The Corvette C8 is a hit with buyers, but the model had a rocky launch as production was delayed due to a UAW strike and then the pandemic cast its shadow over the mid-engine supercar for the masses.
Unfortunately, that streak of bad luck is set to continue as GM Authority is reporting the hotter Z06 has been delayed. According to their sources, the car was originally set to arrive in the second half of the 2022 model year but it has now been pushed back to the 2023 model year.
The delay is expected to have a chain reaction as the Z06 likely won’t be introduced this summer. There’s no word on when the car will now be unveiled, but sometime next year seems like a logical candidate.
Also Read: Chevy Spied Benchmarking C8 Corvette Z06 And ZR1 Against Ferrari 458 And Porsche GT2
Chevrolet has been tight-lipped about the upcoming model, but it’s been spied numerous times and the car will be heavily influenced by the Corvette C8.R. Among the changes will be a more aggressive exterior with optimized aerodynamics including a prominent rear wing.
Of course, the biggest changes will occur in the engine compartment as the Z06 is expected to have a new 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8. Rumors have suggested it could produce 617 hp (460 kW / 626 PS) and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque, which would be a significant improvement over the standard model’s 6.2-liter V8 that produces up to 495 hp (369 kW / 502 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque.
Considering the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds, the Z06 should further push the Vette into supercar territory.
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