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Spy Video: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Revs FPC V8, Has Center Exhaust

Introduced for the 2020 model year, the eighth-gen Corvette is arguably the highest-performing 'Vette yet as far as base models are concerned. Connected to a small-block V8, the dual-clutch transaxle in the Stingray helps the mid-engine sports car rocket to 60 in less than 3 seconds.
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 spied by MECF member "shooter" 20 photos
Photo: "shooter" on Mid-Engine Corvette Forum
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Originally planned for the 2021 model year, the Z06 will be a different animal in many aspects. Mid-Engine Corvette Forum member “shooter” is responsible for the following clip, which includes FPC V8 exhaust sounds.

As opposed to the cross-plane crankshaft of the Stingray, the Z06's flat-plane crankshaft revs higher by design. Another difference over the small-block V8 is the dual-overhead valvetrain, which has more top-end power than good ol’ pushrods. Also worthy of note, the FPC V8 is more complex, therefore more expensive, and a little harder to service.

The camouflaged prototype is outfitted with a center exhaust reminiscent of the seventh-generation Corvette, but General Motors has also been testing a Stingray-like exhaust system on previous mules. Captured on video in Sedona, Arizona, the car is joined by two Stingrays with manufacturer plates.

In addition to a more sophisticated exhaust note, the Z06 also flaunts a widebody makeover because the rubber shoes are wider as well. As a brief refresher, the Stingray comes with Michelin-supplied 245/35 ZR19 tires up front and 305/30 ZR20 rear tires in all-season and summer-only flavors.

Hearsay suggests the Z06 will get the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R compound, which is a DOT-legal track tire dubbed “the ultimate lap time smasher” by the French company. Carbon-fiber wheels, active aerodynamics, and as many as three wing options are also rumored, but only time will tell what’s on the horizon.

As far as the transmission is concerned, the eight-speed transaxle supplied by Tremec may be offered with nothing more than different software. As a brief refresher, the TR-9080 DCT can handle up to 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque from the factory. Non-Z51 models feature a mechanical limited-slip differential while the Z51 Performance Package levels up to an eLSD with active selection of the locking ratio. If you ask me, I’m betting my two cents that Chevrolet will use the latter differential for the corner-carving Z06.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

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.
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