The C8 Corvette Z06 has what it takes to take on some of Europe’s best sports cars – or at least that’s what GM would like us to think. Now, that theory is getting put to the test on the infamous Nürburgring race track in Germany with some hot lapping to determine exactly where the mid-engine Z06 stands. According to hot shoe at the helm, the time is quite quick indeed.
The hot shoe in question is Christian Gebhardt, a 43-year-old German test driver and pro racer with 18 starts at the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance event. Gebhardt is testing the Corvette Z06 for the German publication Sport Auto, and anticipation is building for the car’s final ‘Ring time, a critical benchmark in evaluating its performance against its potential European rivals.
For now, things look promising for GM fans hoping for some new bragging rights.
“The Z06 Nordschleife lap time was recorded yesterday, and it is the fastest Sport Auto lap time of the 2024 season,” Gebhardt writes on social media.
The official time as yet to be posted, but rest assured we’re watching to see what it might be. Video captured during the hot-lapping shows the Corvette Z06 confidently navigating the tricky German race course, the atmospheric naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 singing a high-revving tune along the way.
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Providing motivation is the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine, rated from the factory at 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, all with a redline of 8,600 rpm.
The Z06 used for testing also appears to be equipped with the optional Z07 Performance Package (as well as it should), which includes big carbon fiber aero pieces, unique calibrations for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, optional carbon fiber wheels, and Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires.
Notably, Chevy will equip the Z06 with a slightly different tire spec taken from the new C8 Corvette ZR1 sometime in the near future, as GM Authority covered previously. It’s also worth mentioning that GM is continuing development of the ZR1 at the ’Ring, even after the new top-dog Vette’s recent debut.
Regardless, we can’t wait to see the C8 Z06’s final lap time! As a reminder, all C8 Corvette variants ride on the GM Y2 platform, with production taking place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
Comments
There is not a car made that can compare to the corvette’s performance for the cost of admission. Super cars are easy to make when you don’t have to worry about a budget.
The sound is truly incredible but I think it could be a little deeper to give homage to its rich muscular V8 heritage plus the deeper tone will invigorate the soul! Can’t wait to see the results for the new king of the hill ZR1 when it’s released! Chevy turned the auto world upside down with this one!!💪👍
Thats the amazing thing about the c8. Want a classic american v8 tone? Get the 6.2. Want an absolute screamer? get the 5.5. As someone who owns 2 SBC and 1 LS vehicle, the flatplane sound to me is a good change. Something different
A real Corvette is a good ol’ pushrod V8 with a cross-plane crankshaft with the option to slap a supercharger on top. Nothing beats the sound of a deep grunt cammed V8 especially when idle. When it is floored to go all out it has the most exhilarating sound, much better than the wannabe European Ferrari with a flat-plane crankshaft. The C6/C7 ZR1 have better low-end torque as well. As good as the C8 is, it’s still not true to its heritage. Which is why the C6/C7 ZR1 are the GOATs in my humble opinion.
It will definitely be faster than anything German
Omar obviously doesn’t know much about the vette. They have wanted a mid engine for most of its history.
Josh thinks because they intended to have a mid-engine Vette and never did one for 66 years in it’s entire history, and despite 7 generations, this automatically warrants it to be a part of its heritage. Such astounding logic you have.
Well that means under 7:12 which the GT4RS with Manthey Kit did. That’s pretty impressive.