FAST FACT: The Corvette Z06 was born in 1963, as an optional Special Equipment Package intended for racers. It included a stiffer suspension, heavy duty brakes, a thicker front stabilizer bar, and a large, 136-litre fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. A fuel-injected 5.4-litre engine (327 cubic inches) and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission were required with the package.
The 2023 Corvette Z06 debuts an all-new 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that marks a return to natural aspiration for the track-capable performance model.
All-new LT6 Highlights include:
All-new aluminium cylinder block casting with Small Block engine family’s signature 4.4-inch (111.76 mm) bore spacing
All-new dual-overhead-camshaft cylinder head design with fully CNC-machined combustion chambers and intake ports, supporting a mechanical “finger follower” valvetrain
Dual-coil valve springs support titanium intake and sodium-filled exhaust valves
Forged aluminium pistons and forged titanium connecting rods for low mass and high strength
Distinctive Edge Red camshaft covers
All-new active split intake manifold with twin 87 mm throttle bodies
All-new six-stage dry-sump oiling system with individual crank bay scavenging
460 lb.-ft. (623 Nm) of torque @ 6300 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
Designed to perform
Almost every exterior detail unique to the Z06 serves a purpose for aerodynamics, handling or cooling, with styling cues that accentuate the car’s sense of motion. The new Z06 will offer three increasing levels of aerodynamic support:
The standard Z06 features a front splitter and a unique rear spoiler, which includes an installable fixed wickerbill – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler that significantly increases downforce, providing 365 pounds (165.6 kg) more at 299 km/h (186 mph)
The available carbon fibre aero package adds a larger front splitter, front-corner canards (dive planes), a pedestal-mounted rear wing and underbody aero strakes, for the maximum track-capable downforce and manoeuvrability
Track-proven performance technologies Like the Stingray, the Driver Mode Selector tailors more than a dozen features of the Z06 to suit the driver’s environment, including:
Launch control: Available in Track mode for maximum off-the-line acceleration
Active handling (StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control): Z06 has performance traction management standard
Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in inclement conditions
Performance Traction Management: Available in Track mode and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving
Electronic Limited Slip Differential: Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions.
Bespoke attention to detail
Unique features include an available carbon fibre-wrapped steering wheel, shift paddles and new carbon fibre interior trim package level 2. The Z06 also features hand-wrapped leather interior options, including the all-new, available fully trimmed interior in Adrenaline Red Dipped colour.
Additional new wheel, colour and trim options offer Z06 customers the most personalization choices in the Corvette lineup, including:
Twelve available exterior colours
Seven available wheel packages, including five finishes on the standard forged aluminum wheels and available carbon fibre wheels
Seven interior colours with the opportunity to expand it to thousands of combinations
Three seat choices and six seatbelt options
Two interior carbon fibre trim packages, plus Stealth Aluminum trim option.
Six available brake caliper colours
If you’re interested in test driving a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
