The highly anticipated 2022 Corvette Z06 could be set for a July debut, according to rumors that have been circulating across the web this week.
These rumors can be traced back to speculation on C8 Corvette online forums, in addition to at least one dealership promising its customers more information would be available regarding the 2022 Z06 in July. Nothing has been confirmed by General Motors yet, though, so it’s hard to say if these rumors will hold water.
GM Authority expects the C8 Corvette Z06 to be powered by the upcoming naturally-aspirated 5.5L LT6 V8 engine, which will feature a flat-plane crankshaft. The 32-valve DOHC engine is expected to make around 600 horsepower as well as between 480 and 550 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.
Similar to previous Corvette Z06 variants, this new model will feature unique exterior styling that will clearly set it apart from the standard C8 Corvette Stingray. Spy shots taken by GM Authority photographers also confirmed a previous report of ours that indicated the high-performance Vette would be offered with a large rear wing. We believe this wing will be part of an optional Z07 performance package, which may also include lightweight carbon fiber wheels.
Additionally, our intel suggests the C8 Corvette Z06 will roll on extra-wide rubber measuring 275/30ZR20 up front and 345/25ZR21 at the rear. Sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires will be on the options list as well.
The 2022 Corvette Z06 will also benefit from lessons Chevy learned racing the Corvette C8.R in the IMSA GTLM class last year. The championship-winning Corvette C8.R is powered by a 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 that is believed to be very similar to the 5.5L V8 that will come in the road-going Z06.
We’ll have more on the 2022 Corvette Z06 leading up to its rumored July debut, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more C8 Z06 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It’s time that Chevrolet uses the C8 Corvette platform to build limited production sports cars using different engines than what powers the C8; this is what other companies do to generate collector’s items and make a lot of money.
I am not sure. I guess use your base model as a test bed. And then you build from there. But at the same time, I just think it’s important and maybe It might be a good idea to come out with your big weapon and then spill down from there? What do I now? I do know this, it seems to take American manufacturers two or three years to bring out their best cars. Whereas the other brands/German/Asian they seem to get their High performance cars either right out of the gate or not far behind. What’s taking so long American cars? Especially, GM?
Zcat, the GTLM was the test bed. What more do you want?
And the GTLM cars are obtainable for road use and the consumers? I think you got my point. If not, I’m not sure what to say.
2 years isn’t too bad, It took Ford forever to release the GT500.
What are you talking about??? Japanese car companies keep the same car in production for like 10 years or more. Look at the Nissan GTR, it was in production for 12 years. The Nissan 370, about 10 years. Subaru WRX another 10 years. That’s why. Because while they keep their old cars for so long, they’re developing in the background. The C7 Corvette only lasted about 6-7 years until the C8 came out. And yea generally the American sports cars come out with the lower and medium trims first, then they roll out the high performance trims in a couple years. The Camaro came out with the naturally aspirated 6.2L SS first, then they rolled out the ZL1 and the Z28. Same thing with the Corvette. But at least GM is bringing a new car every 6-7 years unlike Japanese companies that do it every 10-12 years.
Considering a flat plane crank is all about HP at high RPMs and very low torque I wouldn’t think it would make a good truck motor at all. Trucks need to be able pull things, and that takes torque.
I’ve been driving Corvettes my entire life and one of the reasons I keep coming back is reliability. If you buy a new Vette, maintain it properly and don’t track it, you should be able to drive it 150,000 miles without any major problems (even if you drive it aggressively). People expect this and count on it. Yes, I’m aware of the valve spring problems on the C8, nobody’s perfect. But Chevrolet is all about value for the money and building short run special edition cars isn’t part of their DNA.
I hope it will be light
Wow so the C8 has a new engine. The last gen corvette engine was a 6.2L LT1. This new one is a 5.5L LT6. The bigger LT1 was making 450hp. It surprises me that a smaller 5.5L is making 150hp more than the bigger predecessor.
The most common for the 5.5 to increase hp is the shorter stroke to increase rpm range in between shifts yielding more hp on the top. The pistons are flat and the head CC is made to take advantage of a smaller combustion space increasing a power stroke. Head design alone can increase hp by 50 hp. Add cam changes to increase lift for more air and duration can add 30 hp,
A stroked engine, the crankshaft lowers the piston travel for a longer power stroke i.e. the 6.2 evolved from the 5.3 in this manner with similar head and cam advances. I don’t know if you remember the 302 cu in for SCCA and fitted in Z/28… No 307, 350 or 396. It was “rated” 295 hp but that Z ran like it had 425 hp.
Maybe someone that has worked on the 5.5 can chime in with more info.
You are mightily misinformed. The new 5.5 is a DOHC engine. They are made for high rpm power production. HP increases at the square of engine speed. Which is why a 1.0 liter motorcycle engine makes 230+hp at 15,000rpm.
Gm need to come out with a similar truck like the raptor but maybe call it T-Rex and use the C8 motor in it
Dodge already has the TRX…
I worked on the 5.5L Cylinder Head machining system. Many machining features are being introduced in this production engine usually reserved for HP race engines. I am sure block is getting similar improvements. Technology has advanced tremendously since the pushrod engine and GM has significant experience with the 3.6L HF V6 which is a great engine. I am excited to see how the introduction of the Z06 goes. I would like to have one on order but I think they will be going for a premium. 🙁
What are you talking about.? DOHC engines were invented before pushrod engines.
Read the post, if you dont understand it I cant help you……….
Don’t they have a truck that comes with the 6.2. The C8 motor is nothing special, just your out dated push rod tech. I think they came out with it in the 50s. I know my 1957 BelAir has push rods. If your looking for modern high tech stuff, call Ford
But T-Rex’s are slow and have tiny arms lol.