The updated Vette has a crazy new V8, reaching 0-60 in 3 seconds. But how much horsepower can this beast produce? Is the Z07 performance package worth it?

After launching the first mid-engine Corvette Stingray in 2019, Chevrolet launched another mid-engine Vette. Enter the Z06 supercar, this Corvette will dominate any track, thanks to the new 5.5-liter LT6-the highest horsepower ever used in a production car, a naturally aspirated V8. 

The new 670-horsepower, 5.5-liter DOHC V8 is equipped with aluminum cylinder block castings, with a dry oil pan, flat crankshaft and a high red line of 8,600 rpm, which is only 200 rpm higher than the maximum power. Even the peak torque mark of 460 pound-feet (623 Newton meters) has a peak of 6,300 rpm. 

There is no doubt that it is a factory with pleasant speeds, in sharp contrast to any power unit that once favored Corvette, except that it originated from C8.R. Thanks to modern technology, the 2023 Corvette Z06 can reach 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds.

Obviously, higher power requires additional air to keep the engine cool. To this end, the front panel of the Z06 directs the air to the central heat exchanger. Compared with Stingray, the new Z06 is 3.6 inches wider, making this super sports car more balanced and easier to handle. The wider posture also allows extra air to pass through the side vents.

At the back, the Z06 has elaborate floating four exhaust ports. In fact, the engineers spent about two years fine-tuning the pipeline to ensure that the Z06's sound is unique among all Vette's. 

If you are interested in aftermarket performance, please check out the features on this 2002 Corvette Z06 launched by Toyz Autoart.

The following is a quick overview of how the Vette's power unit has evolved since the iconic car was launched on the market in the early 1960s.

The new power unit is not the only factor that makes the 2023 Corvette Z06 stand out on the track. It is actually only part of the performance equation. The aforementioned wider stance allows engineers to install the largest wheels ever to decorate any Corvette production. 

We are talking about 20-inch front wheels with 275/30 series tires and 21-inch rear wheels with 345/25 series tires. If you are not satisfied with the inventory of "spider wheels", you have seven other options to choose from.

The Z06 has received a suspension upgrade, allowing the driver to use different settings for driving on a dedicated track and easy exploration. The front of this super sports car is equipped with an updated six-piston Brembos mounted on a 14.6-inch rotor. The rear brake with a 15-inch rotor is slightly larger; however, the optional carbon ceramic brake increases to 15.7 inches at the front and 15.4 inches at the rear. 

The aerodynamics are enhanced by a front splitter and a simple rear spoiler with an installable safety wicker bird, which Chevrolet says is a small tag in the corner of the spoiler. It may increase downforce, but we believe that those who pursue downforce will choose carbon fiber aerodynamic components to make supercars look similar to their racing brothers. The kit includes a more conspicuous front splitter, a diving plane on the leading edge, underbody and a large wing.

If you want the best of both worlds, choose the Z07 performance package. It has all the content we mentioned above and some additional features. It is equipped with FE7 suspension and added Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibration. In addition, Chevrolet’s super sports car will be equipped with super sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires specially built for the new Z06. The rubber can be mounted on different wheels, including carbon fiber wheels, to reduce 41 pounds of unsprung weight.

Production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 will begin next summer. Pricing details will be announced close to launch, but a good guess is that it will start at approximately $90,000. stay tuned.

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