Chevrolet unveils Corvette Z06, with Z07 performance-package option

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2023 Corvette Z06, the higher-performance mid-engine sports car featuring wider front and rear fascia and powered by a new 5.5-liter, 670-horsepower naturally aspirated LT6 V8 engine. The company said the car also has a more luxurious interior than the standard Stingray model.

Chevrolet said the new engine, which features a flat-plane crankshaft and can rev to 8,600 rpm, is the highest horsepower naturally aspirated V8 ever offered in any production car.

“Corvette has always brought a discerning customer to the Chevy family,” Chevrolet vice president Steve Hill is quoted in the unveiling announcement.“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.”

Chevrolet said 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, Corvette executive chief engineer. “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.” 

Compared to the standard Stingray, the Z06 has a stance that is 3.6 inches wider and with larger side air vents; has a reconfigurable rear spoiler with an adjustable wickerbill for more downforce; rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, with optional carbon fiber wheels that reduce unsprung weight by 41 pounds; has larger brakes and specific tuning of its Magnetic Ride Control suspension; a shorter 5.56 final drive; and new interior features including more carbon-fiber trim.

There also is an available Z07 performance package with a carbon fiber high rear wing and ground effects Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, specific chassis tuning and Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires.

Pricing was not announced at the reveal.