The brand-new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has recently been released. While the latest generation mid-engined C8 Corvette brought about many firsts for the model, the Z06 looks to take it up a notch. The Z06 is on its way to the public, but TV host and one of the biggest car enthusiasts and collectors — Jay Leno was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one.
The Corvette ZO6 features on the former late-night talk show host’s personal YouTube Channel called Jay Leno’s Garage. In the half-hour-long episode, Leno gets comfortable with the new Z06 as he is accompanied by Aaron Link, the Lead Development Engineer of the ZO6. Jay goes in-depth with Link in the video as they both talk about the intricacies of the new model. Jay Leno like always shares some cool automotive anecdotes about the car, along with some kind words. Here’s what Leno has to say about the new flagship 2023 Corvette Z06.
Corvette Z06 Carbon Wheels, Interior Design
The Z06 featured in Leno’s video was kitted with the 'Z07 package' offering some extra goodies and upgrades. The Z06 itself is 3.6 inches wider than the standard C8 model. The wide-body kit is made apparent with the flared wheel-arches, seen next to the headlamps and the ample buttress of the car. Jay and Link talk in-depth about the advancements of engineering, specifically about the new Carbon Revolution Wheels on the Z06.
“I remember about a decade ago they [Carbon Revolution Wheels] were $20K a piece. You could get them for your Lamborghini or Ferrari. We put a set on a Porsche, and you can really feel the difference of how much lighter they were. But were still $20K a piece. Now, this whole car costs as much as these four wheels used to back in the day. That just goes to show the efficiency of manufacturing which is pretty amazing.”
Upon opening the doors, Link highlighted that the car features the Level 2 Carbon Fiber Trim package. But Jay was more impressed with the vertical switchgear offering an anecdote from the past. He says; “The switchgear panel on the center console reminds me of my '63 Split Window. When I was 13 [years old], there was nothing cooler than the vertically mounted radio. That’s what the panel reminds me of.”
Now the design element may seem quite an obvious reference to the Corvette’s of the past. It goes to show that only someone of Leno’s caliber could associate such a reference having spent so much time with a collection of over 150 cars and motorcycles.
Corvette Z06 Gets A Bespoke Engine
The Z06 discards the large 6.2-liter, cross-plane crank, SOHC naturally aspirated V8. Instead, it uses a brand new 5.5-liter LT6 flat-plane crack, DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated V8. GM has confirmed that the engine will only be offered with the Z06 and no other model in the brand’s lineup. The automaker has 10-12 engineers who will follow a One-man, One-engine assembly process and feature their signature on a plaque placed on the engine cover. But GM is also working on a program to allow customers to come and build their engines, for a fee, of course.
Talking about the bespoke motor, Jay said “To me, what makes an exotic car an exotic is a bespoke engine. The older engine was fine. But you could also get it in a Camaro, or a station wagon, or whatever you wanted. Now it's only in the Corvette which is pretty exotic.”
He added “I love the corporate commitment to it. They had been talking about the mid-engined corvette since the 50s. But the fact they are now not just happy with beefing up the old V8, it is a brand new one-of engine made only for this car.”
Despite downsizing the capacity, Chevrolet claims it develops 670hp and up to 460 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque is achieved at 6,300rpm and the motor redlines at a staggering 8,600rpm. It allows the Z06 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The new motor is now the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the world, taking the crown from the 630hp M195 motor used in the 2013 Mercedes-AMG SLS Black.
Leno Impressed With American Engineering
Jay is not only impressed with the engineering and quality of the Z06, but also the price. He said “I don't know how they build it for that price. I restore cars and we can’t restore them for under 100K. I don’t know how they do it. It's the best of American efficiency, American engineering.”
“If you’re an American car enthusiast, this is something really to be proud of.”, says Leno. Something we wholeheartedly believe to be true. The Z06 not only looks the part, but it is also quite an extraordinary and exotic machine.