New images of a C8 Corvette prototype have appeared online, showing off what appears to be an up-and-coming go-faster variant of the latest mid-engine Chevy sports car. However, while some are labeling this as the C8 Grand Sport, we’re here to tell you that it is in fact the C8 Corvette Z06.
According to GM Authority sources, this prototype is the C8 Corvette Z06 model, and not the Grand Sport. For now, the future of the C8 Corvette Grand Sport is a bit hazy, and it’s possible Chevy may not make a C8 Grand Sport at all. Rather, the Grand Sport could instead be folded into the upcoming C8 Corvette E-Ray, but as of this writing, there are no C8 Corvette Grand Sport mules or prototypes in existence.
As for the C8 Corvette Z06 prototype pictured here, we see the same camouflage and exterior components as previous Z06 prototypes, including heavy black body covers, white-and-black camo for the body panels, and wheel covers at all four corners hiding carbon fiber rollers.
As GM Authority has reported for the last year, the C8 Corvette Z06 will come equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6, which includes a flat-plane crank, dual overhead cams, and 32 valves, with a redline in the 8,500- to 9,000-rpm range. Output should be around 600 horsepower and between 480 and 550 pound-feet of torque. This engine is previewed in the competition-spec Corvette C8.R, and brings the Z06 nameplate back to its roots as an atmospheric track-ready speed sled.
Additionally, the new Z06 is expected to offer three individual aero packages with a mix of active and passive features.
The upcoming C8 Corvette Z06 is expected to arrive in the second half of the 2021 calendar year for the 2022 model year.
The new C8 Corvette Z06 will also be the first of several go-faster mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette variants, with the C8 E-Ray, C8 ZR1, and C8 Zora following later on in the model’s lifecycle.
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"I would think twice prior to ordering carbon fiber wheels or brakes, for that matter. Lastly, if you order a Z06, be careful how you order it and also who you order it from. AF"
Alex,
What exactly do you mean by those 2 last statements?
HI Bob W. - The last two cautions or caveats: 1) How you order it: the configuration can be important because certain Stingray combinations actually were put further back in the queue & those ordering weren't happy to lose their place in line, as I recall. 2) I ordered my HTC from a dealer with a small allocation. That C8 still hasn't been built. Perhaps ordering from a top 5 in terms of allocation/sales, may lead to a faster turnaround time for a Z06. Hope this answers your questions. AF
I love Corvettes and I’m especially glad Chevy bean counters let the Car Guys finally go mid engine, but I thought the new Z06 was supposed to have over 600 hp!!! I’m glad to hear it’s naturally aspirated, but I want to Chevy to destroy everyone. Don’t be afraid!!!! World Corvette Domination!!!!
A NA engine over 600 hp, emissions friendly and "decent" fuel mileage is tough to do in this price range. There are really only 2 examples currently on the market, the Aventador and the Ferrari Superfast and those are uber expensive.
The C8R is still a pushrod motor related to the LS7R. Nothing in common with the LT6 except FPC.
FPC doesn't make more power. Corvette racing has already tried it and confirmed it in magazines.
550lb-ft from 5.5L is a physical impossibility. Why do you keep perpetuating this falsehood? Expect 450-460lb-ft.
I wouldn't count on more than 8200 rpm redline. 8200rpm power peak would put the piston speed up there with the Valkyrie. I can't see that in a production car with a five year powertrain warranty (BMW M5 V10 excepted). Maybe with titanium rods and super light pistons.
1. Where did you get the information that the C8.R has a pushrod engine? If the C8.R has a pushrod engine then the C8 has have the same engine for race car homologation.
2. The FPC V8 in the C8.R is limited to 500 HP(around 600 HP without the restrictors and this gives 480ft.lbs (650Nm) for the race engine with only 500HP sence peak torque comes in at a lower rpm than peak HP). I am thinking at the lowest end 100 HP per liter at the wheels or 615 SAE HP/BHP/624PS(at 8000rpm/8500rpm limit), with a 9000rpm limit the OEM HP will be in between the min an max, and all the way to 690/700(at 8500rpm/9000rpm limit) with a GM Performance intake, a complete but emissions legal exhaust system and a tune.
3. I predict 480ft.lbs.(650Nm) to 502ft.lbs.(680Nm) although 502ft.lbs is a theoretical maximum and the aftermarket will be a contributing factor.
4. A 4.055inch(103mm) bore(assuming a 4.4 inch(112mm) bore spacing) and a 3.248inch(82.5mm) stroke equals 5.5L. At 8500rpm this stroke has a piston speed of 52mph/23.2meters per second, at 9000rpm 55mph/24.6mps. The 2L S2000 has a 56mph/25mps piston speed. The GT350 has a 57mph/25.5mps piston speed. The Hurracan has a 58mph/26mps piston speed. The Valkyrie/current F1 have a piston speed of 58mph/26mps. The Jesko has a 60mph/27mps piston speed.
I would like see photos and all tech of the new 5.5 LT6 V8 !
What’s even funnier is Chevrolet is behind others on using it as s they are with rear engine Sports Cars.