Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Everything We’ve Heard So Far
With Chevrolet’s debut of the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, we’re inundated with new information about the model. Sometimes, things get lost in the flurry of social media posts, articles, and spec sheets. Thankfully, the best part of the Z06, its new flat-plane crank V8 engine, isn’t getting lost in the buzz. That said, we think it best to take a moment to appreciate the insanity of the motor and, of course, its hell-raising noise.
I mean, just listen to that noise. I need a cigarette.
The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 gets a new engine
The responsible party for that arm hair-raising noise is the new “LT6” engine in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It’s a special thing, to say the least, and the LT6 deserves an article of its own. For now, we’ll be somewhat brief. In essence, what makes the LT6, and by extension, the whole car so special is the flat-plane crank. Basically, it alters the positioning of the new V8’s pistons (and many other engine bits) to produce that almost Ferrari-like sound.
Currently, the LT6 makes 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, which makes it the most powerful naturally-aspirated production V8 (Clarkson voice)… in the world. That’s a heavy crown to wear for the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and it’s one that the rest of the car will have to live up to if the new model is to be successful. But that’s not why we’re here.
Chevy’s new Z06 promises to be the fastest Corvette ever
Yes, the new Z06 is fast. Yes, it sounds like a European sports car that costs two or even three times as much money as the car’s estimated $86,400 MSRP start point. But that’s not why we’re here. Let’s appreciate the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for what it is. The Z06 is almost certainly a swan song. Chevrolet will inevitably have to add hybrid power to the Corvette’s motor for emissions soon. Or, worse, they’ll add turbos to make it more powerful.
The space that the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 exists in now is an increasingly small one. I imagine this is what Jack Sparrow felt like at the end of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The last of a dying breed. The climate simply won’t tolerate the continued production of cars like the Z06. Ferrari and Lamborghini are trying to change that over in Europe, but where that goes here in the States remains to be seen.
The new Z06 will be hard to get
| Pricing | $86,400 MSRP (MotorBiscuit est.) |
| Engine and power | 5.5L N/A DOHC V8 “LT6” with flat-plane crank 670 hp @ 8,400 RPM 460 lb-ft @ 6,300 RPM Redline: 8,600 RPM |
| Transmission | M1L 8-speed dual-clutch (DCT) Automatic |
| Dimensions and weight | 184.6 in (L) x 79.7 in (W) x 48.6 in (H) |
| Tire Type & Size | Font: 275/30/R20 Rear: 345/25/R21 |
| Features & Safety | Optional Z07 pack with carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes & carbon visual cues Standard rear park assist, HD Rear Vision Camera (1LZ), HD front & rear cameras with curb view (2LZ, 3LZ trims), blind-spot monitoring (2LZ, 3LZ trims), rear cross-traffic alert, Standard heads-up display, rear camera mirror (2LZ, 3LZ trims, standard for convertible) |
A few decades from now, cars like the Z06 will be a rarity. Natural aspiration and rear wheel-drive will be replaced by electric motors and hybrid powerplants. Life goes on, and this dinosaur can see the meteor coming. We ought to love the new Z06 for what it is, and from everything we’ve heard so far, it’s going to be something special.
