Better late than never, right? It would seem so as Chevrolet took the covers off the long-awaited Corvette Z06 and it was definitely worth the wait.
The new model, coming next summer as a 2023 model, puts out 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque from the flat-plane V-8, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 on the planet by about 50 hp, according to Chevy officials.
All that power allows it to hit 8,600 rpm before shifting, and a zero to 60 mph time of 2.6 seconds, about half a second faster than C8 Stingray. It’s now looking to set a new standard for American power. Chevrolet introduced the new Z06 in a 25-minute film, which you can see by clicking here.
“The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss in a statement.
“It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.”
New engine brings more power
The Z06 is powered the all-new 5.5-liter LT6 V-8 engine, which offers power up to its 8,600-rpm redline. The Stingray moves to the next gear at about 6,500 rpm. It’s also built using race-proven technology and ideas, including the racing-style dry-sump oiling system to meticulously tuned induction and exhaust systems.
The key to the LT6’s performance capability is a lightweight, low-inertia rotating assembly rooted in an all-new flat-plane crankshaft that, along with a comparatively short stroke (the distance each piston/connecting rod assembly travels with each rotation of the crankshaft), allows the engine to rev to its maximum range.
“Virtually every component that distinguishes the Z06 was developed to support or enhance its capability,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “By leveraging the mid-engine architecture’s inherent advantages, we are able to achieve 6% more downforce than a seventh-gen ZR1 at 8% lower drag.”
I would be interested in the 2nd year of this model or a pre owned one. Let someone else iron out the kinks in this new engine. Can’t wait for the ZR1.