The 2023 Corvette Z06: A Cost-Effective Ferrari F8
Article Highlights for the 2023 Corvette Z06
- 2023 Corvette Z06 offers a record-breaking mid-mounted supercar engine
- Chevrolet challenges Ferrari with hand-wrapped leather interior
- Z06 predicted cost of $90K, Ferrari F8 costs $276K
The Chevrolet Corvette adopted a mid-engine layout for the car’s eight (C8) generation. Chevrolet Performance took the opportunity to develop the 2023 Corvette Z06 into a world-class supercar. Consequently, Chevrolet’s new flagship offers performance and styling to rival Ferrari–at a fraction of the price.
| 2021 Ferrari F8 | 2023 Corvette Z06 | |
| Price | $276,550 starting MSRP | $90K (predicted) |
| Engine Options | 3.9-Liter twin-turbo V8 | 5.5-Liter FP Crank V8 |
| Horsepower | 710 @ 7,000 RPM | 670 @ 8,400 |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft @ 3,250 RPM | 460 lb-ft @ 6,300 RPM |
| Transaxle | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Claimed 0-60 MPH | 2.9 seconds | 2.6 seconds |
2023 Corvette Z06 engine and specs
The new Corvette Z06 boasts the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 in any production car, ever. Chevrolet Performance broke this record by leveraging technology usually reserved for exotic European cars.
Ferrari and other supercar manufacturers build flat-plane crankshaft engines. Traditional, cross-plane crank V8s fire once every 90 degrees of rotation. Flat-plane crank engines, however, only fire once every 180 degrees of rotation.
The result is an engine that can accelerate to very high RPMs very quickly. But this engine type is prone to increased vibration. Therefore, Ferrari limited its last naturally-aspirated V8 to 4.5-Liters.
Chevrolet Performance set its targets on the largest flat-plane crank V8 in history. Therefore, engineers increased redline and reduced vibration in two ways.
Firstly, Chevrolet reduced the engine’s rotating mass. Engineers used forged aluminum for the pistons and titanium for the rods. Accordingly, the team even utilized a dry-sump lubrication system to reduce internal drag.
Secondly, Chevrolet pioneered mass-producing a V8 with the precision of a handbuilt engine. Tadge Juechter is the Corvette Executive Engineer. Juechter explained, “This engine runs to 8,600 RPM. That’s by far the quickest spinning engine we’ve ever done. The only way you do that is to have extremely precise manufacturing.”
Every 5.5-Liter LT6 is hand-assembled by the master engine builders at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky plant. What’s more, every block carries the signature of its proud builder. Juechter concluded, “The manufacturing tolerances in this engine are race car tight.”
2023 Corvette Z06 interior reveal
The Corvette interior has long led its class. But the 2023 Corvette Z06 is nearly bespoke. For example, with over 11,000 possible Z06 configurations, it is unlikely two of these supercars will be alike.
New Z06 options include:
- Twelve exterior colors.
- Seven wheel packages including carbon fiber rims.
- Seven interior colors.
- Three seats with six seatbelt configurations.
- Six brake caliper colors.
Corvette Z06 buyers can choose from multiple levels of Carbon Fiber interiors. In addition, Chevrolet offers a vintage look with the new Stealth Aluminum interior trim. Owners seeking a more refined experience can opt for many hand-wrapped interior options. Finally, Chevrolet even offers a Ferrari-lookalike called Adrenaline Red.
Brett Golliff is Corvette’s Color and Trim Design Manager. He considers tailoring each Z06 “like building a small sculpture.” The resulting experience is more than just driving a car: “you have a full, crafted piece that surrounds you.”
2023 Corvette Z06 release date and price
Chevrolet Performance is not shy about gunning for Ferrari and other exotic European cars. When Chevrolet announced the all-new Corvette Z06, it did so in a film titled “Putting The World on Notice.” But now the world has to wait.
Some Corvette dealers are taking deposits–as much as $2,000–for the 2023 Corvette Z06. For example, they promise “as production allows,” they will contact reservation holders to configure and order. Unfortunately, several dealers have already “sold out” of reservation spots. So far, Chevrolet’s website only says “Available Summer 2022.”
The Market Watch website points out that past editions of the Z06 have started at $25,000 more than the base Corvette. That would put the 2023 Corvette Z06’s price at $90,000. The Ferrari F8 starts at a staggering $276,550. That’s a lot of money for just 40 additional horsepower.
