Corvette C8 Z06 Nearing Production in Latest Spy Photos
It was inevitable that the current C8 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette would be getting a track focused Z06 variant. In the past, the Z06 had a more powerful engine along with a lot of changes to the suspension and bodywork to make it handle the toughest race tracks around the world. Now, we get our best look yet of the upcoming 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Photos via GMAuthority.com
Like the C7 Z06, the new C8 Z06 will feature more pronounced bodywork with a wider stance. The front and rear fenders bulge outwards more than the base Stingray and the rear air intake is much more bulbous. The front features a large lip splitter with dive planes (canards) at each end that is reminiscent of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. As well, the front bumper has slightly different styling than the Corvette Stingray. Around back, a wraparound rear wing will help keep the car’s rear wheels planted around corners and the Z06 has the traditional, quad, centrally mounted exhaust pipes.
Photos via GMAuthority.com
Photos via GMAuthority.com
Powering the all-new Corvette Z06 will be a naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 engine. It will have a DOHC configuration with 32 valves and a flat-plane crankshaft. Chevrolet recently teased the sound of this new engine on their Instagram page. This LT6 engine is expected to make around 615 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It is less powerful than the 650 hp / 650 lb-ft V8 of the C7 Z06 but the mid-engine layout of the C8 will help the engine put down its power to the ground more efficiently. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will send the power to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled limited slip differential and 345/25R21 rear tires. The front will have 275/30R20 tires.
Chevrolet is planning to officially unveil the 2023 Z06 sometime in the Fall of 2021 as a 2023 model year car.
Eagle Ridge GM – Coquitlam, British Columbia