There is a lot to look forward to when it comes to the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Its naturally aspirated 5.5 L V8 engine will be unleashing 670 hp and it even claims a 0-60 mph in only 2.6 seconds. Even more exciting is the car's mid-engine configuration, which is a first for the Corvette. But there is more to the new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 than the simple appeal of speed and power.
What is perhaps most exciting about Chevrolet’s latest model is the absolutely wild exhaust sounds that the car promises, and in a world where a raw, wild and genuine exhaust sound is a rare commodity, the excitement surrouding the new Corvette Z06 only keeps on growing. Hence Chevy’s latest ”Corvette Academy” video that goes into detail explaining what makes the new Z06’s exhaust note so thrilling and so unique.
It Sounds Like "A Wild Animal With A Polished Edge"
With the 2023 Corvette Z06, Chevrolet wants drivers to experience the car from a sound and vibration stand point, in order to enjoy the exotic spirit of the car. infused by the visceral engine. But getting to this point was no easy task, as the video explains, and it did take Chevy’s engineers several iterations before getting to the desired result. The final product is a wild exhaust sound with impressive high pitched notes, which the Chevy engineers describe as a sound that would be similar to “a wild animal with a polished edge.”
The new Z06’s exhaust also received a few design upgrades. With the new rear fascia, the four exhaust pipes now all go into the central bezel, giving it more presence and impact compared the previous side-by-side exhaust pipes located on each side of the diffuser. Beyond the new looks, this new design also allows the sounds coming out of the exhaust pipes to reflect back up towards the cockpit so that both driver and passenger can enjoy the wild exhaust notes from the comfort of their cabin.
The New Exhaust Valves Behind The Z06's Sound
Going into more technical details, the new Z06 has two sets of valves that help change the sound of the vehicle. On one hand, there are the intake manifold tuning valves (IMTVs) and on the other, the variable exhaust valves located on the exhaust itself.
In previous models, valves would simply open and close, making the exhaust sounds either very mild or very loud and wild with no in-between. Now, the valves can change in 2 degree increments to help adjust the sound and make it more gradual and sophisticated.
This is precisely what gives Chevy engineers freedom to tune and finesse the sound to hit precise notes at every rpm and in every driving mode. That’s right, the Z06 will sound very different depending on the mode you are in, with the four modes available being Weather, Tour, Sport and Track. If you need to fire up your car early in the morning without awakening the entire neighborhood, Chevy recommends the quietest Weather mode. The Z06’s loudest mode is the Track mode that opens up all the valves. Though it will sound beautifully loud in the city, you will want to take it to the race track to explore the full sound potential of the car to hit the highest notes at 8600 rpm. But fear not, you can customize sound options to your liking, via the customizable driving mode “My Mode.” There, you will be able to choose your favorite sound for when starting your car.
Not Everybody Will Get To Enjoy The Z06's Wild Sound
These are exciting news for American customers, but European and Australian customers will not be so lucky. In order to abide to tight regulations, Chevrolet will deliver Z06 models with a re-engineered exhaust system for these markets. In consequence, a slight drop in horsepower figures is also likely.
Either way, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 promises to sound like no other Corvette and with such high rpm capability, the new Z06 won’t be afraid to take on the likes of Ferrari and other super car manufacturers. In an industry that is evolving towards quieter vehicles, Chevy’s latest Corvette is a real breath of fresh air that will be worth enjoying while it lasts. Until the first models can be seen in the streets, here is how wild the new Z06 will sound like.