Overview
The 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 is expected to elevate the iconic nameplate into territory occupied by exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini. With the engine now located behind the driver, it already looks unlike any Z06 seen before. Not only is it considerably wider than the regular Corvette Stingray, it boasts bigger air intakes and a unique rear wing. Thanks to a flat-plane crankshaft, the new Z06’s naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 also won’t sound like any Vette that’s come before. While it inherits the best amenities and technology from the Stingray, its performance and handling will be heightened and sharpened. Chevy switched to a mid-engine layout to make the C8 Corvette a supercar that more folks can afford, and the 2023 Corvette Z06 promises to embarrass more than a few people driving insanely expensive supercars when they meet at a racetrack.
What’s New for 2023?
The first mid-engine Corvette Z06 will begin production in the summer of 2022 and go on sale thereafter as a 2023 model. As is tradition, the Z06 is a more hardcore, track-focused version of the standard Vette, complete with bolder styling cues and serious performance attributes.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The new Corvette Z06’s six-figure starting price is no surprise given the car’s performance attributes, but it still is a bargain compared to European supercars with similar equipment. We’d go with the base 1LZ Coupe but we’d add the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which adds a tuned suspension, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP tires. Selecting this package also requires adding the Carbon Aero package, which adds carbon fiber exterior elements including a front splitter and a rear spoiler.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The new Corvette Z06 receives a special engine that should make it sound similar to the supercars it’s trying to dethrone. Its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 features a flat-plane crank and revs to 8600 rpm. The engine produces 670 horsepower and has a Ferrari-like howl that’ll send shivers down the spine of bystanders. The unconventional V-8 hooks up to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. A set of wider, stickier tires and more powerful brakes should help it corner harder and stop shorter than the regular Vette. Chevy also strengthens the structure and transforms the Z06’s chassis to ensure its performance advantages are most obvious at the racetrack. To unlock its full potential, there’s an optional Z07 package that adds aerodynamic elements, reduces weight, and further upgrades the brakes and tires. The car comes standard with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum wheels, but a set of lighter and stronger carbon-fiber rollers are optional.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Bow Tie brand went above and beyond to ensure that the mid-engine Corvette’s interior could not be called boring. While the design certainly transcends what’s found on every other Chevy model, the square steering wheel and wall of climate-control buttons on the center console are unusual elements, to say the least. Still, the cabin layout caters to the driver, and the list of standard and optional features is extensive. It includes a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and even wireless phone charging. Its track-worthiness is made more apparent inside with microsuede accents and more aggressively bolstered seats as well as two carbon-fiber-intensive interior packages. The Corvette’s capacious rear trunk should continue to provide a spot for drivers to carry two sets of golf clubs.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Cooked into the Corvette’s multilayered dashboard is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Likewise, two separate Bose stereos are expected to be offered: a standard 10-speaker system and an optional 14-speaker setup. The new Z06 will continue to offer the Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which allows you to record video of everything from your track exploits to relaxed country-road cruises. And if you dare leave your Z06 with a valet, there’s a setting that keeps track of any nefarious activities the car-parker might try.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Although the regular Corvette Stingray only offers a handful of driver-assistance technology, those features are also available on the Z06. For more information about its crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard rear parking sensors
- Available multi-view camera system
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy provides all of its models with a middle-of-the-road limited and powertrain warranty. While the company offers more complimentary maintenance than automakers who skip the free service altogether, it’s one of the shortest such plans in the industry.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG