2023 C8 Corvette Z06: Here’s What We Know & Expect
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GM’s Chevrolet will debut the 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 on October 26th at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time via a live-streaming “feature film.” Following that, the Bow Tie will host a panel discussion with a “variety of individuals who will bring a unique perspective to this new supercar,” according to the automaker. With the reveal only two short days away, here’s what we expect from the upcoming high-performance mid-engine supercar.
Exterior
General Motors shared the first official photo of the 2023 Corvette Z06 late last month, giving us our first clear, camo-free look at most of the sports car’s exterior styling. Finished in Silver Flare Metallic, the Z06 shown in the image revealed the go-faster model’s C8.R-inspired front fascia and larger intakes, as well as a revised side air intake with a black-painted “wishbone” trim element. We’ve since rendered the C8 Z06 in ten different exterior colors.
The 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 makes its presence known via an imposing wide body treatment with a wide stance and flared-out wheel arches. Under those arches reside twin seven-spoke alloy wheels. At the rear, we expect to find the new center-exit quad tip exhaust setup and a revised lower fascia to accommodate the wider fenders.
Additionally, the C8 Z06 will offer an optional Z07 Performance Package, which will include new aero features such as a a more aggressive front splitter, dive planes, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires wrapping a set of light carbon fiber wheels for lighter weight and even higher levels of performance, along with an intricate rear wing, which GM Authority was first to tell you about.
Five-spoke wheels that could be weaved from carbon fiber
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will also offer a few wheel choices in several patterns and finishes, finally broadening the (arguably limited) wheel lineup of the C8 Corvette. As of this writing, we know of at least two wheel designs: the dual seven-spoke pattern shown in Chevy’s official teaser image, which will be offered in both silver and black finishes, as well as the more simple five-spoke wheels seen in the prototype above. We believe that these wheels could very well be made of carbon fiber.
And, as we reported previously, all C8 Z06 models will ride on 20-inch wheels at the front wrapped in 275/30R20 rubber and 21-inch wheels at the rear wrapped in 345/25R21. Both measurements are notably wider than the C7 Z06. The base-level tires will be a set of Michelin Pilot Sport units, potentially the 4S compound. Models with the aforementioned Z07 performance package will wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber.
Finally, the C8 Corvette Z06 will be available as a coupe (with the manually-removable roof panel) and as the hardtop convertible, which GM Authority captured undergoing testing in late September.
Interior
While the interior of the C8 Z06 has yet to be seen, Chevy released an official sketch showing the potential interior design for the C8 Corvette Z06 gives us a rough idea of what’s in store. Carbon fiber dressings and Z06 badging appear to be the most significant departures from what is currently offered on the Corvette C8 Stingray.
Of course, we expect Z06-specific seating and materials, including carbon fiber seatbacks. In addition to the differences in how the cabin looks and feels will be a new aural experience, courtesy of the Corvette’s first-ever flat-plane crank V8 engine.
Mechanical
As GM Authority reported previously, the 2023 Corvette Z06 will feature the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine. The free-breathing and high-revving V8 is expected to throw down around 615 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
The LT6 will feature a flat-plane crank along with dual overhead cams and head-spinning 8,600-rpm redline which come together to create an exotic-sounding exhaust note befitting of a world-beating monster like the new Z06. Output will be routed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In regards to suspension, we expect the C8 Z06 to be equipped with GM’s latest and greatest Magnetic Ride Control Technology, with more aggressive spring rates and stiffer bushings compared to C8 Stingray models.
Production
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will be built alongside the standard C8 Corvette Stingray at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky.
Pricing
Details on pricing, availability and options will be disclosed following its debut, but we expect a starting price around the $85,000 mark.
C8 Z06 News
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Weight reduction is what I am most interested to hear about, and is the key to unlocking incredible performance.
Z06 will be heavier than stingray but not as heavy as it would have been without the various weight saving techniques including seats, wheels and some body components.
The wide body (to allow for wider wheels/tires) and engine is where the Z06 will shine. Ferrari and Porsche will lose the crown on this one.
I will not compare the Z06 to the base stingray, but to the Z51 as that was the performance version of the stingray (and heavier). I think Z06 with Z07 package will be 50-100lbs lighter then the Z51.
“various weight saving techniques including seats, wheels and some body components”?
