Chevrolet and GM have officially released images of the highly anticipated 2023 70th Anniversary C8 Corvette. If you haven't already heard about the upcoming special edition package, get caught up to speed with our blog post about the limited edition Corvette by clicking here!
The first 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette will be hitting the streets soon, but until then enjoy these images of what's to come!
DETROIT –Chevrolet revealed the all-new 2023 Corvette Z06 today in a film featuring an all-star cast of personalities steeped in the heritage and performance of Chevy’s most iconic cars. The film, titled “Putting the World on Notice,” highlights the racing-bred capability, innovative technology and meticulous craftsmanship of Chevrolet’s new 670-horsepower 2023 Corvette Z06 with help from:
Devin Booker, the professional basketball superstar, gold medalist and avid car enthusiast who became interested in cars after growing up around Corvettes, and often arrives at basketball games in one of his classic Chevrolets.
Oliver Gavin, the professional racecar driver and Corvette Brand Ambassador who has earned numerous world titles and championships, including five wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while competing with Corvette Racing.
Emelia Hartford,the record-breaking performance builder and driver who proudly owns a 2020 Corvette Stingray. She started her passion for cars with the Chevrolet small block platform, and has since amassed a large following from her performance based builds and driving capabilities.
Bruce Meyer,the founding chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum, automotive historian and car collector whose personal garage includes iconic Corvettes and Corvette racecars that have competed and won in some of the world’s most enduring races.
In the film, the engineers and designers who developed the Corvette Z06 deliver an in-depth look at the process to conceive the most capable Corvette ever produced. Booker, Gavin, Hartford and Meyer provide commentary and enthusiasm that places the Z06 in historical and contemporary context.
“The all-new Corvette Z06 elevates the Corvette legacy with its incredible power, astonishing handling and premium finishes,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “To tell that story, we tapped enthusiasts that have as much passion for this car as the people that created it. This captivating film reveals how Chevrolet built a world-class car that competes.”
ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found atwww.chevrolet.com.
DETROIT –The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette journey begins today with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a new American supercar that puts the world on notice. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted and captivated a worldwide audience, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track.
The Z06’s striking appearance, sound and tactile feel are the result of intense focus. With new, wider sculpted front and rear fascia designs that define a confident stance and exotic proportions and a luxuriously-appointed interior, the Z06 is the ultimate supercar experience.
“Corvette has always brought a discerning customer to the Chevy family,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet. “This new Z06 was designed and engineered to set a higher bar with increased levels of craftsmanship, personalization and performance so customers can truly have their own bespoke performance car.”
While the Z06 was created to dominate on the track when it debuted in 1963, the Z06 nameplate has also come to symbolize the perfect combination of track beast and supercar.
“The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.”
The Z06 is set apart by its beating heart – the all-new 5.5L LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever.
An all-new flat-plane crankshaft design entices drivers to push the tachometer to a lofty 8,600 rpm, creating 670 hp. Engineers spent two years crafting a distinctive, rich exhaust tone unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette.
Racing at its core The sound and appearance of the Z06 take direction from Corvette Racing. The direct knowledge transfer from the track to the street has never been more evident. The Z06 chassis has underpinned Corvette Racing’s C8.R since it began competing in 2020. Thanks to a shared chassis, similar engine architecture and exterior proportions, the C8.R has been referred to internally as the Z06 hiding in plain sight.
“Racing was the reason the Z06 was developed in 1963, and it continues to support development of the road models that make them better on the street and the track,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “It also means we’ve tested the Z06 on the best tracks around the world, from Circuit of the Americas here in the United States, to the Nürburgring in Germany.”
The Corvette C8.R shined during IMSA’s 2020 sports car championship series, capturing six victories and seven pole positions, and setting the fastest class race laps in six events. During the 2020 series, Chevrolet won the GT Manufacturers title – its 13th since 2001. Jordan Taylor and Antonio Garcia and the No. 3 Corvette C8.R crew won the GTLM Drivers and Team championships.
The performance envelope of Z06 builds on the foundation laid by Stingray, as does Z06’s design language and attention to detail. Expanded material offerings, new interior packages and features unique to Z06 enable owners to create their own bespoke American supercar.
