Chevrolet has finally revealed the 2023 Corvette Z06 and it’s coming with the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever. This new engine could be a statement on it’s down as GM has built the monster in the middle of all the electric rush.
The Z06 was always going to arrive as there has been a Z06 package for every Chevrolet Corvette since 1963. This one, however, is going into production in 2022.
Let’s hold off on the big talking point and chat about the exterior.
Based on the existing Stingray coupe and convertible, what you are looking at is mostly the same. That is with an exception to the aerodynamics package which has wider fenders, larger air vents, a larger rear wing and a race-inspired front splitter. Lightweight carbon fibre wheels also come standard, 20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the rear, all wrapped in track ready rubber.
There is also an optional ZO7 carbon fibre package. This gives the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Michelin Cup 2 R tires and a full-car aero package.
The interior mostly stays the same but there are two notable differences. These are the tachometer’s new 8600-rpm redline and the sound from that massive engine which is sitting just behind you. A very nice consideration is that, despite the Corvette being an American car, there will be right-hand drive models produced.
Alright, enough waiting, let’s talk about the engine.
The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 inside the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
For the Corvette Z06, Chevrolet did away with the 6.2-litre V8 and created a brand new LT6 engine. This is a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that out performs every other engine like it.
Featuring dual overhead cams and a flat-plane crankshaft, this beast produces 493 kW and 624 Nm. Via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, that power is all given to the rear wheels.
This has allowed it to claim another small title as being the quickest rear-wheel sprinter managing to reach 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds.
For the car nerds out there, the new engine also gets a new aluminium cylinder-block casting, a four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust manifold, dual-coil valve springs and forged titanium connecting rods.
Chevy also upgraded the brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres to improve the Corvette’s dynamic agility. Overall making this model faster and quicker than before.
Source: AutoCar | Car and Driver | Chevrolet | Jalopnik