2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Unveiled With 670 Screaming Horsepower
Chevrolet has officially unveiled the new 2023 Corvette Z06 based on the eighth-generation, mid-engined Corvette. Prepare to wait some more, though, because production won’t start until next summer at the Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky.
The exterior design stands out with a wider, more sculpted body inspired by the Corvette C8.R race car. The Z06’s stance is 9.4 cm wider than the Stingray’s (with massive 345-series rear tires), redesigned air intakes maximize cooling performance, and a unique, standard reconfigurable rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbill elements improves high-speed stability and cornering capability on a track.
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- Also: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Already Revealed in First Official Pic
The standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum “spider” wheels (with five available finishes) are the largest wheels ever fitted to a production Corvette. Optionally, you can have them in carbon fibre for a 41-pound reduction in unsprung mass. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires, but you should know the Z07 package includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires. A carbon fibre aero package is also available, adding a larger front splitter and other fancy stuff for increased downforce and maneuverability.
Of course, the real highlight of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is the all-new 5.5-litre DOHC LT6 V8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the track-capable performance model. Using a flat-plane crankshaft, it can rev all the way to 8,600 rpm, just 200 rpm after the full 670 horsepower are unleashed. That’s a sweet improvement of 20 horsepower from the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the old Z06.
By the way, it’s the highest horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 to ever hit the market in a production car. The hand-built, C8.R-derived engine also produces 460 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm, well short of the 650 pound-feet we used to have.
Chevrolet engineers worked on the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, giving it unique calibration. They did the same with the suspension, including the Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 system. The brakes are naturally larger than those on the Stingray, with 370-mm front discs (clamped by six-piston Brembo callipers) and 380-mm rear discs. The carbon ceramic brakes that are part of the Z07 package are larger still (398/391 mm).
As for the interior, you’ll find more carbon fibre trim both as standard and optionally. The car also features hand-wrapped leather options, including the all-new, fully trimmed interior in Adrenaline Red Dipped colour—a stunning contrast with the standard black cockpit. Furthermore, there are three seat choices and six seatbelt options.
Yes, the big drop in torque has us a little worried, but still we can’t wait to get our first crack at the 2023 Corvette Z06 on a track. And remember, even more formidable Corvettes are currently in development including the first-ever electrified Corvette.
