Given the amount of hype that already surrounds the mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette, it won’t surprise you to learn that a Z06 variant is underway. However, since the standard Corvette has already changed so drastically, it would be logical to see massive changes in the Z06 as well. For months, we’ve heard rumors of this high-performance variant losing its supercharger.

Thanks to a report by Motor1 covering a recent Wheels Magazine issue, we have a rough estimate of how much power it will produce. Additionally, the Vette family will reportedly grow considerably, adopting at least two brand-new variants.

How much power does a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 have?

The previous-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 developed 650 hp out of a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Aside from having its engine in the front, the last-gen Z06’s engine used a small-block engine layout that’s relatively common in GM’s history. However, this latest Z06 rumor indicates that the new model will go in an entirely new direction.

For starters, the new model is rumored to push out less power than the outgoing one. Total output should be around 617 hp, says Motor1. However, this may not necessarily be a bad thing. According to Car and Driver, the last-gen 650-hp car could hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. However, MotorTrend tested a brand-new C8 with over 150 hp less that still hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.

As a result, when you consider the new engine layout and a potential dual-clutch automatic transmission, the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is still bound to be significantly faster. In fact, Motor1 reports that GM has benchmarked this new model against a Ferrari 458 Speciale.

The NA V8 comes has close ties to Cadillac

Earlier rumors and reports surrounding the Chevrolet Corvette suggested it would essentially get the V8 out of the C8.R race car. However, this latest report indicates a new direction.

That’s because the rumored double overhead camshaft V8 in the Z06 reportedly has close ties to Cadillac’s 4.2-liter Blackwing engine. Thanks to a new flat-plane-crank design, this new engine should develop its peak power at around 9,000 rpm, says Motor1.

Based on what we’ve seen in older Z06 models, expect this new one to feature wider bodywork and larger wheels. Additionally, there should be extra noise coming from its exhaust along with aggressive aerodynamic elements throughout.

Since GM is reportedly utilizing the Ferrari as its benchmark, expect some excellent sound tuning since the 458 Speciale is already one of the best-sounding cars ever produced.

When will the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 arrive?

Aside from the brand-new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, this latest report indicates that other models are also on the way. Aside from getting the ultra-powerful ZR1, we should also expect to see two new variants called the Zora and the E-Ray. As it stands, there is no official release date in the books for these machines. However, Motor1 speculates that the brand-new Z06 could arrive sometime in July.