After years of speculation, Chevy announced the mid-engine eighth-generation Corvette for the 2020 model year. Almost immediately, a new round of rumors took off around the potential for an even higher performance Z06 model. Chevy finally confirmed the car yesterday with a design and specs that improve on the standard Corvette in almost every way.
The new LT6 V8 features a flat-plane crank and an 8,600 rpm redline.Chevrolet
The star of the show is the new 5.5-liter flat-plane crank LT6 V8. The mill churns out an unbelievable 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and can rev all the way out to 8,600 rpm. Power numbers aside, the sky-high redline lets the engine wail and scream in a way that we’ve not heard outside of Corvette racing cars. The hand-assembled engines are paired with a single technician through the build process and each unit carries a plaque with the builder’s name.
To differentiate the Z06 from “normal” Corvettes, Chevy gave the car unique front and rear fascias, 20-inch front/21-inch rear wheels, and a configurable rear spoiler designed to improve high-speed stability. The Z06 is available with lightweight carbon wheels designed to reduce unsprung weight. The car itself is 9.4 centimeters wider than the Corvette Stingray to accommodate larger wheel sizes and incorporate larger cooling air vents on the side.
The Z06’s interior features many upgrades over the standard car.Chevrolet
As a more track-focused Corvette, the Z06 comes with tech to improve performance and record drives. When in track mode, the Z06’s Performance Traction Management system is activated, which offers five levels of torque reduction and brake intervention, and an electronic limited slip differential helps keep the rear planted.
Inside, the Z06 improves on the Stingray’s cabin with seven interior color choices, three seat options, six seatbelt designs, and two interior carbon fiber trim packages. Chevy says that the car’s interior has a bespoke and upscale feel that sets it apart from the standard Corvette, which itself already had a gorgeous cabin.
The Z06 is wider than the Stingray to accommodate larger wheels and bodywork.Chevrolet
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be built at the automaker’s Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky. Chevy will build the cars in both left- and right-hand drive configurations when production kicks off in summer 2022.
