Chevrolet unleashes the 2023 Corvette Z06 and its 670-hp V8

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Gearheads deep inside the speed skunkworks at Chevrolet have made good on their promise to produce a Z06 variant of the mid-engine Corvette.

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At its heart is a flat-plane crank 5.5L V8 engine, belting out 670 of the finest American horsepower on its way to a sky-high 8,600-rpm red line. A full racing-style dry-sump oiling system is on board, forged aluminum pistons, and forged titanium connecting rods. Twin 87-mm throttle bodies sing their way to peak power just 200 rpm short of red line; torque checks in at 460 lb-ft at 6,300 rpm. Called the LT6, it’ll be hand-assembled at the Corvette plant in Kentucky.

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According to GM, project engineers spent the better part of two years crafting and refining the exhaust note for this thing. Calling it a “distinctive, rich exhaust tone,” one can be assured it’ll be quite unlike any other sound in history to emanate from the hindquarters of a factory Corvette. Yes, an eight-speed dual-clutch is the transmission choice, paired with a shorter final-drive ratio compared to its Stingray brother.

The Z06 chassis has underpinned Corvette Racing’s C8.R since it began competing in 2020. It’ll pack a stance 3.6 inches (9.4 cm) wider than the Stingray, accommodating massive 345/25ZR21 rear tires and more airflow through its side air vents. Unique front and rear fascias, said to be a first for the Z06, are intended to help the car gulp atmosphere, including channeling air to a centre heat exchanger. The rear spoiler is described as ‘reconfigurable’ and tires are sized 275/30ZR20 in the front; with those 21-inchers out back.

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Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which is surely leagues better than Magnetic Ride Control 3.9.1, contribute to the Z06’s specific suspension tuning; and larger-than-Stingray brakes (six-piston up front) provide immense stopping power. Optional lightweight wheels reduce unsprung mass by 41 pounds. There will be a Z07 package on tap, including a carbon-fibre high rear wing we’ve seen in spy shots, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration, and unique Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires. Also part of the Z07 deal are Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes (15.7-inch diameter up front) and the aforementioned optional lightweight wheels.

“Virtually every component that distinguishes the Z06 was developed to support or enhance its capability,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “By leveraging the mid-engine architecture’s inherent advantages, we are able to achieve six per cent more downforce than a seventh-gen ZR1 at eight per cent lower drag.”

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Corvette engineers are so confident in this thing’s rigidity that they’re offering it in the hardtop convertible configuration in addition to the coupe trim. Inside, the design is described as an ‘elevated execution’ of the interior which debuted in the Stingray a couple of years ago. Given the vast array of colour combinations – a dozen exterior hues, seven interior selections, three seat choices, and so forth – snagging yourself a true one-of-one options car is certainly in the realm of possibility.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 begins production in the summer of 2022. It will be built from Bowling Green Assembly in left- and right-hand drive.