Chevrolet might have reportedly delayed the market launch of the 2023 Corvette Z06 due to the pandemic, but the development program for the hardcore American sportscar is accelerating.
Our spy photographers caught a prototype of the 2023 Z06 testing at the Nürburgring with considerably less camouflage than before, showing more of its redesigned aero components before its official debut this fall.
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As we can see, the bodywork has extensive modifications compared to the Corvette Stingray, with a design inspired by the Corvette C8.R race car. Those include a new front bumper with a significantly more prominent splitter, aero canards, and enlarged intakes for improved cooling and increased downforce. The profile is characterized by the new five-spoke wheels and wider fenders with larger side intakes giving the Corvette a more muscular appearance.
At the back, there is a fixed rear wing and a new bumper with complicated outlets on the bottom half. The upcoming Z06 also features centrally-mounted quad exhaust pipes – just like in the previous generation model. We guess that the aero components will be largely made of carbon fiber for less weight.
One of the camouflaged test cars on the Nürburgring came without the splitter and the canards on the front bumper, while fitted with a smaller rear wing and different wheels. This could mean that the Z06 might be offered in two different specifications, with a track-focused package available as optional equipment.
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The Z06 will be fitted with a new mid-mounted 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8. The mill is rumored to produce 617 hp (460 kW / 626 PS) and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque while providing a unique sound. For comparison, the 6.2-liter V8 in the Corvette Stingray produces up to 495 hp (369 kW / 502 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm).
The power boost will result in improved performance figures, which means the Z06 will accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 2.9 seconds and have a top speed exceeding 184 mph (296 km/h). As Chevrolet hinted in the last official teaser, the Corvette Z06 will be unveiled in fall 2021. The model is expected for a market release in the 2023 model year.
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