The reveal of the Ferrari 296 GTB was one of the most well received releases from Maranello in recent times. The 296 GTB offered styling that was heavily inspired by the classic 250 LM, and the 120-degree V6 engine producing 819 hp with the addition of its 122 kW electric motors was certainly an exciting prospect. In an age when a lot of Ferrari’s look quite similar, it's been one of the most exciting releases from the Scuderia in recent times.

However, Ferrari should probably be quite worried. While the 296 GTB is no doubt an exceptional car, so is the 2023 Corvette Z06. Chevrolet’s latest Corvette is one of the most exciting in the long history of the sports car, and one that offers huge levels of power and performance for a fraction of the price of pretty much any Ferrari. Corvettes aren’t such a big deal over in Europe, Ferrari’s stamping ground, but it will have the Italians worried. Because Chevrolet can undercut them on price and offer one of the most capable performance cars of current times.

Its Fine-Tuned V6 Power Versus Brute Force V8 Goodness

2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 Orange Rear View
Via Chevrolet

Something that really gets us going about the Z06 is the brute force of its power. This is at a time when electrification and hybrid power seems to be the main talking point. But Chevrolet has done wonders with the Z06. At the heart of it is the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine ever produced. The rawness of the LT6 sees it churn out 670 hp, and this engine shares no parts with any other engine that Chevrolet have produced. It is a bit of an engineering marvel if we are totally honest.

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB Front View Driving
via Ferrari

While the 296 GTB does produce more power, that is not the be all and end all. What you have to remember though is that the 296 GTB produces its 819 hp with a combination of electric and internal combustion. Strip the hybrid system away, and the V6 engine makes 654 hp, less than the Corvette. It’s the brutal force of the V8 though that will perhaps appeal more than the fine-tuned V8 in the Ferrari. That’s not to say the V8 is rough and ready in the Corvette, far from it. But with a redline of 8,600 rpm, the Z06 really does offer something special.

RELATED: 10 Things We Love About The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Extreme Aerodynamics Put The Corvette Ahead Of The Game

2023-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06 Front Quarter View Parked
via Chevrolet

When it comes to the styling and aerodynamics of the two, there is a clear winner. Chevrolet have worked hard to make sure the Z06 is as extreme as possible. There are sharp lines and edges all across the Z06, from the front lip and the splitter, down the side of the car and right up to the rear fascia and that hugely impressive rear wing. The alloy wheels certainly stand out too, adding to the aggression of the car.

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB Front View Driving
via Ferrari

Now the 296 GTB is not a bad looking car. Let's get that clear. It is a truly stunning looking machine. It's clean, it's sleek, and it has a bit of retro about it. But what is possibly arguable is that it is a bit…subtle. It doesn’t scream at you like the Z06. And that is no bad thing. But when you are trying to really stand out from your rivals and the competition, you don’t want subtle. You want something that grabs the attention and draws you in, something that no other manufacturer can compete with. We aren’t sure that’s the case here.

The Z08 Beats The Ferrari When It Comes To Pricing

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB Front Quarter Right Side Studio Render
via Ferrari

Perhaps though it is in the pricing where Chevrolet have really managed to get the jump on Ferrari. Remember, there is lots of power in the Corvette, it's not rough and ready and is a potent track machine. The Corvette Z06 starts at around the $106,395 mark. Expensive of course, but good for a supercar. But the Ferrari? That will set you back an eye watering $321,400. That then goes up to $360,900 if you add in the Assetto Fiorano package. There is no way on earth that Ferrari can compete with the pricing strategy of Chevrolet.

RELATED: The Ins And Outs Of The New Ferrari 296 GTB

A Huge Worry For The European Supercar Establishment

2023-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06 Front View Lineup
via Ferrari

The fact that the 2023 Corvette Z06 can offer this much power, performance and refinement for such a price difference compared to its European rival is quite interesting. It’s the sort of thing that will really leave Ferrari having nightmares every time they go to sleep. A lot of it is the prestige of owning a Ferrari and that’s no bad thing. Everyone at heart loves a Ferrari. But do you love it enough to fork out so much extra cash, when something just as good, if not better, will cost some $200,000 less? Well that’s for you, the consumer, to answer.

Sources: Ferrari, Chevrolet