2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette journey begins with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a new American supercar that puts the world on notice. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted and captivated a worldwide audience, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track.

The Z06's striking appearance, sound and tactile feel are the result of intense focus. With new, wider sculpted front and rear fascia designs that define a confident stance and exotic proportions and a luxuriously-appointed interior, the Z06 is the ultimate supercar experience.

All-new LT6

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the track-capable performance model.

Additional highlights include:

All-new aluminum cylinder block casting with the Small Block engine family's signature 4.4-inch (111.76 mm) bore spacing
All-new dual-overhead-camshaft cylinder head design with fully CNC-machined combustion chambers and intake ports, supporting a mechanical "finger follower" valvetrain
Dual-coil valve springs to support titanium intake and sodium filled exhaust valves
Forged aluminum pistons and forged titanium connecting rods for low mass and high strength
Distinctive Edge Red camshaft covers
All-new active split intake manifold with twin 87 mm throttle bodies
All-new six-stage dry-sump oiling system with individual crank bay scavenging
Four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust headers
670 hp at 8,400 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque @ 6300 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)


5D5E04F7-20BB-482C-9DC6-77E309B5BF0F.jpeg02C1BC01-A204-474D-8A4F-3C9BBFB8275E.jpegBEB691C0-8164-41F7-8E65-7B3F8ECFB8D0.jpegB3BBCF29-621A-4820-99B2-EC701FA3A033.jpeg2C4DC58D-8E4D-4CC8-AA93-5AF6C3B5AD92.jpeg4D54602C-D4DA-4DB1-B603-B2E0A5A9B451.jpeg5905F190-F2D8-4784-9014-80CED25E961A.jpegD3AAC7EA-9C50-48D2-9E2F-8B78CE7DDB92.jpeg665C2810-3495-42F0-A86A-2B1921270E8D.jpeg5B1A3EA8-DCB7-4420-A21C-6C430E419ECA.jpeg
 
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: This Is It

The new Z06 gets the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever built.

The base-model C8 Corvette is no slouch. With 495 horsepower and a zero to 60 time under three seconds, it’s got more performance than any of us will likely ever use on the way to work. What about those track rats, though, the ones who bring their ‘Vettes out for weekends of hot laps? Well, they’ve been waiting for this: the track-pack Z06.

The Z06 package started as an option on the 1963 Corvette but came into its own with its revival on the fifth-generation car. Since then, every generation of Corvette has had a Z06 package with more power, better handling, and revised bodywork. The C8, different though its engine placement may be, is no longer an exception.

So what’s different about the Z06? Well, for starters, the Stingray’s 6.2 liter V8 is out, replaced with a 5.5-liter flat-plane V8 making 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Torque may be down from the base model’s 470, but the increased horsepower leads Chevrolet to claim the new LT6 is the most powerful naturally-aspirated production V8 — with the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series taking a distant second place with 622, they seem to be right.

Those 670 horses make their way to the wheels through the same eight-speed dual clutch transmission as the Stingray, but the final drive ratio has been upped from 4.9 to 5.86 for better acceleration. The result is a zero to 60 sprint of 2.6 seconds, a number formerly attainable only by all-wheel-drive supercars.

The Vette may only drive its rear wheels, but it’s not wanting for grip — the new Z06 comes with enormous carbon fiber wheels wrapped in track-ready rubber. The front gets 275-section tires on 20" wheels, while the rear gets a staggering (and staggered) 345-section tire wrapped around 21" wheels. The entire car is 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray, to house both the wide wheels and wider rear air intakes to feed (and cool) the engine.

 
The 2023 Corvette Z06 Has The Biggest And Widest Carbon Fiber Wheels Ever

Carbon Revolution has been developing this wheel package with Chevrolet for five years

If you’re a fan of high performance sports cars, you’re likely already familiar with Carbon Revolution. The Australian-based company has been developing lightweight carbon wheels for fourteen years, providing OEM and aftermarket wheels with a reduced rotating and unsprung mass for better all-around performance. This technology has been pushed to new limits in the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with a new 5-spoke design and a rear wheel with 21 inch by 13 inch dimensions.

The new big-power high-rev Corvette has been built to withstand track operation, and the wheels can’t fall down on the job. With 20x11 fronts and 21x13 rears, there is bound to be plenty of grip to go around, but without the weight penalty usually implied with a bigger and wider wheel. With a high-pressure resin transfer molding process and “diamond weave” technology, these carbon wheels are allegedly as strong or stronger than an aluminum wheel, but providing a stiffer wheel for more repeatable tire performance.

While Carbon Revolution did tell me how much these new wheels weigh, I’ve been sworn to secrecy lest General Motors send a Pinkerton to my house at night to make it look like an accident. Since I can’t tell, let’s look at other Carbon Revolution products. For example, the 20x11 wheel already available with Ford’s Shelby GT500 track package weighs an exemplary 17 pounds. That is a seven-spoke design, of course, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but, well, you get it.


Z06.jpeg
 
New Corvette Z06 gets bespoke 5.5-litre V8 with 670bhp

Uprated V8 power, visual overhaul and circuit-ready suspension for most hardcore 'Vette yet

Chevrolet has revealed the range-topping ZO6 variant of its new mid-engined Corvette, which brings a bespoke, high-revving engine with improved performance, a unique styling package and a raft of dynamic enhancements.

