The C8 Corvette Z06 has made splashdown, arriving as a more track-focused iteration of the latest eighth-generation C8 Chevy Corvette. Indeed, the new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is replete with upgrades compared to the C8 Corvette Stingray, and now we’re digging into the key exterior differences between these two models.
2023 Corvette Z06
C8 Corvette Stingray
Let’s start in front, where we find the C8 Corvette Z06 comes equipped with a new lower front fascia that includes larger vents to cool the engine, brakes, and transaxle. The 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 is also 3.6 inches wider, and comes with wider rubber as well (30 mm). Capping off the front end is a unique front splitter, while Z06 models equipped with the optional Z07 Performance package get an even larger front splitter and a set of dive planes.
2023 Corvette Z06
C8 Corvette Stingray
As for the profile, we find the C8 Corvette Z06 offers new wheel designs, with eight options total, including two carbon fiber wheel options. The Z06 also has a new rocker panel design and black aero trim. The side intake trim on the Stingray get a “boomerang” shape, while the side intake trim on the Z06 is “wishbone” shaped. Z06 badging is found ahead of the rear wheel on the go-faster model.
2023 Corvette Z06 with Z07 Performance Package
C8 Corvette Stingray with Z51 Performance Package
Moving around to the rear, the lower rear fascia stands out, with the Stingray offering outboard dual square exhaust tips, and the Corvette Z06 offering four central exhaust tips. The Stingray has the “CORVETTE” script below the center high-mounted stop lamp, while the Z06 does not. The Z06 is also wider in the rear than the Stingray, with a stance that’s 3.6 inches wider and tires that are 40 mm wider. The air extraction vents are also slimmer than those on the Stingray. Finishing it off is a unique spoiler treatment with an installable fixed wickerbill for the Corvette Z06. Add in the Z07 Performance package, and the rear end of the Z06 gets a large pedestal-mounted rear wing.
2023 Corvette Z06 with Z07 Performance Package
C8 Corvette Stingray
Final details include available underbody aero strakes with the Z06’s optional carbon fiber package, adding even more track-capable downforce and maneuverability. To note, the Z07 Performance package is not offered on the C8 Corvette Stingray.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette Z06 is based on the same mid-engine Y2 platform as the C8 Corvette Stingray, but the engine spec differs, with the Z06 equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine producing 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and the Stingray equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine producing 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Both vehicles are produced at the GM Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky. The C8 Corvette Stingray is on sale now, while the C8 Corvette Z06 will go on sale in 2022 for the 2023 model year.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The design changes will give a hint to those that know when the Z06 arrives. I have a feeling the average person will not notice, so nice and subtle. With the C8 there are some who have no idea what it is, others have done some homework. Either way it still gets a lot of attention.
Yes…MOST “Super Cars” and ‘high-performance’ vehicles are not clearly recognized by the general public.
Only “car people’ could tell the difference in a C7 stingray or a Z06 or a Grand Sport… and most could not recognize even a ZR1 unless it was beside another Corvette… They see “a Ferrari” or a “Porsche” or a “Lambo” and couldn’t tell you what model it is… They will ask about the C8-R because of all the ‘race car’ visuals… but otherwise will “see” a Corvette…
I agree that the “average” person may not notice all the differences but, I for one will be absolutely happy with my 22 2LT Convertible when it gets here and it will be more than capable of out performing the average driver! And I won’t have to wait another year to get it. Tomg
I also agree that the average person will never notice the differences between the two cars, also you will be able to do some mild modifications on the C8 Stingray to make it look even closer to a Zo6 without spending an additional 50k to have one.
I tend to prefer the lines of the Stingray better, but I could be biased since I have a ’21 3LT Z51. Put about 6,000 miles on it before garaging it for the winter. Loved every mile. Performance and drive is awesome. Head turns and high fives – priceless !!!
Unless people don’t have eyes they should notice the difference the Z06 is over kill and over the top Transformer compared to the 2020-22 Stingray
Can you give us an example how the Z06 is overkill? Even though there are differences between the two cars, it is NOT a huge night and day difference between the two.
If the average person can’t tell the difference between the two cars, they most likely rode the little yellow bus to school.
I rode a big yellow bus to school—my parents and grandparents either walked or rode horses to school. I bought new Vettes in 1966, 2012 and 2017. I’ve never struggled with identifying difference between Z06’s and stingrays: looking at them, racing one against the other, buying either one, paying the insurance. Easy to tell regardless how you got to school.
I think he was referring to the short bus .
Tomorrow I give our dealer my final option choices and he sends it to Kentucky..22 2LT convertible…nothing against the Z06 but how many people will be taken this car on the yrack… think about it…they’ll be using the toll roads and streets and the Cops will be waiting on them..no thanks..my Stingray is enough for me..no desire at all ti buy a car like that..but it is nice looking..
Its not all about taking it to the track. The flat plane crank engine, will allow you to rev to 8600rpm. This puts the car in the exotic category. Right up there with Ferrari and Lambo’s. The ability to own something with this much power 670 hp. and style, is very appealing. It can compete and win, with most exotic cars costing 300k and up. The high rev capability gives you much more power across the entire bandwidth.
I agree…. Currently, I have a 2018 ZL1 Camaro convertible…. The major exterior difference between that and the 2SS is the front grill and the badging. But, the supercharger and additional 200 HP is huge. To me, there are only a few things that too much is never enough…. RAM, money and horsepower…. It is better to have it and NOT need it, then to need it and not have it. I have given my deposit to my dealer for a Z06. HTC, of course
On November 11 my 22 black z51 coupe order hit 3300 status. Any educated guess when it might arrive in Oswego N.Y.
The c8 corvette is still a very nice, high performance vehicle. The mid engine design gives it better traction, and the hard top convertible is awesome! There will always be something new on the market with more horsepower. Also, for c8 owners that want more horsepower check out procharger, boost your c8 to 650 – 700 horsepower! Procharger.com
These are the good old days.
Porsche 911 Turbo S killer? for track not the 1/4
“… the C8 Corvette Z06 is based on the same mid-engine Y2 platform as the C8 Corvette Stingray…” Isn’t the Z06 a flat plane crank engine and not a V-8?
So if you buy a 06 over the stingray and never take it to a track for what it is meant for then you should not be buying it just for the engine hp .Then the only reason to buy the o6 is for the body style difference . Buying any supper car for city driving or the odd Hwy. trip is really pointless if you can’t use all that horse power . I guess its just nice knowing you have it I Guess . Its like buying a race horse and going trail riding . Lol.
We just have to much money to spend .