2023 Corvette Z06 vs. Corvette ZR1 Downforce Explained
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General Motors unveiled the go-faster 2023 Corvette Z06 late last month, introducing a new level of performance for the latest mid-engine Chevy Corvette C8. Among the Z06’s various features is the optional Z07 Performance package, which produces 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, “more than any Corvette ever,” according to Chevrolet. However, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 produces more than 1,000 pounds of downforce at 212 mph, so what’s the deal?
To clarify, we reached out to Assistant Manager, Chevrolet Car, Performance and Motorsports Communications, Trevor Thompkins, who provided some insight into the claim that the new 2023 Corvette Z06 produces more downforce “than any Corvette ever.”
“When we’re referring to downforce performance on the new Z06, we’re using 186 mph as the testing point,” Thompkins told GM Authority. “So the new Z06 outperforms the C7 ZR1 at 186 mph in terms of downforce. At 212 mph, the C7 ZR1 was creating over 1,000 pounds of downforce.”
While the standard 2023 Corvette Z06 comes equipped with a front splitter and unique rear spoiler that help the sports car stick at speed, the Z07 Performance package ups the ante with new carbon fiber aero elements like a larger front splitter, front corner dive planes, a larger rear wing, and underbody strakes, all of which add even more downforce than the standard 2023 Corvette Z06 aero package.
The Z07 Performance package also includes Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, which replace the standard Michelin Sport 4S ZP tires, while braking performance is upgraded with larger carbon ceramic rotors, measured at 15.7 inches in front and 15.4 inches in the rear. Suspension specs with the Z07 Performance package include unique FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations.
Motivation is sourced from the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine, rated at 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The LT6 is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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Corvette has never looked good with tacked on rear spoilers, Chevy needs to find a better way for Down Force
Chevrolet cares less for looks and more for performance. It is an ominous calling card when the only view offered is of the rear.spoiler. Perhaps the engineers would like a neon sign on the spoiler that flashed “BYE BYE?” Ugly is the best way to salute your closest competitor and the C8Rs ass is BUTT UGLY, like other great race cars.
It’s not well known but the reason why C7/C8 Corvette tires are run-flats is because the run-flat set up Michelin uses actually improves tire grip. It’s one of the big reasons the C7 Corvette at such a short stopping distance.
Source from Michelin:
“The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP benefits from several generations of Michelin run-flat technology, which is especially efficient in enhancing race-tire performance characteristics. Michelin has turned the technology that enables a tire to run for a limited period without air pressure into an asset on the racetrack.”
Good info. But I’ll bet the ride would be a bit less harsh with non-run flats. My wife’s Porsche 718 came with non run flats – but with a tire repair kit and inflator for emergencies. Sure wish Chevy had tire choices on the C8. I had the dealer switch out the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires on my C8 Z51.
Ten years ago, when GM switched the Goodyear runflats on the C6 Z06 to Pilot Sport Cups, the car lapped the nurburgring 27 seconds faster than before. 27 seconds is an eternity, it’s the kind of gap that separates hot hatches from sports cars. Unless they’ve pulled some wild magic since then, I doubt tire manufacturers have made runflats a better choice for anything but the highway.
Keep up the good work Chevy!
Keep up the good work Chevy
OK, but you still did not get down force numbers for the 2 models measured at the same speed. I would think, in a properly designed vehicle, down force would go up, and perhaps be somewhat proportional to the square of speed?
If you ignore Mach effects (not an issue with a top speed of M~0.25) and Reynolds # effects (bluff bodies are rather tolerant of viscosity effects until they get very small), the forces will rather precisely ratio with the square of the speed.
Measuring downforce to three significant figures is no easy task. Much more difficult than measuring aircraft performance in a wind tunnel due to the presence of a moving ground plane. A description of their test setup would be interesting.
Agreed. Last time I checked, short of wind tunnels owned by folks like F1 teams, and other big race teams the best facility for doing so was the low speed tunnel at Lockheed Marietta GA. USA
186mph is 300kph, the euro cars traditionally state downforce at 300kph
Corvette still surpasses any other “sports car”on the road. Bring on the ‘23 & simply NO WAY
for any other world rides can match them…. even the new Tesla Roadster.
By far the best bang for the buck. Bar none!!
I’m guessing I’d rather be in the new corvette she has everything my 17 and 19 had and more. It’s a ZR1 stingray and I’m gonna bet I love it on trips. Only the 04 or 12 years was good to travel. For me anyway. I’m not one who looks at the C’s or Z’s but my Chevy is a bad red jet! Loving the 22 keep it up Chevy
Definitely in the Luxury Road Missile category!
Hi,
I live in Sydney,
I tried ordering a corvette, and was told to give a $5k deposit, and wait in a queue for 5 years.
I didn’t realize that GM is so far behind in fullfilling demand for certain ‘23 ‘Vette’s. I’ve never worked in the manufacturing of vehicles but…. GM has manufactured for 100+ years now
so I’m disappointed they haven’t been able to get on top of the process by now.
Your disappointment Bryan comes from your own misguided expectations. Chevrolet has always limited the production of all models of Corvette. They know their market very well. The are fully aware of the increased level of interest in. this C-8. They are also fully aware of all the johnny-come-lately Corvette fans who have ignored wanting the car until now .Those very people want to run down to their local Chevy shop and pick up the latest and greatest super car. And those are the disappointed people complaining of long waits. Perhaps the first new Italian response to the Z06 will become your latest fascination?