2023 Z06 Races Into Chevrolet Corvette Lineup

Chevrolet launched the redesigned C8 version of its Corvette sports car for the 2020 model year, but the high-performance Z06 version was a no-show at the time. Better late to the party than never — Chevy unveiled the 2023 Corvette Z06 today with all sorts of performance goodies inside and out, much of it borrowed from the Corvette Racing C8.R that’s been competing in motorsports circuits since 2020.

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Chevy says the new Z06 has been “hiding in plain sight,” as it shares a chassis, exhaust sounds, similar engine architecture and exterior proportions with the racing model.

Performance

Under the hood is a new, naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 good for 670 horsepower and a zingy-high redline of 8,600 rpm. It pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a shorter 5.56:1 final drive ratio compared to the Corvette Stingray, which Chevy says should enhance acceleration capability.

The new V-8 marks a departure from the last-generation 2019 Corvette Z06’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, which made 650 hp. Chevy says the new Z06 is the highest hp, naturally-aspirated V-8 to be offered in a production car. Torque is a comparatively modest 460 pounds-feet, however; that’s roughly even with the current 6.2-liter Stingray and down 190 pounds-feet versus the outgoing supercharged Z06.

Still, the new Z06 should be plenty fast — and sound cool, too. According to the automaker, engineers spent two years crafting a distinctive, rich exhaust tone unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette. The new model uses a central quad-tip exhaust.

Aside from the amped-up exhaust, extras versus the regular Corvette Stingray include the Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adjustable suspension system, plus larger brakes and a host of available performance add-ons in the Z07 Performance Package. Those add-ons include a high-mounted, carbon-fiber rear wing that’s good for 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, plus ground effects, specific chassis tuning, Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors, specific MRC calibration and unique Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires. Carbon fiber wheels are also optional.

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Aggressive Exterior, Luxurious Interior

The Z06 also looks the part with aggressive styling cues that set it apart from the regular Corvette. The new model is 3.6 inches wider to accommodate beefier rear tires as well as large side vents; it also wears more sculpted front and rear designs.

Other exterior changes include a Z06-specific reconfigurable rear spoiler and standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum, spider-design wheels, the largest wheels ever available on a production Corvette. A Carbon Fiber Aero Package adds a larger front splitter, front-corner canards (dive planes), a pedestal-mounted rear wing and underbody aero strakes, which Chevy says offer maximum track-capable downforce and maneuverability.

Inside, Chevy says the cabin sets a luxurious tone thanks to rich materials and textures, including more carbon fiber trim and new options, such as the hand-wrapped leather interior in Adrenaline Red.

Release Date

The new Z06 will also be among the most customizable versions of the Corvette available, with 12 available exterior colors, seven wheel packages, seven interior colors, six seat-belt options, six colors for brake calipers, three seat choices and two interior carbon-fiber trim packages.

Global Z06 production begins in summer 2022, and the car will be made in GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.  The engine will be hand built in the facility, with each unit’s intake manifold featuring a plaque with the signature of the technician who crafted it.

No word yet on pricing, but expect a hefty premium over the regular model; the 2019 Z06 started in the low $80,000s.

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