GM Authority recently took a deep dive into the aerodynamic properties of the Corvette C8 Z06, revealing design and aero cues taken from the Corvette Racing C8.R. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the rolling stock designed to plant the track-focused mid-engine beast to the pavement.
As you can see from our spy shots, the upcoming C8 Z06 is riding on a set of dark, five-spoke wheels. Each spoke of the simple, open five-star pattern has an aerodynamic trailing edge, with five lugs to support the five spokes, and low-profile rubber. From what we know as of this writing, this will be the standard wheel offered on the vehicle.
Besides the “regular” set of wheels, we’ve also heard that the Corvette C8 Z06 will also offer a set of carbon fiber wheels as an option for those interested in attaining maximum track performance.
As GM Authority reported previously, the C8 Z06 will ride on a set of 20-inch 275/30R20 tires up front and 21-inch 345/25R21 rubber out back. Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires will likely be standard, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires will be offered as an option on track-focused packages. The Cup 2s are basically street-legal racing slicks.
Sources tell GM Authority that the tires will be a Z06-specific specification and compound generally known as TPC spec, or Tire Performance Criteria. They are an exclusive GM tire specification for the tire that’s different from the “regular” version of the same brand or model tire that is not TPC.
This approach has precedent, as GM is using a TPC-spec tire on the new 2022 Cadillac Blackwing ultra-high-performance luxury sedans – the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. Both models feature Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
The tires on the Blackwing models are TPC spec, which means they are uniquely developed for the V-Series Blackwing cars. When buying them on Tire Rack or elsewhere, the tire will say TPC on the sidewall, which means they were specifically made for the cars. The specialty spec impacts the stiffness of the tire and various other characteristics of the rubber. For the Blackwings, the Corvette team went through various submissions of tires to ensure that steering, wet performance, and dry performance was dialed in just right.
The Z06 TPC spec tires will complement the design changes and aero upgrades borrowed from the C8.R, enabling even better handling than a C8 Stingray with the Z51 package, to make it presumably the most track-capable Vette yet.
The customized rubber will also go far in transferring the power of the Z06’s new atmospheric 5.5L LT6 V8 engine, also based on the powerplant in the C8.R, to the road, whether on the track or down a country highway. The high-revving, DOHC 32-valve powerplant will feature a flat-plane crank and is expected to make around 615 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. By contrast, the Stingray’s 6.2L LT2 V8 is rated at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional Performance Exhaust.
The Corvette C8 Z06 will use a version of GM’s Tremec-supplied eight-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Chevy will reveal the 2023 Corvette Z06 on October 26th. Be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more C8 Z06 news, mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Are the ‘standard” Z06 wheels (shown here) aluminum or magnesium?
I would guess aluminum.
My understanding (someone correct me if I’m wrong) is that carbon fiber and magnesium wheels are fairly close in weight. There are Pros & Cons to both, but I suspect carbon fiber is going to take over for magnesium in a lot of use cases. Assuming that’s correct, there isn’t much reason to offer both. So I’m banking the stock wheels will be aluminum.
I own a 2010 Z06 which I bought new in September of 2009.
There’s nothing desirable to me about any Corvette after the C6 generation. They’ve lost their iconic look and are trying to be something they’re not, exotic. This Z06 looks ridiculous with that stupid wing and its crappy body lines. I hate it; and my 2021 911 turbo S will eat it alive.
The 911 is double the price of the Corvette… Have a good day.
One thing for sure your sawed off runt, half a jellybean looking, overpriced nazimobile will eat alive is your wallet.
Really??? My 2019 E63s AMG Wagon will eat your 911 turbo S alive. A 911 owner calling another automobile over rated…lmao! I tell Porsche owners all the time, unless your driving a GT3, don’t even try me!
Mike,
There’s absolutely no comparison to this car and yours. The C8 is now far more upscale and refined.
I too owned a 911 Turbo and while it is a great car I personally don’t think it is worth the 200k+ price tag. I sold it and took my wife on a first-class vacation to Europe which was awesome. I drove the new C8 and was overall impressed with the vehicle for handling but most of all the standard features. I priced out a new C8 IMSA Edition and it came in at $100k. Bottom line the 911 may have a one or two-second advantage but the 911 is not worth 100k+ more than the C8. I can buy two for the price of one 911. Enjoy your 2010 X06 and 911.
Wondering if GM’s “Flat Plane Crank” engine will shake as badly as Ford’s has been known to do ?
The Ford 5.2 FPC doesn’t shake but it burns a lot of oil and blows up with a very high level of frequency especially during the first two model years of production.
What I saw in that pic are HUGE brakes on carbon discs and track rubber. Love it or hate it it will have wild specs.