The peeps at Sigala Designs have recently stripped an eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of every single body panel. It wasn't an easy job because of the strong adhesives used to fix said panels to the chassis, but the San Diego-based company had to do it. Why? To test fit the world's first complete forged carbon-fiber body kit for the 2023 model year Z06.
The rear quarter panels were the most difficult to remove, with Sigala Designs having to hammer and chisel them like crazy. The car does look weird fully naked, yet it becomes interesting with the forged carbon-fiber body kit. Although the finish may not be to anyone's liking, the simple fact that a road-going Z06 features carbon-fiber everything is pretty rad.
Unfortunately, prospective customers will have to wait a little until Sigala Designs finalizes the pricing information for this body kit. Don't even dare think it's affordable, though. At press time, the company offers a few bits and pieces made from carbon fiber, including a forged carbon-fiber aero package at $6,999 from the outset. Optional extras worth mentioning? That would be installation and $250 if you want the rear bumper hole cover piece painted.
Lower down the spectrum, Sigala Designs can spruce up the Stingray with an OEM-style hood made from carbon fiber for a cool $2,999. A roof panel? That would be $1,324, thank you! 5VM-style side skirts and high-wing rear spoiler add $1,124 and $1,424 to the tally, whereas the convertible vent and rearview camera housing retail at $899 and $474.
It's also worth remembering that Sigala Designs rolled out the C8RR widebody kit for the Stingray a few years ago. In fiberglass, it would set you back $14,995 at the very least. Level up to full carbon fiber, and you're looking at an invoice of $24,995.
Let that sink in for a moment. With the Stingray retailing at $66,300 for the 2024 model year, that means the full carbon-fiber widebody kit is 37.7 percent of the car's recommended starting price. Emphasis on recommended because certain dealers continue to charge markups for the Stingray.
ADMs are far more widespread in the Z06's case because it's a newer design. Even the E-Ray is often listed with additional dealer markups, and that shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, it came out for MY24 as the first-ever production Corvette to feature hybrid muscle. While not as powerful as the Z06, the E-Ray more than makes up for that with torque.
The small-block V8 makes 470 pound-feet (637 Nm), whereas the small electric motor up front is rated at 125 pound-feet (170 Nm). It's powered by a 1.9-kWh battery located inside the tunnel between the seats. Capable of hitting 60 mph (97 kph) in 2.5 seconds, onto a quarter mile of 10.5 seconds, the E-Ray is – hands down – the quickest 'Vette yet.
It won't hold that title for long, though. The upcoming Corvette ZR1 is essentially a Z06 with a couple of turbochargers. Codenamed LT7 as opposed to LT6 for the 5.5-liter V8 of the Z06, the force-fed lump will carry over to the long-awaited Corvette Zora. The main difference between the Zora and ZR1 comes in the form of hybrid assistance (most likely a front-mounted electric motor) that will result in a total system output of approximately 1,000 horsepower. More than the original Bugatti Veyron, that is…
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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