The first mid-engined ZO6 does away with the 6.2-litre V8 used by the standard car in favour of a new and bespoke 'LT6' 5.5-litre unit that, in a first for a Corvette, features dual overhead cams and a flat-plane crankshaft – but continues without a turbocharger.

Chevrolet's goal with the new engine – which is closely related to that used by the firm's C8.R racer – was to exceed "the power of any naturally aspirated production V8 ever made". It produces 670bhp and 460lb ft, with its flat-plane crank and short-stroke pistons bumping the redline up from 6500rpm to 8600rpm, meaning this V8 spins faster than the twin-turbo unit in the McLaren 570S.

Other differences compared to the existing 6.2-litre unit include a new aluminium cylinder-block casting, a four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust manifold, dual-coil valve springs and forged titanium connecting rods.

Chevrolet has yet to offer performance details, but the ZO6 will no doubt improve on the Corvette Stingray's 2.9sec 0-62mph time and 185mph top speed.

The engine upgrades come as part of the ZO6's heightened focus on attaining quick lap times. Visibly, it's marked out from the standard car by way of a prominent aerodynamics package that includes wider fenders, larger air vents, a larger rear wing and race-inspired front splitter.

 
The new Corvette Z06 has a special engine and *may* come to Britain

The world's most powerful nat-asp V8, carbon wheels, a ginormous wing... and right-hand drive production

This is the new Corvette Z06, and we’ll get the big news out of the way first: it’s being made in right-hand drive. It marks the first time we might be able to buy the most athletic ‘Vette officially in the UK.

It’s a car of notable feats and firsts, in fact. The 5.5-litre V8 powering it shuns supercharging, going back to its traditional naturally aspirated setup with its 670bhp peak making it the most powerful n/a V8 in the world, according to Corvette. A flat-plane crank design lets it rev to 8,600rpm like it’s a proper piece of Italian exotica. It’s hand-built at Chevrolet’s Performance Build Center in Kentucky and will come signed by the technician who worked on it start to finish, a la AMG.

An eight-speed DCT paddleshifter is your only option, making this the first Z06 without a manual on offer. The paddles (and steering wheel) come with abundant carbonfibre to really set the racecar vibe.

Though we’re informed that’s inherent anyway. In a slightly head-scrambling turn of events, Chevy says the Z06 isn’t based on the Corvette C8.R racer, rather the C8.R has been covertly based on the Z06 road car all along. Clearly they’ve been fine-tuning some of its setup in competition, which is no bad thing.

The Z06 sits on a modified suspension setup from the stock Corvette Stingray, while you’ve numerous settings of traction control and electronic limited-slip differential intervention to toggle through on its Driver Mode Selector.

Sold? Now it’s time to choose. The Z06 comes in coupe and convertible forms (its chassis is so stiff, the latter requires no additional bracing, apparently), while you get a staggered alloy wheel setup as standard – 20in front, 21in rear, the largest ever fitted to a ‘Vette. Carbon wheels are an option for those who don’t live in fear of kerbs and for whom an 18.6kg reduction in unsprung mass is an ideal first date boast.

 
One Dealer Already Has Over 1000 People Waiting On A Corvette Z06

The estimated wait time for delivery? Three to four years.

It’s been less than 24 hours since the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was announced, but one car dealer in Maryland already has 1,087 orders on file. Do you think people are excited?

The info comes via friend of the site Zerin Dube, who posted a screenshot from a Facebook group called Wholesale Car Club — a group dedicated to connecting people who are looking to buy, sell, or trade vehicles at competitive prices. The poster, dealer Chris Morgan, decided to clear up some confusion about his Z06 wait list by posting some frankly astounding facts:

https://jalopnik.com/one-dealer-already-has-over-1000-people-waiting-on-a-co-1847944908

 
How would you spec your Corvette Z06?

The Z06 configurator is live. Prep for it coming to the UK by speccing one up

For the first time ever, we might soon be able to buy a right-hand drive Corvette Z06 in the UK. Exciting times, especially given how senior the mid-engined C8 Z06 looks. A 5.5-litre flat-plane crank V8 that makes 670bhp and revs to 8,600rpm? Yes please.

Imagine then, that you’re in the position to put an order in today. You’ll be wanting a play on the now-live Z06 configurator.

How would you spec yours? A bold colour, the Z07 Performance Package and carbon wheels? Or perhaps something a little more muted – maybe a brown convertible with a tan leather interior? Lovely.


 
Corvette's new Z06: I'm leaving South Africa for the US, but not for the reasons you might think

*All-new Corvette Z06 dethrones Mercedes-AMG SLS Black Series.

*Can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less than three seconds.

*Offers Aston Martin Valkyrie punch for 3 per cent of the Brit car's value.

My sole (soul) reason to emigrate

Chevrolet has just lifted the lid on its 2022 C8 Z06 and, I can't find the right words to describe it that won't result in a swift trip to human resources for using expletives.

Seriously, though, the new Z06 is a headbanger of note, and I mean that in the best possible ways. Take, for instance, the one reason I will leave South Africa; that fantastic flippin' 5.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) engine the beats at the back of the driver and passenger.

Oh yes, the new Z06 says bye-bye to supercharging and hello good old-fashioned atmospheric pressure to generate a mind-bending 499kW. It's the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever made, and it revs to an eardrum-shattering 8600rpm. It puts the previous king of the NA ring, Merc's SLS Black Series, to shame. I can feel the hair on the back of my neck start to tingle as I write this.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X