Don’t go out on a limb or anything, remember that GM thing known as, Mixed Materials Manufacturing? I have long said GM vary well could, and should, have been developing the “Bedford Six castings” with other materials such as magnesium or even their CarbonPro®️ a.k.a. carbon fiber composite.
The Z06 is the prefect opportunity for GM to bring their Mixed-Material tech to the next level with only cost as a possible deterrent. If not here, maybe in the Zora, I’m sure there will be more margin room their?
Mixed Material Manufacturing is already baked into the structure of the C8. There won’t be a separate structure or critical structural parts made of (more) exotic materials on any C8 variant.
The only spot there continues to be an opportunity are the swing panels and certain powertrain/driveline components.
So… kind of what Jake W said above… all those things, and not much else.
The C8 Z51 scaled by Car and Driver was 3647 lbs, I am hoping the Z06 Z07 package comes in at around 3500 lbs. To get there I think it will have magnesium gearbox housing, titanium exhaust, carbon fiber rear hatch, and rear quarters, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fiber wheels, lightweight interior package. Hence the 20K premium price for Z07. Only 2 more days to wait…
Maybe is a Magnesium alloy engine block which was rumored, but never confirmed
“Mixed Material Manufacturing is already baked into the structure of the C8”
Is there only one bread recipe, I stated (bring their Mixed-Material tech to the next level). Do you really think there is no further advancements that can be made?
“The only spot there continues to be an opportunity”?
Sorry, GM can do what ever they want to what ever “spot” of the C8 or any other platform if they so choose.
Thanks Larry!
I agree with the Zora angle.
Let the speculation cease. Bring on the reveal and the actual specs!
It’s going to be a fabulous ZO6 The base Price for a Super car of this Caliber Is outrageous
Another dual overhead cam v8? I guess GM didn’t learn from the LT5 for the C4 ZR1. They just need to stick to what they are good at. Single cam push rod V8
This is a Cosworth designed engine, and it will embarrass any of GM’s older NA pushrod engines. LS7 is obsolete.
We shall see.
We already have seen, there was an unofficially timed Nurburgring lap of 7:12, with traffic on the track, a free and clean lap will be down in the very low 7’s, and possibly even into the 6 minute club, a place no Corvette has ever been.
This car is a monster… GM’s first true exotic. Amazingly there are faster variants with turbo’s in the pipeline that will certainly get into the 6 minute club.
You guys are talking about different things. USA1 is being a bit of a tool and is referring to the LT5 from the C4.
USA1 – boy have things changed at GM since the days you’re talking about. Welcome to 2021, where GM is lowercase and GM vehicles are better than ever.
@Donovan
I’m 1,000% with you on this engine being an insane screamer, but to call the LS7 obsolete is both blasphemy and incredibly imbecilic. Take it back.
Sorry, I am not a big fan of the LS7 (unless you go way back to the 454 as I had one of those too), On the LS 427, I sent the rods out of the only one I had to drive, and while it was fun while it lasted, emissions changes killed it, and in my book if you can’t meet emissions and make the power, you are obsolete.
Still want to live in the past I see.
This engine seems to being quite well in IMSA competition and was second at LeMans. This is not the old GM and there are plenty of pushrod powered Vettes out there for those stuck in the past.
I expect the weight to climb a little. Wider car. Larger engine and wheels and tires add weight.
The key will be where they cut weight to make it a small increase. I see seats of carbon and wheels. What else?
Interesting, I think you are wrong, but we should find out soon. The engine is not “larger” base Corvette has a 6.2L this is a 5.5L, DOHC cylinder heads are however slightly heavier, exhaust is titanium therefor lighter, gearbox has a magnesium case, and some rumors say the engine block is also magnesium alloy, but that wasn’t ever confirmed. Front and real lids will be carbon fiber as are all the aerodynamic pieces. I think (hope) the Z06-Z07 package will be 50 to 100 lbs lighter than the previous Z51, and will also have very different option packages to save weight.
Now, cost…. I think the Z06 will start around $99k+ and the Z07 package will be around $119K+
This will be the fastest Corvette around the Nurburgring ever, easily dusting the much more powerful C7 ZR1
If the Z06 base price comes in around $99k+ I would expect a lot of people who are on a high performance list with their respective dealers to either drop off or stay on their list with their dealer to see what the Eray is all about. (With all the promises GM is giving the government and the huge investment they’re making in alternates to fuel maybe that is GM’s plan). A more logical approach would be to start the base in the mid eighties. There will be plenty of room for margin on the expensive options that will undoubtedly be added. In this way the high option cars would more likely be tracked while the base model would be a more affordable way for more people to get into the Z06 just to flex some street muscle.
