The Chevrolet Corvette is arguably one of the most iconic American sports cars ever. It has been around for over 60 years and evolved 8 times since then. Each generation has featured a long list of changes and improvements, but the latest eighth-generation Corvette took things to another level.
Now, Chevrolet has announced a refresh of this platform that comes in the form of a 2023 Corvette Z06. And just like the previous model, it’s a full-fledged supercar you can get for sportscar money!
What Makes the C8 Corvette So Special?
Before we go any further and discuss all the juicy details about the upcoming 2023 Corvette Z06, it’s important to get an idea of what it’s based on. The C8 or eight-generation took car enthusiasts across the globe by surprise when it made its debut. Just the fact that it was a new generation of the Corvette is big news by itself, but the C8 brought changes people didn’t see coming.
From the beginning, the Chevrolet Corvette has always been a front-engined sports car that usually featured an LS type engine. The formula remained nearly the same until the C8 – a big powerful engine in the front, basic interior, and a lightweight chassis allowing for impressive performance without breaking the bank. While some of that still holds true with the C8, some don’t. With the eighth-generation Corvette, Chevrolet decided to position the engine in the middle, making it a mid-engined V8 sports car.
Another big change came in the form of the company focusing on improving the interior and features. While the low-quality materials weren’t a problem to many, the company took the step to ensure that it could hold its own in the global market.
That’s not all, Chevrolet also made sure that the C8 looked the part with what can be best described as a sharp and aggressive design. While the previous-generation Corvettes looked like capable sports cars, this one has the stance of a supercar.
The C8 Corvette wasn’t significantly more powerful than the previous generation models. Yet, it received other enhancements that helped its overall performance. Along with an improved electronics system, the mid-engine layout and revised suspension elevated its handling capabilities.
Almost every review of the C8 Corvette couldn’t stop complimenting how drastic the evolution was with the eight-generation. Now though, there’s a Z06 on its way and if you know anything about Corvettes, you already know how exciting that is.
Z06 Package – Where It Started?
The Z06 is a performance package that’s nearly as old as the Corvette. This package was introduced by General Motors engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov (Zora Option 6, or Z06) and his team during the same time when General Motors decided to stop racing.
This meant that even though the package was developed to enhance the Corvette’s racing abilities, there was no participation from the company. Instead, it went on to become a package that was offered to customers that made their Corvettes race-ready.
The reworked 1963 Corvette also had a sportier package, but this time it was put together when the car was still in its development phase. When made available, it was deemed as the Special Equipment Package which went under the dealer code Z06.
This package added a bunch of features, including a more powerful engine, a lightweight fuel tank, a close-ratio gearbox, and a sportier differential. These were huge changes and ones that revealed that the Z06 package meant business.
The Z06 package also included big changes to the suspension to further enhance its capability on the racetrack. It added stiffer springs and an anti-roll bar among other changes.
2023 Corvette Z06 – What We Know So Far
Just like the original, the Z06 package on the 2023 Corvette is promising to be extremely impressive. Here’s everything we know so far.
Performance
General Motors hasn’t hesitated in teasing the 2023 Corvette Z06 from time to time. When the company revealed details about the engine, it became a talking point among car enthusiasts across the globe.
While there was a lot of speculation about what engine was going to power this car, Chevrolet went on and confirmed that this car will in fact feature a flat-plane crank LT6 V8. The flat-plane crank V8 is what gives Ferrari engines their exotic exhaust note and performance, but that’s not all they are known for.
This is the same engine configuration race cars use, as it has several advantages. The one in the new Corvette Z06 is likely to be the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine ever. The 5.5-liter unit makes a claimed 670 HP while revving to a truly impressive 8600 RPM. Just those numbers have the potential to change the way people look at Corvettes. Chevrolet has also done a great job at teasing the exhaust note and let’s just say it is set to be one of the best-sounding V8s the company has ever made.
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will send its power to the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
As you may have guessed, the company has been working on this Z06 for quite a while. The prototypes of this engine were ready back in 2015.
Interestingly, the LT6 weighs only 2.2lb more than the LT2 but makes 175 HP more. For reference, it’s 30 lb lighter than the previous generation Z06 engine (LT4) and still produces an additional 20 HP.
The new engine keeps its weight down despite being equipped with a dry-sump oil system. Another fun fact is that General Motors doesn’t consider this engine to be a sixth-generation small block. Instead, the company has decided to call it the small block Gemini.
Top Speed
The standard Corvette C8 is capable of reaching a top speed of 194 MPH. While that’s close to 200 MPH, it’s not close enough in the supercar world. 200 MPH is a milestone figure for performance-oriented machines, and we have no trouble believing the significantly more powerful 2023 Corvette Z06 will cross this mark.
There’s still no official word from Chevrolet, but according to online reports, it appears as if that will be the case.
The report suggests that the owner’s manual has recommended shift points, and it suggests shifting into the sixth gear at 188 MPH.
That certainly doesn’t directly reveal a top speed of over 200 MPH, but it’s highly suggestive of one as the 2023 Corvette Z06 only has to do an additional 12 MPH in sixth to achieve that figure. When you factor in just how powerful the new V8 engine is, it looks like something it will manage without much fuss.
Suspension
Like the Z06 versions before it, performance gains are always paired with suspension improvements. The 2023 Corvette Z06 features a reworked suspension that has not only been designed to accommodate the wider wheels and tires but also to handle the big jump in power and torque.
The company claims that the Z06 benefits from stiffer springs that have a 35 percent higher ride frequency. Chevrolet has also said that they were able to stiffen the ride without making changes that would come at the cost of ride quality.
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will go on sale with two suspension options – stock and Z07. The stock options will consist of General Motor’s Magnetic Ride Control. This suspension option is ideal for those looking for a good mix of comfort and sporty handling characteristics.
That said, it will have its limitations, especially on the racetrack and that’s where the Z07 Performance package comes in. It will offer near-track-ready suspension at the cost of some degree of comfort. What is quite nice though, is that both suspension options come with a nose-lift. A must-have function with the Corvette’s low-slung front end.
The car was subject to several other changes that help improve its handling, including changes to the chassis. Aerodynamic improvements and a weight reduction also help step-up things even further. The 2023 Corvette Z06 features wider and stickier tires with 275/30ZR20 in the front and in the 345/25ZR21 rear running a staggered configuration. As far as wheels go, we’re most excited by the carbon fiber wheels that will be an option for this car. The additional power and grip are also complemented by a more powerful set of brakes.
2023 Corvette Z06 Cooling Enhancements
With added power comes more heat. This is exactly why General Motors has had to make big changes to improve the cooling capability of the Z06. The company has claimed that it has achieved a massive 50 percent increase in cooling efficiency. Chevrolet managed this with the help of two additional radiators taking the total to five. That’s not all, the fans are also more powerful this time around.
The wider bodywork of the 2023 Corvette Z06 certainly adds to the visual drama which perfectly cloaks the functional aspects of the car’s design. The vents on the side are larger and allow for a 20 percent increase in airflow to the engine.
The car also has a unique front fascia cover, that can be removed to increase airflow in the front by up to 75 percent. These changes will ensure the 2023 Corvette Z06 stays at the right temperature even under heavy usage at the racetrack.
2023 Corvette Z06 Features
The 2023 Corvette Z06 is also well-equipped in terms of features. The 8.0-inch touchscreen has on its cool-looking dashboard supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the company hasn’t revealed the sound system options – it’s expected to have a 10-speaker or 14-speaker system.
The interior of the Z06 will use sportier materials relying heavily on significant amounts of microsuede and carbon fiber. The seats are also more supportive thanks to more aggressive bolsters.
The Z06 will also get a Performance Data Recorder which, as its name suggests, lets you record video and performance data.
How Much Will a 2023 Corvette Cost?
One piece of information that remains unknown about the 2023 Corvette Z06 is its price. Chevrolet has given us a fair understanding of almost everything else, but we’re still waiting for price confirmation.
However, from what the specifications and equipment reveal, one can expect a premium of $25,000 over the base 2023 Corvette. What that would mean is that the 2023 Corvette Z06 could have a starting price of around $90,000 when it hits the market.
When Can I Build a 2023 Corvette?
Chevrolet is set to begin producing the Corvette Z06 in the summer of this year. These cars will then start being shipped out and sold as a 2023 model. That being said, one can expect huge premiums and a long waiting list during the initial period just like it was with the standard Corvette C8 when it just arrived.
The Chevrolet Corvette website has a neat configurator for the Z06 that is now operational. You can go through many different paint and wheel choices while also picking out certain options. It is a good idea to get an idea of what you want with the help of the configurator before making your way to the dealer to finalize your 2023 Corvette Z06 build.
How Many 2023 Z06 Will Be Built?
You don’t have to worry about availability with the 2023 Corvette Z06 as it’s not a limited production run. Like we said earlier, it may be difficult to get your hands on in the beginning due to demand, but sooner or later there will be plenty of examples for everyone interested.
Chevrolet is also expected to launch a limited-run version called the 70th Anniversary Edition alongside the standard version of the Z06. That said, this special edition version is mechanically identical to the Z06 and will appeal to those looking for special cosmetic bits. Overall though, Chevrolet is expected to make more than enough 2023 Corvette Z06s.
