2023 Corvette Z06 Pushes Chevy's Performance Limits
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has broken cover with the highest horsepower V8 engine ever produced for a production model ever and looks and equipment honed to optimize its performance on the track.
"The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar," said General Motors President Mark Reuss. "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."
The new Corvette Z06 builds on the foundation of the Corvette Stingray. It shares a chassis with the Corvette Racing C8.R. Front and rear fascias are unique to the model and maximize the engine's cooling needs.
The vehicle's dimensions are similar to the racing model with a stance that's 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray. Extra width accommodates the 345-series rear tires wrapped around the buyer's choice of forged aluminum "spider" wheels (with five available finishes.
Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels on the 'Vette Z06 are the largest ever fitted to a 'Vette. Lightweight and carbon fiber wheels are available for a premium.
Its rear spoiler has adjustable wickerbill elements that add to stability. Magnetic Ride Control and larger brakes than the Stingray's add to the car's on-track drivability.
"Racing was the reason the Z06 was developed in 1963, and it continues to support development of the road models that make them better on the street and the track," said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. "It also means we've tested the Z06 on the best tracks around the world, from Circuit of the Americas here in the United States, to the Nürburgring in Germany."
Its beating heart is a 670-horsepower 5.5-liter LT6 engine. The naturally aspirated power plant took two years to design. Chevy says that it emits a "rich exhaust tone unlike anything every heard from a Corvette."
The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that has a shorter final drive ratio compared to the Stingray.
Chevy will offer the Z06 with a Z07 performance package that pushes the car to the extreme providing 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any Corvette has ever recorded.
Launch control, traction control and a Performance Traction Management system with five levels of torque control are available.
Chevy has elevated the cockpit with rich materials and textures, including more carbon fiber than what is found in the traditional Corvette. The package also has a carbon fiber rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration, unique Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.
"Virtually every component that distinguishes the Z06 was developed to support or enhance its capability," said Juechter. "By leveraging the mid-engine architecture's inherent advantages, we are able to achieve six percent more downforce than a seventh-gen ZR1 at eight percent lower drag."
