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Why Is GM Hiding This C8 Corvette Z06 Bumper?

Production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 began just a few months ago. Despite the relative “youth” of the new C8 variant, new photographs captured by GM Authority spies show a curious prototype testing with a camouflaged lower rear fascia. Normally, this would not be all that noteworthy, as automakers, most certainly including GM, routinely test new products, designs and features to determine their efficacy. However, what makes this prototype interesting are its similarities to the current production-spec C8 Z06 bumper. So, what’s going on here?

GM Authority spent a good amount of time trying to find the differences between the production-spec and prototype bumpers / rear fascias. Visually, they appear to be exactly the same, notably featuring the center-mounted exhaust tips.

Production-spec C8 Corvette Z06 bumper.

Production-spec C8 Corvette Z06 bumper

Prototype C8 Corvette Z06 bumper.

Prototype C8 Corvette Z06 bumper

So if the design is exactly the same, then why would GM camouflage the bumper? Well, one of the reasons we can think of is that The General is testing a new material for the lower rear fascia, such as carbon fiber. Another reason is that this prototype integrates a new component, and engineers are testing to see how it interacts with the valance in question.

We want to know, what do you think this is all about? Let us known your thoughts in the comments section below!

2023 Corvette C8 Z06.

As a reminder, the 2023 Corvette Z06 is powered by the 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline, ripping out 670 horsepower at a sky-high 8,400 rpm, along with 460 pound-feet of torque. This output is exclusively routed to the rear wheels via the GM eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the powertrain is arguably the most impressive aspect of the C8 Z06, the available Z07 Performance Package elevates the track monster’s performance even further, featuring items like the FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations, Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, larger carbon ceramic brakes, and optional carbon fiber wheels.

Under the aggressive body work, the Corvette Z06 rides on the GM Y2 platform, the same vehicle platform that underpins all C8 variants. Production takes place exclusively at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.

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As a typical Florida Man, Trey is a certified GM nutjob who's obsessed with anything and everything Corvette-related.

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Comments

  1. There is a Z06 on EBay for $525,000. Yikes

    Reply
    1. Wow. I can buy two Lambos for that.

      Reply
  2. Could be ZR 1 embossed script in the panel. There are no Z06 markings. Just a wild guess.

    Reply
  3. Likely some changes to accommodate twin turbos for the ZR1??

    Reply
  4. While the “race car inspired” 3 piece coil-over with helper spring and stiff light weight stabilizer bars on the FE6 and FE7 have just begun to impress; the FE8, FEJ, FEH and FEZ have yet to arrive.
    And as Forest Gump said, “that’s all I am gonna say about that!”

    Reply
  5. I suggest that it might not be a plain Z06. It looks like it has body color accents which I believe is standard for E-ray. So it might be an E-ray with the Z06 motor instead of the Stingray motor. This would give it 845hp with the front electric motor. ZR1???

    Reply
  6. Did anyone else notice that it also has dive planes in the front and the low wing out back? Definitely interesting but doesn’t look like much to be derived from the pictures.

    Reply
    1. Good catch…supports the hybrid Z06 / E-Ray theory (pardon the pun…lol). Assuming the front electric motor is there for the ZR1, maybe they can amp it up a little from 160 to boost the total hp…

      Reply
  7. It “made you look”!

    Reply
  8. I am guessing the corvette is an E-ray, wearing the Z06 exhaust format, judging by the different roof vents around the rear window.

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  9. My theory is it’s a new material to handle the heat from the turbos the ZR1 is rumoured to have. Hope so!!

    Reply
  10. Maybe the ZR1 testing. Looks like it needs some ECU mapping. Appears to be running rich. Just a guess of course.
    Finally got my 23 ZO6 but haven’t driven it because of living in MI. Killing me that it’s just sitting there. Such a beautiful car.

    Reply
  11. Just looking over my C8 Corvette Stingray book the other day and I was reminded of how beautiful and clean that CERV III car was. Rounded, clean shape, hidden headlamps, C5/C6 rear back glass hatch protecting the mid mounted V8. Long, boat tail rear end. It stood in a real stark contrast with what this cartoonish C8 is. And it’s a shame the designers did not look to CERV III as their inspiration.

    Reply

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