The upcoming Corvette C8 Z06 is set to raise the bar on the eighth-gen Vette’s performance potential, with more of everything that makes the standard C8 so good, including more power, more grip, and bigger aero. Add it all up, and the upcoming Z06 will have the goods to challenge some daunting exotic rivals. Now, the new Corvette C8 Z06 has been spotted testing alongside the heavy-hitting Ferrari 458 Italia.
For those who may be unaware, the Ferrari 458 Italia is the successor to the F430, produced between the 2010 and 2015 model years. Motivation is sourced from a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 4.5L V8 producing 562 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, all of which is routed rearwards by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The sprint to 60 mph takes 3.3 seconds, with top speed rated at 210 mph. Base price for the 458 in 2015 was $239,340.
It’s an impressive bit of kit, and a true exotic in every sense. All told, the 458’s inclusion in testing for the upcoming Corvette C8 Z06 speaks volumes about the new Vette’s performance potential.
So then, will the new Z06 have the goods to challenge the 458 on the racetrack? So far, the odds of that are looking good.
As GM Authority reported previously, the new Corvette C8 Z06 will feature the naturally aspirated, 32-valve 5.5L V8 LT6, which is loosely based on the architecture of the twin-turbocharged 4.2L V8 LTA Blackwing found under the hood of the now-discontinued Cadillac CT6-V. Upgrades in the LT6 include a larger bore and stroke, as well as no turbos and a flat-plane crank.
Put it all together, and the new LT6 is expected to throw down with an estimated 615 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, revving to a screaming 9,000 rpm and driving the rear axle through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also sounds quite tasty, as evidenced by recently spied acceleration tests at Milford.
Additionally, the new Corvette C8 Z06 will feature a wider stance, plus optional lightweight carbon fiber wheels and a massive rear wing, all of which will help it to make good use of that power.
Best of all, the go-faster Vette won’t cost an arm and a leg, with a base price estimated at roughly $85,000. A figure like that would make the new Z06 a jaw-dropping bargain compared to the 458, as well as rival exotics like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, another model seen testing with the new Z06.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive Wheels | Power (hp / kW @ rpm) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) | 0-60 mph (sec.) | Top speed (mph) | Base price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | Atmospheric 5.5L V8 | 8-speed DCT | RWD | 615 / 459 @ TBD (est.) | 490 / 664 @ TBD (est.) | Under 2.9 | TBD | $85,000 (est.) |
| Ferrari 458 Italia | Atmospheric 4.5L V8 | 7-speed DCT | RWD | 562 / 419 @ 9000 | 398 / 540 @ 6000 | 3.3 | 210 | $239,340 (2015) |
| Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Twin-turbo 3.8L H6 | 7-speed DCT | RWD | 700 / 515 @ 7000 | 553 / 750 @ 2500-4500 | 2.7 | 211 | $293,200 (2018) |
The new Corvette C8 Z06 is expected to debut in July.
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Comments
The 458 was the final and quintessential NA, FPC V8. The Z06 seek to emulate the personality and sprit of 458. it is. Flattery! Praise, not rivalry.
The ZR1 will be TT.
I’ll miss n/a high performance engines..
Those are serious cars to benchmark against. 458 for the driving experience and the GT2RS for ruthless performance.
Those are serious cars to benchmark against. 458 for the driving experience and the GT2RS for ruthless performance.
MERICU!!!
I’ll take the Ferrari any day of the week. Hand built.
Going to be such an amazing car. Was really hoping for more power though. Something like 650 has a nice ring to it, but it will do until the ZR1 comes out. Again, thank you GM, you people are amazing.
Corvette has always been known to be fast in a straight line, but worthless in corners. A hammer instead of a scalpel. Now they’re trying to compete with the finest *driving* cars on the planet. I applaud GM. A high mileage 458 goes for $160K, you wouldn’t want to bear the repair costs, and they don’t get driven much. Brilliant!
Looks as though the front trunk is no longer a trunk.