Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
Estero Bay Chevrolet is one of the most important Corvette dealerships in the United States. According to its sales specialist Marcus Veiga, sometime in July is when General Motors will provide more information on the Z06. Unfortunately, we don’t know if we’re looking forward to a preview of sorts or the unveiling of the FPC V8-engined sports car.
The alleged month, however, does make sense because the mid-engine Stingray rolled out on July 18th. We also have to remember that Chevrolet doesn’t afford to push back the Z06 any further because three more Corvette variants are in the pipeline. More to the point, the free-breathing model will be joined by the E-Ray hybrid, twin-turbo ZR1, and twin-turbo Zora hybrid.
Like the ZR-1 from the fifth generation, the Z06 will switch to dual overhead camshafts instead of pushrod-actuated cams. But as opposed to the LT5 from the 1990s, the LT6 in the all-new model is a rev-happy engine. The flat-plane crankshaft should help the 5.5-liter powerplant rev beyond 8,000 revolutions per minute, which is a tempting proposition for my ears.
For reference, the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 in the Shelby GT350 redlines at 8,250 rpm and develops 526 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. The output for the LT6 in the Corvette Z06 isn’t exactly clear for the time being, but most people suggest 625 horsepower and 485 pound-feet (658 Nm) of torque.
Based on the LT5.5 engine that Chevrolet utilizes in the C8.R endurance racer, the 5.5-liter V8 will be reportedly complemented by up to three wing options, carbon-fiber wheels, and active aero. Bear in mind, however, that we currently lack factual data from the Detroit-based automaker.
We could speculate all day about the Z06, but one thing is absolutely certain. The first-ever Corvette with a flat-plane V8 will be met with tremendous demand that will probably outshine the hype that surrounds the Stingray. That screamer of an engine also has the potential to attract prospective customers from outside of the brand, which is why the reservations list may be excruciatingly long before dealers are able to place orders.
Like the ZR-1 from the fifth generation, the Z06 will switch to dual overhead camshafts instead of pushrod-actuated cams. But as opposed to the LT5 from the 1990s, the LT6 in the all-new model is a rev-happy engine. The flat-plane crankshaft should help the 5.5-liter powerplant rev beyond 8,000 revolutions per minute, which is a tempting proposition for my ears.
For reference, the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 in the Shelby GT350 redlines at 8,250 rpm and develops 526 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. The output for the LT6 in the Corvette Z06 isn’t exactly clear for the time being, but most people suggest 625 horsepower and 485 pound-feet (658 Nm) of torque.
Based on the LT5.5 engine that Chevrolet utilizes in the C8.R endurance racer, the 5.5-liter V8 will be reportedly complemented by up to three wing options, carbon-fiber wheels, and active aero. Bear in mind, however, that we currently lack factual data from the Detroit-based automaker.
We could speculate all day about the Z06, but one thing is absolutely certain. The first-ever Corvette with a flat-plane V8 will be met with tremendous demand that will probably outshine the hype that surrounds the Stingray. That screamer of an engine also has the potential to attract prospective customers from outside of the brand, which is why the reservations list may be excruciatingly long before dealers are able to place orders.
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