Base price around 85K. I expect my convertible to come in around115K and will not be dropping off the list. The ZR-1 will base around 120K and the Zora 140K. All will be bargains in the Super Car world.
So you think the Z06 base price will be $85K? Which is $5K lower than the current cars are selling for? I say dream on, but we will find out tomorrow.
I think Z06 will start at 99K and go to $128K, ZR1 from $139k and Zora which will be built in very small quantities and sold mostly to collectors will be $$150K +++
My 2 cents on the E-Ray, is it is designed more for the daily driver version (I call it the doctors version) and will have a quick 0-60, Its basically a Z51 with electric assist on the front wheels, where as the Z06 is designed for the track, and all about maximum performance naturally aspirated. E-ray price will be close to the same. GM is not in the business of making lower margins on the performance variants of a vehicle.
I think some people like you have a reality disconnect on car prices and value. Right now today C8’s average transaction price is $89K, and they are sold out as far as the eye can see. On the Z06 price, this engine is expensive, likely $20K a copy, and so if you take the Z51 price and add $20K that is $95K. GM may talk about a Z06 version in the high 80’s, as a lost leader, but you would never see one built. Why would they put a $20K engine in the car and sell it for less than todays cars sell for? I don’t think you will see any Z06’s sold under 6 figures.
You have to just love people who insult people who have a different opinion than theirs. As a person who has a reality disconnect with prices and values of used cars, I just sold my Viper VOI9 at auction for $148,500 with fees. Too bad you didn’t see it. Maybe you would have paid a lot more.
Saying somebody has a reality disconnect on prices is hardly insulting unless you are steeped in insecurity. Like I said, you think GM is going to price the Z06 at the same price the C7 Z06 started at in its final year of production? NOPE! And $5k lower than the current average transaction price of the base Z51 model? NOPE! I don’t think so, and for good reason. The new engine GM is buying from Cosworth is expensive, at least $10K more expensive than the last generation Z06 engine. That is before you get to all the other upgrades in the car. You are welcome to your opinion, I am nearly certain by tomorrow we will know you were wrong, and if I am wrong, I will be the first one back here to post I was wrong and take my lumps..
BTW, GM has so many people on a waiting list for this car, if some drop off the list it will be a blessing for GM and the dealers, as the market for this car at $100-$130K will suck up all they can build likely for the whole production run. These will never sit on dealer lots waiting for customers (unless dealers get greedy with markups).
I’ve been on a list since Feb 2020. I moved from 68 to 61 with over 500 on the high performance list. Either way I’m buying. If it is $99k, I would expect a few more people to drop off the list which would put me in the dealer’s first sector. So if you have not been patently waiting on a list for a long, long time you can expect to pay more than $100k. Mine is at msrp – $300.00 unless the dealer decides to charge me $20k for a chip. Good luck!
@C8.R, sorry kiddo, you were wrong again, Z07 is lighter then even the base C8 Z51, I tried to tell you…
Given that so-much of the car is essential and can not be deleted. How low can it go and not mis-delete. How many would buy it.
So ugly. Long live the C6 Z06.
The Z06 was never about looks. If anything, this Z06 is the most true-to-form Z06 we’ve had since the C6, you should be grateful. N/A V8 with huge power, melded with track prowess. Come on, man.
Still dislike that wishbone side inlet, but wish they’d put that engine in my C8 Z51. They should have from the beginning you know.
Unfortunately production will not keep up with demand, and dealers will ask ridiculous markuips.
Exactly right, I have heard $50K markups being talked about.
Correct! Between COVID, chip and other shortages, plus behind the scenes labor issues, there might only be a very limited amount of Z06’s produced if any at all for 2022.
Of course, not much will change. They won’t mess with a design that’s selling. Duh….
May I dare say the C-7 Corvette still might look a tad better and meaner?
Basically we need a grandsport version now. Screw the eray it will not sell well anyway. They need to put the flat plane engine in stingray body for grandsport cause feankly they butchered the looks of the car with the z06 version. Its a carved pumpkin on wheels fitting for october reveal lol