Additional highlights of the 2023 Corvette Z06 include:
A stance 3.6 inches (9.4 cm) wider than the Stingray, accommodating massive 345-series rear tires and more airflow through side air vents
Unique front and rear fascias, a first for Z06. The front fascia is designed to optimize the Z06’s cooling needs, including channeling air to a center heat exchanger, which is one of five for maximum cooling performance
A unique, standard reconfigurable rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbill elements designed to improve high-speed stability and cornering capability on a racetrack
Standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum “spider” wheels (with five available finishes) — the largest wheels ever available on a production Corvette
Available lightweight and rigid carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 41-pound (18.6-kg) reduction in unsprung mass, which contributes to more agile and responsive handling
Specific suspension tuning, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and larger brakes (six-piston front) than the Stingray, contribute to making the 2023 Corvette Z06 the most track-capable Corvette ever
Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a specific, “shorter” 5.56 final drive ratio compared to the Corvette Stingray, which enhances acceleration capability
Elevated cockpit surrounding the driver, with rich materials and textures, including more carbon fiber trim and new options
Available Z07 performance package that offers the greatest track capability and provides 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any Corvette ever. It includes a carbon fiber high rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and unique Michelin® Cup 2 R ZP tires, along with Brembo® carbon ceramic brakes and optional carbon fiber wheels
“Virtually every component that distinguishes the Z06 was developed to support or enhance its capability,” said Juechter. “By leveraging the mid-engine architecture’s inherent advantages, we are able to achieve six percent more downforce than a seventh-gen ZR1 at eight percent lower drag.”
All-new LT6 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.
Engine responsiveness and trackability, two characteristics of naturally aspirated motors, were the top priorities for providing an engaging driving experience for purists. As a result, it was determined that a clean sheet naturally aspirated powerplant was needed, with the goal of exceeding the power of any naturally aspirated production V-8 engine ever made. A lightweight, flat-plane crank design enables the engine to rev to the high rpms needed to create significant power.
More than horsepower, the new LT6 is designed to complement all aspects of the Z06’s track-focused performance experience. From its 8,600-rpm redline and full racing-style dry-sump oiling system to meticulously tuned induction and exhaust systems, this engine exudes an entirely new and emotional character.
The key to the LT6’s performance capability is a lightweight, low-inertia rotating assembly rooted in an all-new flat-plane crankshaft that, along with a comparatively short stroke (the distance each piston/connecting rod assembly travels with each rotation of the crankshaft), allows the engine to rev to its maximum range.
A version of the LT6 has powered the C8.R race cars since 2019, and the rigors of endurance road racing helped engineers refine the engine’s performance and durability.
Additional highlights include:
All-new aluminum cylinder block casting with the 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 to support titanium intake and sodium filled exhaust valves
Forged aluminum 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)
The LT6 is hand assembled by master engine builders at the Performance Build Center within the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Builders use precision tooling and hand fit pieces of the engine to meet Chevrolet’s exact specifications. Each engine features a plaque on the intake manifold with the signature of the technician who crafted it from start to finish.
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 wider fenders, for example, accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. Larger vents — including a new front fascia that, like the C8.R race car, draws clean air into a center heat exchanger — provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes and transaxle for increased track capability. Additionally, a more aggressive aerodynamic package is designed to enhance cornering grip and high-speed stability.
The wider wheels and tires include 20 x 10-inch (50.8 x 25.4 cm) front wheels wrapped with 275/30ZR20 tires and 21 x 13-inch (53.3 x 33 cm) rear wheels, used with 345/25ZR21 tires. Michelin® Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires are standard, with Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires included with the available Z07 package.
Designers pulled out the fenders in the front and rear to cover the wider tire tread, which are 30 mm front and 40 mm rear wider than the Corvette Stingray. These extensions give the Corvette Z06 a wider, lower appearance further emphasized by a unique rear fascia that also features centered floating exhaust bezels. This floating design was key to the precise tuning in the exhaust note. The wider rear fender also allows for the larger air intakes required for the car’s cooling.
Additionally, 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 186 mph (299.3 km/h).
The available carbon fiber 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 maneuverability.
Track-proven performance technologies The 2023 Corvette Z06 leverages the technologies introduced on the mid-engine Corvette Stingray, including the strategic use of lightweight materials and advanced driver technologies, with unique features and calibrations tailored for its capabilities.
The new Z06 retains the SLA-type front and rear suspension design of the Corvette Stingray, but uniquely calibrated for its higher performance capabilities. Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 is standard and can be adjusted for touring comfort or maximum track performance via the standard Driver Mode Selector.
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
The Z06’s greater track performance capability is also matched with greater braking capability, with larger 14.6-inch-diameter (370 mm) front and 15-inch-diameter (380 mm) rear Brembo® rotors, compared with the Stingray. Z06 has six-piston front calipers compared to four-piston calipers on Stingray.
Even larger, carbon ceramic rotors are available and also included with the Z07 package, which takes the Corvette Z06’s performance to its zenith.
