is powered by a layout inspired by Chevy’s C8.R durability race vehicle.
The Z06 is based on an upgraded version of the Corvette Stingray’s mid-engine architecture, with a 5.5-liter overhead cam V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft replacing the Stingray’s 495 horsepower 6.2-liter pushrod V8.
The 5.5L natively opposed V8 engine of the Z06 is the most potent, totally aspirated V8 ever built.
It’s a type of engine usually only found in race cars and exotics like Ferraris and McLarens. It can rev to a whopping 8,600 rpm thanks to its lightweight rotating components and short-stroke design and deliver a V8-record 670 horsepower, 480 lb-ft of torque, and a screaming exhaust sound.
The most current Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, which boasts a 5.2-liter V8 rated at 526 horsepower, was the final mass-produced American automobile to employ one.
The C8.R competition car inspired the design and engineering of the Z06.
The track-focused Z06 receives a 3.6-inch larger body flared around 345-series rear tires, as well as a plethora of chassis improvements to go with the engine. 21-inch rear and 20-inch front rims, which may alter lighter carbon fiber construction, can handle larger Brembo brakes than the Stingrays.
Carbon-fiber wheels are offered for the Z06. The Z06 also features a recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension, custom front and side air vents to supply its five heat radiators, and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a modified final drive ratio oriented toward acceleration.
The standard body includes a rear spoiler with an attachable wickerbill that generates 365 pounds of downforce at 186 mph. At the same time, the Z07 Performance Package adds a jutting front splitter, underbody aerodynamic elements, a massive rear wing, an even more aggressive suspension tune, Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. It accelerates the Z06 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
As per GM, project engineers worked for more than two years developing and perfecting the exhaust note for this beast. According to the ActiveNoon, it’ll have a “unique, deep exhaust tone,” and it’ll be unlike any other sound ever heard from a stock Corvette’s rear quarters. Yes, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is available, with a lower final-drive ratio than its Stingray sibling.
Since its debut in 2020, Corvette Racing’s C8.R has been powered by the Z06 chassis. It’ll have a broader stance than the Stingray, with 345/25ZR21 rear tires and more airflow through the side air vents. The car’s distinctive front and back fascias, which are reported to be a first for the Z06, are designed to assist it in sucking air, notably routing air to a heat exchanger in the center. The rear spoiler is touted as reconfigurable,’ and the front tires are 275/30ZR20, with 21-inches in the back.
The price of the Z06 has not been revealed. Still, Corvette chief engineer Josh Holder told Fox News Autos that it would be a “Corvette customer-friendly” step up from the Stingray, which can indicate it would begin under $90,000 once sales begin next summer in both coupe and convertible forms.
