One of the most anticipated combustion engine supercars has finally arrived. Behold the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the track-ready version of the mid-engine ‘Vette that was introduced back in 2019. The new Z06 is a lot more impressive than most of the rumors suggested and represents a monumental leap for the American supercar. The highlight of the new Corvette Z06 is its new V8 engine named LT6. The 5.5-liter DOHC V8 has been derived out of the C8.R race car. Made of aluminum, the LT6 V8 has a dry sump, a flat-plane crankshaft, and redlines at 8600 revs. Engineers spent two years tweaking induction and exhaust systems to arrive at the perfect sound. The camouflaged prototypes already teased us the soundtrack of the screamer of an engine which 670 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine to be equipped in a production car.
The V8 is fitted with the same 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission found in the Corvette Stingray, but Chevy has tweaked the final drive for better acceleration. According to the official figures, the track-focused supercar can accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds, which is mighty impressive. The top speed hasn’t been officially confirmed but it is believed to be around 200mph.
In terms of design, the Z06 is 3.6-inch wider than the standard Stingray, which should give it better balance and dynamics on race tracks. The front fascia has also been altered to channel more air through the front air vents. The rear has also been tweaked to feature floating quad exhaust outlets, which not only look good but help the Z06 sound better than any modern Ferrari. Chevrolet has also fitted the new Z06 with the largest wheels ever used on a production Corvette. The 20-inch wheels on the front are fitted with 275/30-series tires, while 21-inch wheels at the back have 345/25-series tires.
Opting for the Z07 performance package adds specific chassis tuning, carbon-ceramic rotors, grippier Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires specifically made for Z06, and a massive carbon-fiber high rear wing, which along with other aerodynamic elements produces 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph. The package also gets carbon-fiber wheels that reduce 41 pounds of unsprung weight from the Z06. The cabin gets some extra Z06-specific styling elements, including carbon fiber inserts. The pricing hasn’t been revealed as of yet, but Chevrolet says the deliveries will begin by the summer of 2022.
