Just last week, GM Authority brought you spy photos capturing an odd C8 Corvette Z06 prototype out and about testing with a camo-clad lower rear fascia. Now, yet another C8 Corvette Z06 prototype has been spotted with an identical treatment in back, lending further credence that something is going on with the mid-engine sports car’s rear bumper.
For those readers who may have missed it, the C8 Corvette Z06 prototype featured last week was a Coupe model covered in Black paint (paint code GBA). Meanwhile, this new C8 Corvette Z06 prototype is a Convertible covered in Accelerate Yellow (paint code GD0). Unlike the prototype featured previously, this Convertible is equipped with the optional Z07 Performance Package.
C8 Corvette Z06 Coupe prototype
Critically, both prototypes have black-and-white camouflage covering the rear bumper, even though the bumper itself appears to be identical (at least in design) to the current production-spec C8 Corvette Z06 bumper. As such, these two prototypes lead us to question what exactly GM is testing here.
One possibility is that GM is testing out new materials for the rear fascia, maybe carbon fiber. Another possibility is that these prototypes are equipped with some new, unseen component, and GM is evaluating how the component affects the rear end of the vehicle.
For now, the exact reasoning behind the camouflaged rear end on these C8 Corvette Z06 prototypes remains unknown, but rest assured GM Authority will get to the bottom of it and report back what we find.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette Z06 features the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine as standard, with max output rated at 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm. Under the body panels, the C8 Corvette Z06 rides on the GM Y2 platform, while production takes place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
Maybe, just a method to identify engineering mules with other modifications in structure or driveline modifications? Or just as simple as materials? Is more lurking than just the simple.
Perhaps identification of the next model. ie ZR1, Zora
A test mule with the ZR-1 drivetrain “hiding in plain site” as Tadge has described they’ve done for previous generations? A TT system would generate more heat, and maybe require the extra vending these two cars have.
Study other areas of the car. GM has the habit of camo on an area for us to focus on when another area is being tested?
My grandmother had that same wallpaper in her dining room.
So GM is creating a buzz for the media. If GM really wanted to be discreet, they would have never put on a photo-camo on the rear valence at all.
My guess is they may be offering body color lower bumper.
Yeah but…. Would that need to be road tested?
Maybe a carbon fiber rear valance option? Would want to road test that to make sure it doesn’t crack or otherwise deteriorate in actual use.