When Chevrolet unveiled their first-ever, mid-engine Corvette Stingray, the world was talking about it, and Corvette purists were not too happy about the engine being placed in the middle. But there's no denying the fact the new Corvette has woken up a few automakers from their slumber. As for the Z06, it is not your "regular" mid-engined Chevy Corvette; it's the standard supercar's evil Doppelgänger.
The Z06 looks sharp; it looks like it wants to bite the rear-ends off other supercars and charge its way forward, taking the lead. For those of us who've already heard what it sounds like, we know it hasn't got its tail in between its legs when it comes to facing competition from the Porsche 911 GT3, Ferrari F8 Tributo, Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracan Evo.
The rivalry is undoubtedly lethal, but so is the Corvette Z06. The wide front and rear designs look like they've been sculpted to cut through the wind, and it looks no less exotic than any other supercar out there. It's got a ridiculously fearsome stance, and the cockpit is designed keeping in mind comfort as well, but we'll get to that later.
With an all-new 5.5-liter LT6, naturally-aspirated V8 in the middle - also claiming to be the highest-horsepower production V8 - we find out if it justifies its MSRP of $105,000 for the coupe and $112,500 for the convertible.
Razor Sharp Design For The Corvette Z06
The new Z06 has nothing in common with the Z06 models from the past. The new car is a lot more aerodynamic, handles far better, and has lines sharp enough to disrupt the wind. The wider fenders accommodate wider wheels and tires. Up-front, it features massive vents that draw clean air into a center heat exchanger, keeping the engine, brakes and transaxle cool.
To cover the wider tire tread, the designers had to stretch the front and rear fenders out a bit, being 30mm wider (front) and 40mm wider (rear) than the standard Stingray. The Z06 is not only wider but looks lower because of all the aero bodywork. Those floating exhaust bezels at the back look great, and this exists for a strong purpose: exact tuning in the exhaust note. The rear enders too, are wide, with big air intakes.
The standard Z06 gets a front splitter and a rear spoiler, which includes a fixed wickerbill being installed. The wickerbill is a small, vertical tab that's found on the edge of the spoiler: this helps to increase downforce. There's even a carbon fiber aero package, which includes a massive front splitter, a pedestal-mounted rear wing, front-corner canards, and aero strakes for the underbody that help with maneuverability on the track.
A Driver-Focused Cockpit For The Corvette Z06
The Z06's cockpit is as driver-focused as any other supercar out there. Equipped with premium materials, it has the look and feels of a Stingray; only better. The carbon fiber's there to remind you this is a lightweight car that's got intentions to put other supercars on the track, to shame.
What's unique on the Z06 is the carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifts, and level 2 carbon fiber interior trim. The customer also gets to opt for hand-wrapped leather interior options, and this includes the new Adrenaline Red.
Raw Performance From The Corvette Z06
Jay Leno is the only automotive celebrity/presenter, that's managed to get a first-hand steer of the 2023 Corvette Z06. He was stoked by its performance - and we'd like to think we'd be too, thanks to its 5.5-liter LT6 V8. He's right when he says that its bespoke engine is what makes this Z06 so special.
With 670hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, Jay believes it has what it takes to lock horns with the European supercar class. This is, by far, the best engine that's powered a Corvette, thanks to the latest engine technology it incorporates. The Z06 accelerates brutally and is one of those enjoyable, high-revving supercars in recent times.
Corvette Z06 Vs The "Best" Supercars
We're going to emphasize on two things that make a supercar appealing: its looks and performance. Styling-wise, the Corvette Z06 looks no less extreme than the Hurcan Evo and Ferrari F8 Tributo. The new 911 GT3 is unmistakably a 911, despite the many generations it has been through. The big wing on the GT3 gives it the exotic appeal it needs, but without the wing, it'd be just another 911 to behold.
On the other hand, the F8 Tributo doesn't have the charm of Pininfarina's designs, but the rear gets pass marks. The current-generation Audi R8 may have a V10 that sounds similar to a Lambo, but we'd rather be staring at the previous-generation R8 in a museum. The Corvette Z06 has evolved every time Chevrolet introduced a new one, and the same holds even today, with the C8.
Now while the Porsche 911 GT3 makes 509hp and can sprint from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds, the Audi R8 produces 620hp and manages a 0-60mph sprint in 3.1 seconds. The Ferrari makes the most power here at 720hp, plus it's the quickest too, with a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds.
Following the F8 Tributo, is the Huracan Evo with 639hp and a 0-60 time of a Ferarri-rivaling 2.9 seconds. The Italians are the most powerful cars here, but the Corvette Z06 is welcome to the party with its latest, high-performance powertrain, and tops the Lambo by quite a margin, although its acceleration times haven't been revealed.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Is An Affordable Supercar
With the prices mentioned at the beginning of this article, there's no supercar than can be had with a naturally-aspirated V8, and all the stealthy aero bits that come with it. So while it may not be the quickest, customers are going to overlook that for the sheer quality and thrill the Z06 gives you the moment you put pedal-to-the-metal!
Source: Chevrolet