Up Close With Chevrolet's New 2023 Corvette Z06 | Forbes

The new range-topping Z06 employs a heavily revised 5.5-liter LT6 flat-plane crank V8 now tuned to pump out a whopping 670 horsepower with a screaming redline of 8,600 RPM. The Z06 hits peak power at 8,400 RPM and a maximum torque of 460 pound-feet at 6,600 RPM. Chevrolet says it can notch a 2.6-second sprint to 60 mph.

For context, the current LT2 V8 maxes out at 495 horsepower when equipped with the Z51 exhaust and comes equipped with a computer-controlled soft rev limiter at 4,500 RPM that opens up to a full redline at 6,500 when the engine comes up to temp. That powerplant’s longitudinal mounting provides optimal weight distribution for the 3,467-pound car, with a 39.4/60.6 front-rear ratio, and allows for an official zero-to-60 time of only 2.9 seconds (one-tenth of a tick faster than the much more powerful C7 ZR1).

The Z06’s power will still route to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, but features a shorter 5.56 final drive ratio compared to the Corvette Stingray. There is no manual option. The Z06 also gains significant aerodynamic and suspension improvements that filter down from the C8.R racecar seen for the past two years at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and this summer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Corvette Z06 beats the Ford GT’s 550 horsepower by a solid margin. It also has more power than a Mustang GT350 but not GT500, and 20 more horsepower than the most powerful Chevrolet Camaro. Unlike supercharged Mustangs or Camaros, the Corvette Z06 uses a naturally aspirated engine.

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