Chevrolet unveils 2023 Corvette Z06 and its all-new V8 powerhouse

When the eighth-generation Corvette debuted as a mid-engined supercar-like design, it acquired a number of consideration. Our check drive proved the hype to be warranted. Now, Chevy has an all-new “American supercar” model of the ‘Vette in its storied Z06 track-tuned version.

On the coronary heart of the Corvette Z06 is an all-new 5.5-liter V8 engine, the LT6. This naturally-aspirated gasoline burner has a flat-plane crankshaft design permitting it to show at as much as 8,600 rpm whereas producing 670 horsepower (500 kW). Taking course from Corvette Racing, the design crew not solely labored on the distinctive engine and exhaust, however utilized the chassis of the C8.R race automotive that started competitors in 2020. Engineers have joked that the C8.R was “the Z06 hiding in plain sight.”

The LT6 is hand-assembled in Bowling Inexperienced, Kentucky, at Chevrolet’s Efficiency Construct Middle. Its all-aluminum cylinder block casting has the Small Black engine’s signature 4.4-inch (112-mm) bore spacing. The twin overhead camshaft cylinder head design is all-new, with CNC-machined combustion chambers and consumption ports, together with a mechanical “finger follower” valvetrian. Twin-coil valve springs assist titanium consumption and sodium-filled exhaust valves. Pistons are solid aluminum, whereas connecting rods are solid titanium for decrease mass and excessive power.

The 5.5L’s energetic cut up consumption manifold can also be new, and sports activities twin 87-mm throttle our bodies. The six-stage dry-sump oiling system is likewise new, and makes use of particular person crank bay scavenging. Exhaust headers are four-into-two-into-one and made from stainless-steel.

Engine output specs for the brand new LT6 are per J1349 requirements, producing 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 460 pound-feet (623 Nm) of torque at 6,300 rpm.

Hoping that the six victories, seven pole positions, and 2020 GT Producers title translate to a road-legal model of the brand new Corvette, the Corvette Racing crew and Chevrolet’s engineers tuned the suspension with up to date Magnetic Trip Management. The modifications to the Z06 made it wider than the Stingray (3.6 inches or 9.4 cm) to accommodate huge 345-series rear tires and bigger aspect air vents for higher airflow for the engine. The broader stance comes with 20-inch wheels up entrance and 21-inch wheels within the rear.

The brand new Z06 has distinctive entrance and rear fascias (a primary for Z06 fashions), the entrance made to optimize cooling wants and the rear for higher airflow administration and to accommodate a typical, reconfigurable spoiler with adjustable wickerbill parts. Light-weight and inflexible carbon fiber wheels can be found for the Z06, decreasing weight by about 41 lb (18.6 kg).

Brakes are upgraded to six-pistons up entrance for higher braking management and cooling. The eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission has a shorter 5.56 closing drive ratio for higher acceleration.

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Obtainable for the Z06 is a Z07 efficiency bundle, which provides 734 lb (333 kg) of downforce at 186 mph (299 km/h) for better monitor functionality. That is greater than any Corvette … ever. The bundle embrace a carbon fiber excessive rear wing and floor results, together with particular chassis tuning and calibration of the Magnetic Trip Management for the distinctive Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires fitted on the Z07 improve. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes are additionally a typical a part of the improve, whereas carbon fiber wheels stay optionally available.

The brand new Z06 additionally contains driver-controlled launch management, energetic dealing with, traction management, efficiency traction administration, and digital limited-slip differential settings by means of the Drive Mode Selector.

Manufacturing of the 2023 Corvette Z06 begins mid-year in 2022 and can embrace each left- and right-hand drive items. Chevrolet guarantees extra manufacturing specs, pricing, and different particulars nearer to launch in late 2022. There’s extra info within the video under.

Supply: Chevrolet