Never before has a Corvette Z06 been this good.
It’s finally time to meet the new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a moment we’ve been waiting for since the new C8 generation was revealed. This new Z06 is defined not only by its immense power but also by its striking appearance.
Powering the new C8 Z06 is the all-new 5.5-liter LT6 engine, which is the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirate V8 engine to be in any production car. How much power does it take to hold that title? 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.6 seconds. Other powertrain highlights include the flat-plane crankshaft that allows the engine to rev to its 8,600 rpm redline, new active split intake manifold, new six-stage dry-sump oiling system, and more. Chevrolet has really hit it out of the park with the new LT6. For the transmission, this engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a “short” 5.56 final drive ratio.
Chevrolet notes that the new Corvette Z06 is not only powerful but also their most track-capable ‘Vette ever. Giving the new Z06 its track-readiness capabilities is a combination of aerodynamic components and mechanical upgrades. Its exterior features wider fenders that make way for the 20 x 10-inch front wheels shod in 275/30ZR20 tires and 21 x 13-inch rear wheels with 345/25ZR21 tires. As for the tire of choice, those are the Michelin® Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires as standard while the Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires come with the available Z07 package. Also aiding in aerodynamics is the front splitter and rear spoiler, which has an installable “wickerbill.” What’s a wickerbill? It’s a small tab at the edge of the spoiler that Chevrolet says increases downforce by 365 pounds at 186 mph.
A track-ready car is more than just mechanical components and that’s why the new 2023 Corvette Z06 is loaded with tech meant for the race track. Handling the electronically controlled systems is the Drive Mode Selector. Just like the standard C8 Corvette Stingray, the Z06’s Drive Mode Selector can adjust the Launch Control, Active Handling, Traction Control, Performance Traction Management, and Electronic Limited Slip Differential. For those wanting a bit more performance on the track, Chevrolet offers the Z07 Performance Package. Within this package are the following features: carbon fiber aero package (larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, rear wing and underbody strakes), FE7 suspensions with “specific” Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations, Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, and available carbon fiber wheels.
For the driver and passenger inside a new 2023 Z06, they get to enjoy a wonderful interior that’s more luxurious than before. Chevrolet notes that the Z06’s unique cabin features include an optional carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel, shift paddles, new carbon fiber interior trim package level 2, and new Adrenaline Red interior.
When configuring a new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, there are plenty of options to choose from. They include twelve exterior colors, seven wheel packages, second interior colors, three seat options, six seatbelt options, two interior carbon fiber trim packages (not including the Stealth Aluminum trim), and six brake caliper colors.
The new 2023 Corvette Z06 will see its production begin in the summer of 2022.
Source: Chevrolet