Z07 Performance Package additional features include:
Carbon fiber aero package with larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a rear wing and underbody strakes that enhance downforce
Unique FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations
Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires developed specifically for the Z06
Available carbon fiber wheels that deliver a 41-pound (18.6 kg) reduction in unsprung mass
Brembo® carbon ceramic brake system featuring larger, 15.7-inch-diameter (398 mm) front rotors and 15.4-inch-diameter (391 mm) rear rotors
When equipped with the Z07 performance package in the track prepared configuration on a 300-foot diameter circle, the car is capable of 1.22 g of road-hugging grip.
The Z06 is based on the same robust architecture as the Stingray — a rigid structure that enabled engineers to fine-tune the car’s chassis and suspension components with exceptional precision. The Z06 is so stiff that the track-capable Z06 is offered in a hardtop convertible model, and there is no variance in the suspension calibrations between it and the coupe.
Bespoke attention to detail In the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They’re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra.
“To match its performance, the Z06 is an elevated execution of the eighth-generation design,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Chevrolet. “From its wide planted stance with sculpted surfaces to its premium and carbon fiber materials, the Z06 instills an aura of raw power and performance with bespoke craftsmanship.”
Unique features include an available carbon fiber-wrapped steering wheel, shift paddles and new carbon fiber 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.
Additional new wheel, color and trim options offer Z06 customers the most personalization choices in the Corvette lineup, including:
Twelve available exterior colors
Seven available wheel packages, including five finishes on the standard forged aluminum wheels and available carbon fiber wheels
Seven interior colors with the opportunity to expand it to thousands of combinations
Three seat choices and six seatbelt options
Two interior carbon fiber trim packages, plus Stealth Aluminum trim option
Six available brake caliper colors
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will be seen, heard and experienced around the globe when production begins in summer 2022. It will be built from Bowling Green Assembly in left- and right-hand drive.
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, 36 gallon fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. A fuel-injected 5.4-liter engine (327 cubic inches) and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission were required with the package.
CORVETTE Z06 GENERATIONS
YEARS
ENGINE
HORSEPOWER
TRANSMISSION
C2 (1963)
L84 5.4L OHV V-8
360
4-speed manual
C5 (2001-04)
LS6 5.7L OHV V-8
385 (2001); 405 (2002-04)
6-speed manual
C6 (2006-13)
LS7 7.0L OHV V-8
505
6-speed manual
C7 (2015-19)
LT4 6.2L OHV V-8 supercharged
650
7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
C8 (2023)
LT6 5.5L DOHC V-8
670
8-speed DCT
ABOUT CHEVROLET Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found atwww.chevrolet.com.
2023 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
EPA-EST. MPG
Not yet available
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)
18.5 gal. / 70 liters
ENGINE
Type:
LT6 5.5L DOHC V-8 Direct Injection
Bore & Stroke (in / mm):
4.104 x 3.150 / 104.25 x 80
Block Material:
A319-T7 sand-cast aluminum with pressed-in iron cylinder liners and four-bolt main bearing caps
Oiling System:
Six stage dry sump (8-qt. capacity); includes oil-spray piston cooling
Oil Type:
DexosR synthetic 5W50
Cylinder Head Material:
A356 T6 cast aluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume:
58.8cc
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1
Valvetrain:
Dual overhead camshafts with mechanical finger follower valvetrain and dual-coil valve springs
Exhaust side direct injection. Max pressure: 5,076 psi (35 Mpa / 350 bar)
Firing Order:
1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2
Throttle Body:
Twin 87mm single bore (electronic)
ECU:
GM E68 (32-bit processing)
Horsepower (hp):
670 @ 8400 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
Torque (lb-ft/ Nm):
460 / 623 @ 6300 rpm (GM tested per SAE J1349)
TRANSMISSION & AXLE
Type:
M1L 8-speed dual clutch (DCT)
Final Drive Ratio:
5.56:1
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Front Suspension:
Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers (46mm); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 available. Specific calibration with available Z07 package. front lift with memory is available
Rear Suspension:
Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers (46mm); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0. Specific calibration with available Z07 package
Steering Type:
Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops with available Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
Steering Ratio:
15.7:1
Brake Type:
Front and rear eBoost-assisted discs with Brembo six-piston/two-piece front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers
Brake Rotor Size (in / mm):
Front: 14.6 x 1.3 (370 x 34) Front: 15.7 x 1.5 (398 x 38) – w/ avail. carbon ceramic Rear: 15.0 x 1.3 (380 x 34) Rear: 15.4 x 1.3 (390 x 34) – w/ avail. carbon ceramic
Wheel Size:
Front: 20-inch x 10-inch (w/ 5 x 120mm bolt pattern) Rear: 21-inch x 13-inch (w/ 5 x 120mm bolt pattern)
Tire Type and Size:
Z06 (std.): Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP1 Z07 Package (avail.): Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP1 Front: 275/30ZR20 Rear: 345/25ZR21
1 Do not use summer-only tires in winter conditions, as it would adversely affect vehicle safety, performance and durability. Use only GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. Unapproved combinations my change the vehicle’s performance characteristics. For important tire and wheel information, go to: my.chevrolet.com/learn/tires/ or see your dealer.
1Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
SAFETY & DRIVER AWARENESS FEATURES
Airbags1: frontal and side-impact for driver and front passenger. Includes Passenger Sensing System
Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (includes tire fill alert) Standard Run Flat tires
Standard Rear Park Assist2 HD Rear Vision Camera2(1LZ) HD Front and Rear Vision Cameras2with front curb view (2LZ and 3LZ) Side Blind Zone Alert2(2LZ and 3LZ) Rear Cross Traffic Alert2(2LZ and 3LZ) Standard Head-Up Display2 Rear Camera Mirror (2LZ/3LZ coupe – standard convertible)
1Always use seat belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See your vehicle Owner’s Manual for more information. 2Safety or diver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle's owner's manual for more important feature limitations and information.
The possible color options for the 2022 C8 Corvette have been revealed through a report obtained by CorvetteBlogger. Three of the existing color options are likely to be dropped for the 2022 model according to Chevrolet. The retired color options include Sebring Orange, Shadow Gray, and Zeus Bronze. Motor1.com reached out to confirm this information with Chevrolet and received the following response:
We notified Chevy dealers that we intend to discontinue a few exterior paint colors on Corvette at the end of 2021 model year. This was done so they could provide accurate information to customers who are interested in ordering a 2021 Corvette so customers can get the color they want while still available. At this time, we are not providing specific details on color options for model year 2022. Those options will be communicated to dealers closer to the time of 2022 model year ordering.
Sebring Orange and Zeus Bronze will be able to be requested through April 29th, 2021, while Shadow Gray will be available to order through May 27th, 2021.
While solid details about the 2022 color options likely won't be confirmed until July, when Chevy plans to release the first official details on the Corvette C8 Z06, the CorvetteBlogger source did share what we can anticipate. There is a strong likelihood that we will see one brand new color, as well as replacements for Sebring Orange and Shadow gray.
The information was obtained from the European Corvette Dealer's website where they shared some of the color options that will be offered. The paint choices are listed out as: Amplify Orange Tintcoat, Hypersonic Gray Metallic, and Caffeine Brown Metallic. These are the internal names used by General Motors and we can expect these colors to debut with names different than those listed above.
The evolution of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette will no doubt be a fascinating one to watch. While rumblings of various models start to swirl around the internet, will it be the Z06, ZR1, or the Zora model that we see next? Details from a recent Motor Trend report via an anonymous source tip us off to what we can expect out of the 2022 C8.
According to the anonymous source, we should expect to see five different C8 models over the next four years. The Z06 is rumored to join us for 2022, while the ZR1 and PHEV models are expected in 2023. The EV model will debut in 2024, and finally, the Zora model is rumored to arrive as a 2025 model.
The Z06 will likely sport a naturally aspirated engine with a 5.5 liter flat-plane crank V8 under the hood with up to 625 horsepower. Rumor has it that optional carbon-fiber wheels will be offered with this model, along with carbon-ceramic brakes and high-performance tires. Expect the Z06 to debut with a base price in the $80,000 range.
The Motor Trend report goes on to detail the 2023 ZR1, which will likely feature the same 5.5 liter V8 as the Z06, with some additional turbochargers. With up to 850 horsepower, this model is going to be an absolute powerhouse. Pricing will likely start in the $120,000 range with a variety of additional add-on features.
In addition to the ZR1 model, 2023 seems like it's geared up to be the Corvette fanatic's best year yet, with the likely debut of the first ever hybrid version. Also packing a 5.5 liter V8 under the rear hood, the hybrid model will sport a pair of electric motors connected to the front axel. Horsepower for the hybrid edition is predicted to be somewhere between the Z06 and ZR1, at approximately 700-HP. Base models are rumored to start at $100,000.
An all-electric model is also in the works, taking the hybrid version up a notch for the 2024 model. There will be an additional motor in the rear, along with a larger battery pack. Although details are limited right now, it's rumored that the all-electric model will pack 500 horsepower with a range of 200 miles in the $100,000+ range.
The pinnacle of the C8 series will no doubt be the 2025 Zora model. While it's been rumored for many years now, this will be the most incredible Corvette ever built. It will feature a combination of the twin-turbo V-8 engine from the ZR1 with the hybrid system of the E-Ray, producing in excess of 1,000 horsepower. Base models will start around $150,000.
