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This is where we are talking about stores and talking about cars. Sometimes we analyze something in depth, or we talk about car history or motorsport, or we just express our own views on certain things in the automotive industry.
Well, now is the moment all of our reducers have been waiting for: the unveiling of the Z06 version of the mid-engine C8 Corvette. Surprisingly, the result was not "out there" as I expected. Kind of.
In the past, the Z06 version of Chevrolet's powerful Corvette, which focused on the track, was not only the fastest, but also the brightest. Don't get me wrong, I know that all the kicks, flips, spoilers and carbon fiber found on the Z06 package on the C7 are for a reason (with a capital "R"), but they are not very subtle. On the other hand, the C8 ZO6 and its C8 brothers do not look different. Although the rear wing is big and colorful, it looks like an optional big wing to me. Other aviation bits are equally subtle. Except for the badge and the strange carbon fiber trim that fell off the rear edge of the side shovel, the only real external sign is the tire—the rear tire.
As early as 1990, when Chevrolet manufactured the first ZR1, apart from a very small "ZR1" badge, the only real way of identification was the rear tire. They are these huge 315/35s; impressive, majestic, and effective. If you look at the new Z06 from the rear (the view you are most likely to see), you will notice that the rear tires are very large! 345/25ZR21, to be precise. Those, as children often say on the playground, are boss meat.
The front tires are large but not humongoid (275/30ZR20s), but the wheels are as wide as the Mississippi Delta: 20 x 10 inches (front) and 21 x 13 inches (rear). The rear track has been widened by an amazing 3.6 inches! This is a big leap in a world where automakers often boast that "we raised the track by half an inch."
but why? Why does the quantum jump and the rear? strength. Pack after pack of old-style torque is injected into'Murican horsepower. The new 5.5-liter LT6 is the highest horsepower naturally aspirated V8 ever launched on any production car. It's not just Chevrolet; any car, forever.
The new flat crankshaft grinder has up to 8,600 rpm, 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. The torque. We are observing 670 ponies from a five-and-a-half liter block. That is a very high ratio output. The likes are really high. Someone called Stuttgart and talked to Mercedes; I bet they would have a good, grumpy response.
It is also worth pointing out that since 2019, a version of LT6 has been powering the C8.R car. Finally, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has a "shorter" 5.56 final drive ratio.
Other highlights of the new plant include aluminum cylinder block castings with a bore of 4.4 inches and a new double overhead camshaft cylinder head design with fully CNC machined combustion chambers and intake ports. According to Chevrolet, this is to support the Z06's "finger follow" valve mechanism. At the same time, the dual-coil valve spring supports the titanium alloy intake valve and sodium-filled exhaust valve. Forged aluminum pistons and forged titanium connecting rods are also highlights of the 5.5-liter LT6.
The LT6 was assembled by hand at the Performance Construction Center in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.
Of course, in addition to the 3.6-inch column, big-big-big rear tires and the monster engine, other things separate the 2023 Corvette Z06. There are unique front and rear fascias, the front is designed to optimize cooling, while the reconfigurable rear spoiler and its adjustable wickerbill element can improve stability at higher speeds on the track. Not surprisingly, the Z06 includes specific suspension adjustments, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and larger Brembo brakes (front six pistons) than Stingray.
If this is not enough, there is also a Z07 performance package available that provides 734 pounds. Downforce of 186 mph. It also includes carbon fiber high tail and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific magnetic driving control calibration, Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and optional carbon fiber wheels.
It is also worth picking out wheel options for the new Z06. As we discussed earlier, the standard wheels are 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) forged aluminum "spider" wheels, available in five finishes. If you want, you can also use carbon fiber wheels, which weigh up to 41 pounds. In unsprung quality, this will provide you with a more flexible and responsive car.
Now, obviously, from a performance point of view, large carbon fiber wheels are the way to go. Yes, I know that other car companies have been making carbon fiber wheels for some time. But who am I kidding? I also want to buy carbon fiber wheels.
Tony Borroz has been racing antique cars and sports cars all his life. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.