General Motors pulled the sheets on the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 last October, introducing an all-new, next-level performance model variant for the mid-engine C8 Corvette. Press photos of the new Corvette Z06 show the sports car equipped with four centrally placed exhaust pipes – however, GM Authority also has photos of a Corvette Z06 test vehicle equipped with outboard exhaust outlets. So then, what exactly is going on here?
GM Authority reached out to GM for an explanation regarding the different exhaust pipe configurations. Per a GM spokesperson:
“The outboard exhaust was our original design, the center exhaust is the latest – there will not be a choice available.”
So, despite the outboard exhaust pipes seen on the test vehicle, the final production 2023 Corvette Z06 will instead come equipped with four centrally placed exhaust pipes, as featured in the vehicle’s official press images.
The overall look of the 2023 Corvette Z06 is more aggressive than the “standard” C8 Corvette Stingray, with a widebody design and enhanced aerodynamics. In fact, Chevy says the only exterior components shared between the C8 Z06 and non-Z06 models are the doors, the roof, and the hatch. Both a two-door coupe and two-door retractable hardtop are offered.
Further performance upgrades can be had with the optional Z07 Performance Package, which adds a fully carbon fiber aero upgrade consisting of a larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a new rear wing, and an underbody strake. The package also includes upsized carbon ceramic brake rotors, sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, unique FE7 suspension with Z07-specific Magnetic Ride Control dampers, and optional carbon fiber wheels. Regarding the wheels, these composite rollers cut a massive 41 pounds of unsprung mass.
Behind the cabin, the 2023 Corvette Z06 is equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine, while under the body panels is the GM Y2 platform. Production takes place at the GM Bowling Green facility in Kentucky.
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Comments
It’s ok to make comments here, not attacks. Find a forum somewhere else.
Where did anyone make an attack?
Love the center up exhaust, flat plane crank engine, 3 inches wider body….what is not till like here? Performance levels in McLaren and Ferrari range at 1/3 the price not to mention it’s American made quite frankly a USEXOTIC. Just wish GM would get a better grip on those dealers that looking for extreme sums over MSRP. Jerry
I really don’t think anyone seriously expected outboard exhaust tips ever since the Z06 reveal. It would also seem impractical to produce two physical exhaust placements.
Glad they are in the middle, it immediately distinguishes it from the Stingray.
I know some people get really picky about this, but I do not care. I care about performance numbers and the driving experience in the cockpit. As for looks ? I started looking under the skin first. The mechanical setup is pretty gorgeous to me, not concerned with the skin.
After staring at the 2021 C8 in my garage for a few nights, I thought about the first time I saw a F117 fighter jet. And was confused by the design until it was explained why the outside looked that way.
I looked up the performance specs of the F40, Countach, Testarossa. The dream cars of my youth. The new corvette base car seems to out perfrom every one of these. Which puts a smile on my face. You cannot buy happiness, but you can buy a corvette.
I know a lot of people tried to alter the new C8 with different exhaust to regain mid mount like previous models. I just wanted the performance. Not worried about the look.
If you don’t care for center exhaust I’m guessing, not really sure, but if the E Ray has the 6.2 motor it will probably have they outside corner exhaust. You have to choices, the Stingray and the E Ray.
Love the center up exhaust, flat plane crank engine, 3 inches wider body….what is not till like here? Performance levels in McLaren and Ferrari range at 1/3 the price not to mention it’s American made quite frankly a USEXOTIC. Just wish GM would get a better grip on those dealers that looking for extreme sums over MSRP. Jerry
How much is the new 23 model with the C7 package less carbon fiber wheels. Lol. Had 1 on a sprint car once. No for me lol