Two years ago, we were introduced to the mid-engine Corvette. And it was impressive, with the base model keeping up with the performance numbers of the previous generation’s higher-end trims. With the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, that mid-engine layout should see the new generation completely redefine the model.
Arguably the coolest American car we’ve seen in years, the vehicle takes the same basic chassis and suspension architecture from the standard C8, albeit with beefed up components to support a whole lot of additional power. How much more? Let’s just say, if you like your supercars wide, fast, and loud, you won’t be disappointed sitting behind the wheel on this thing.
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is powered by a 5.5-liter LT6 V8, an all-aluminum block with a dry sump, a flat-plane crankshaft, and a comparatively short stroke that gives it an official redline of 8,600 rpm – that’s 2,000 rpm more than the base model. According to the outfit, it’s the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine to show up on any production car, putting out a whopping 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While there’s no listed top speed, it’s able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, making for a satisfyingly quick car. This engine, by the way, was originally engineered for the tracks, having been used on C8.R race cars since 2019, making it the kind of powerplant that can keep producing high amounts of power, so you can drive at breakneck speeds, for extended periods of time.
That engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that, the outfit claims, combines the smoothness of an automatic with the control manual shifting provides. It has wider openings in the front fascia that feed air to cool the engine, transaxle, and even the brakes, while standard ground effects and spoiler help optimize not just the aerodynamic drag, but the cooling efficiency, too.
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 gets the outfit’s Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, an adaptive suspension system that can make dampening adjustments in as little as 10 milliseconds, while the base brakes features 14.6-inch diameter rotors up front and 15-inch units in the rear, along with six-piston calipers. Styled with wider fenders, the vehicle gets wide aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Inside, it remains largely the same as the Stingray, complete with the same three seat choices. It does get a lot more trim options, though, so you can deck it in more luxurious materials, if that’s your thing.
Chevy offers two aero upgrade packages, with the first adding a large front splitter, a pedestal-mounted rear wing, front corner mounted dive planes, and underbody strakes. The second optional offering is the Z07 track performance package, which throws in a carbon fiber rear wing, carbon fiber ground effects, specific chassis tuning, track-focused adaptive suspension calibration, Michelin Sport Cup 2R ZP tires, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and carbon fiber wheels. According to the outfit, that package delivers 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph.
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes to dealerships in the second quarter of 2022, but no price has been announced.