20
The current mid-engine Corvette turned the performancecar
world on its head by offering near-supercar
performance for a fraction of the price of an exotic from
Germany or Italy. The base Corvette Stingray has a 6.2-liter
V-8, dubbed the LT2, producing 495 horsepower and 470
pound-feet of torque. For 2023, Chevrolet steps up the
Corvette’s performance with a new performance model
called the Z06, available in coupe and convertible. Its handbuilt
5.5-liter LT6 V-8 engine revs to 8,600 rpm and makes
670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s a direct
descendent of the engine found in the endurance-racing
Corvettes campaigned by Chevrolet. The Z06 therefore
finds itself in supercar territory for an estimated bargain
starting price of $90,000. The engine’s flat-plane-crankshaft
architecture means a different cylinder firing order, so
the Z06 has an entirely different sound to all Corvettes
before it (think Ferrari). The body is 3.6 inches wider, which
means wider tires and more aggressive aerodynamics,
and the structure has been reinforced to handle the
added horsepower and extra dynamic loads during track
outings. An eight-speed Tremec paddle-shift transmission
N E W F O R 2023
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Base price): $90,000 (est.)
Type: Two-door coupe/roadster
Engines (h.p.): 5.5-liter V-8 (670)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Layout: Rear-wheel-drive
Base mpg (city/highway/combined): n.a.
Base weight (lb.): 3,430
is standard as are 20-inch front wheels and
21-inch rears. The optional Z07 package
comes with a special carbon-fiber high wing
(for added down force), magnetic ride control
suspension, Brembo-brand carbon ceramic
brakes and Michelin Sport Cup 2R ZP tires.
Lightweight carbon-fiber wheels can be
added to the Z07 package.