Break out the barbecue and ice chest to celebrate the arrival of the first mid-engine Corvette Z06. The first high-performance spec of the eighth-gen Corvette C8 was officially unveiled via live stream at L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum. With that, here are all the facts and goodies the 2023 Corvette Z06 is bringing to a track day near you. Starting with the engine, the new Corvette C8 Z06 is rolling heavy with a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 cranking out 670-hp and 460 lb.-ft of torque. The engine is made out of aluminum using a flat-plane crank, aluminum-made forged pistons, and titanium connecting rods for strength and less weight. It breathes through four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust headers. As a result, the 2023 Corvette Z06 boasts a zero to 60 mph time of 2.6-seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.
The Z06 variant is meant to be a track-focused Corvette. The new 2023 Corvette Z06 was developed in actual racing events under the C8.R racing program. Visually, the Z06 is wider than the standard C8 Corvette. The tires and wheels are also larger, and there is a carbon-fiber package that includes a front splitter, front-corner canards, underbody aero strakes, and a pedestal-mounted rear wing. In addition, buyers can choose the optional carbon-fiber wheel package to shave 41 pounds off their Z06’s curb weight. Chevrolet claims the 2023 Corvette Z06 can pull 1.22g laterally through the corners.
The interior can also be ordered with a weight-saving carbon fiber steering wheel, paddle shifters, and trim. A new leather Adrenaline Red interior color has also been added to the Z06 option list for a total of seven colorways. Multiple color options extend to the Brembo brake calipers, wheels, and seat belts. In addition, customers will have a choice of three different seats and an aluminum package to make their new Corvette Z06 stand out from the pack. Chevrolet plans to offer the 2023 Corvette Z06 in both left and right-hand seating configurations so anyone can enjoy it. Pricing has not been announced, but the 2023 Corvette Z06 will be available in the summer of 2022.
In other automotive news, check out the 2022 Range Rover.
