2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Overview

The 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 elevates the iconic nameplate into territory occupied by exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini. With the engine now located behind the driver, it looks unlike any Z06 seen before. Not only is it considerably wider than the regular Corvette Stingray, but it also boasts bigger air intakes and a unique rear wing. Thanks to a flat-plane crankshaft, the new Z06's naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 doesn't sound like any Vette that's come before, and it blasted the car to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds at our test track. While it inherits the best amenities and technology from the Stingray, its performance and handling have been heightened and sharpened. Chevy switched to a mid-engine layout to make the C8 Corvette a supercar that more folks can afford, and the 2023 Corvette Z06 promises to embarrass more than a few people driving insanely expensive supercars when they meet at a racetrack. We were so impressed by the z06 that we named it to our 2023 10Best cars list alongside the Stingray.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

STARTING AT: $109,295

2

Porsche 911

STARTING AT: $107,550

3

Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S

STARTING AT: $184,350

4

Porsche 911 GT3 / GT3 RS

STARTING AT: $171,150

5

McLaren Artura

STARTING AT: $237,500

6

McLaren GT

STARTING AT: $208,490

What's New for 2023?

The first mid-engine Corvette Z06 went into production in summer 2022 and launched as a 2023 model. As is tradition, the Z06 is a more hardcore, track-focused version of the standard Vette, complete with bolder styling cues and serious performance attributes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The new Corvette Z06's six-figure starting price is no surprise given the car's performance attributes, but it's still a bargain compared to European supercars with similar equipment. We'd go with the base 1LZ Coupe, but we'd add the Z07 Performance package, which adds a tuned suspension, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP tires. Selecting this package also requires adding the Carbon Aero package, which adds carbon-fiber exterior elements, including a front splitter and a rear spoiler.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The new Corvette Z06 receives a special engine that makes it sound similar to the supercars it's trying to dethrone. Its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 features a flat-plane crank and revs to 8500 rpm. The engine produces 670 horsepower and has a Ferrari-like howl that'll send shivers down the spine of bystanders. The unconventional V-8 hooks up to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Performance is explosive, and at our test track, the Z06 blasted to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and sailed through the quarter-mile mark in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. The convertible needed just 0.1 second longer to reach 60 mph in our testing. A set of wider, stickier tires and more powerful brakes help it corner harder and stop shorter than the regular Vette. Chevy also has strengthened the Corvette's structure and transformed the chassis to ensure the Z06's performance advantages are most obvious at the racetrack. To unlock its full potential, an optional Z07 package adds aerodynamic elements, reduces weight, and further upgrades the brakes and tires. The car comes standard with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminum wheels, but a set of lighter and stronger carbon-fiber rollers are optional.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Z06's EPA fuel economy estimates of 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway make the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck look efficient. When we get a chance, we'll take the Z06 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with its real-world results. For more information about the Corvette Z06's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Bow Tie brand went above and beyond to ensure that the mid-engine Corvette's interior could not be called boring. While the design certainly transcends what's found on every other Chevy model, the square steering wheel and wall of climate-control buttons on the center console are unusual elements, to say the least. Still, the cabin layout caters to the driver, and the list of standard and optional features is extensive. It includes a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and even wireless phone charging. Its track-worthiness is made more apparent inside with microsuede accents and more aggressively bolstered seats, as well as two carbon-fiber-intensive interior packages. The Corvette's capacious rear trunk should continue to provide a spot for drivers to carry two sets of golf clubs.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Cooked into the Corvette's multilayered dashboard is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Likewise, two separate Bose stereos are expected to be offered: a standard 10-speaker system and an optional 14-speaker setup. The Z06 also offers a Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which allows you to record video of everything from your track exploits to relaxed country-road cruises. And if you dare leave your Z06 with a valet, there's a setting that keeps track of any nefarious activities the car parker might try.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the regular Corvette Stingray only offers a handful of driver-assistance technology, those features are also available on the Z06. For more information about its crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard rear parking sensors
• Available multi-view camera system
• Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevy provides all of its models with a middle-of-the-road limited and powertrain warranty. While the company offers more complimentary maintenance than automakers who skip the free service altogether, it's one of the industry's shortest plans.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

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