The new C8 Corvette Z06 is going overseas, offering international customers breathtaking mid-engine performance thanks to a high-strung atmospheric V8 mounted just behind the cabin. That includes the Australian market, but according to a recent report, Aussie-spec C8 Corvette Z06 models won’t pack quite the same punch as U.S.-spec models as a result of a new outboard exhaust system.
Per a report from Australian publication Drive, the Aussie-spec C8 Corvette Z06 will run an outboard exhaust system that lowers overall power and noise levels compared to the standard center-mounted exhaust equipped by U.S.-spec Corvette Z06 models, as confirmed by Chevrolet and local distributor General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV).
According to the report, C8 Corvette Z06 models sold in Australia will be equipped with an exhaust system that includes a petrol particulate filter (PPF) for reduced emissions. The PPF-equipped exhaust, which was designed primarily for the European market, will also reduce noise levels and power levels, with peak output figures dropping to 474 kW (636 horsepower) and 595 Nm (439 pound-feet) of torque. For reference, U.S.-spec C8 Corvette Z06 models equipped with the standard center-mounted exhaust without PPF are rated at 670 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Both model variants are equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine.
Notably, European-spec variants of the C8 Corvette Stingray are also detuned compared to U.S.-spec C8 Corvette Stingray models, producing a maximum of 354 kW (475 horsepower) and 613 Nm (452 pound-feet) of torque, as compared to the 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque produced by U.S.-spec C8 Corvette Stingray models. Australian customers, however, are offered the full U.S.-spec C8 Corvette Stingray power and noise levels, rather than the Euro-spec model. Both C8 Corvette Stingray variants are equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine.
Under the skin, the C8 Corvette rides on the GM Y2 platform. Production takes place exclusively at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comment
Payback for the numerous models we got de-tuned versions of…first one that comes to mind is the “good” e36 M3, but there are several…
It’s still not quite the same though, as there’s a very limited demand for large capacity engines in many countries, because they tax the hell out of them (5.5 liters is not all that large for US, but is huge for many countries).
Given the weight of the C8, I wonder what the performance will look like de-tuned…I’m guessing not that impressive for the cost. Either way, I’d guess that a Porsche-like 3-4 liter twin turbo would probably do much better overseas…assuming they can actually build enough cars to truly be global.