The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitecars T wo years after the first production mid-engine Corvette C8 Stingray’s debut, Chevrolet introduced the 2023 Corvette C8 Z06, designed and engineered as a preci- sion tool for the track. Its striking appearance, sound and tactile feel with an intense focus and wider sculpted front and rear fascia designs, a first for Z06, defines a confident stance and exotic proportions with a luxuriously appointed interior. It was created to dominate the track and symbolise a perfect combi- nation of track beast and supercar. With directive sound and appearance from Corvette Racing, the Z06’s knowledge is transferred from the track to the street. The chassis has underpinned Corvette Racing’s C8.R since it started competing in 2020. The C8.R is referred to internally as the Z06 hiding in plain sight through its similar engine architecture and exterior. It shone during the 2020 IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) sports car championship, capturing six victo- ries and seven pole positions. Initially born in 1963, the Corvette C8 Z06 was an optional Spe- cial Equipment Package for racers with a fuel-injected 5.4-litre engine and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. It included a stiffer suspension, heavy-duty brakes, a thicker front stabiliser bar and a large 26-gallon fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. Today, owners can create their bespoke American supercar with expanded material offerings, new interior packages, and unique features. What Drives This Power Model? For nearly 40 years, the highest small-block engine capacity was the 327 cubic-inch V8 first featured in the 1963 Corvette Z06 with 375 horsepower. In 2001, the Z06 returned as a trim-level C5 Corvette with a lightweight small-block 350 cubic-inch LS6 engine with 385 horsepower. Five years later, the C6 Corvette Z06 was equipped with a 427 cubic-inch seven-litre V8 with 505 horsepower. 2015 saw the next generation C7 supercharged with a 376 cubic-inch V8 engine and 650 horsepower. With inspiration from mid-engined Ferraris, engineers designed the C8 Corvette Stingray with a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 mid-engine producing 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft torque. Sim- ilarly, the 2019 Z06 in a sporty coupé or convertible has the same engine capacity with an output of 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft torque. It has a seven-speed manual transmission for shifting duties or an eight-speed automatic transmission with a paddle shifter option. The 2023 Corvette C8 Z06 has a different story. It has an all-new bespoke 5.5-litre DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) LT6 engine. The dry sump flat-plane crankshaft has a higher capacity of 670 horsepower, 460 lb-ft torque and 8,6000 rpm, making it the most powerful production car. The engine is positioned behind the driver to enable a "quantum leap forward" for driving dynamics, according to Tadge Juechter, Corvette Executive Chief Engineer. This placement change makes the new Z06 considerably 3.6 inch- es wider than the C8 Corvette Stingray and boasts more over- sized air intakes and a unique, newly designed rear wing. Whilst the C8 Stingray accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 184, the Z06 coupe is faster at 2.7 seconds with the base vehicle and 2.6 with the Z07 Performance Package and a top speed of an estimated 200 mph or more (which has not yet been confirmed by Chevrolet). Inside The Cabin The driver-focused cockpit’s premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel first introduced in the Stingray. Carbon fibre trim, a rounded-square steering wheel, shift paddles, and hand-wrapped leather interior options such as Adrenaline Red express the car's lightweight, track-focused man- tra. Other features include climate-control buttons on the centre console, a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and heated and ventilated seats. Like the Stingray, the Driver Mode Selector features several components, such as Launch Control, for maximum off-the-line acceleration. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control handles standard performance traction management, and the Traction Control tailors the engine torque for driving in inclement condi- tions through the weather mode. Performance Traction Manage- ment offers five torque reduction and brake intervention settings. At the same time, Electronic Limited Slip Differential adjusts the limited slip rate to balance steering response and stability in different driving conditions. Within the multilayered dashboard, you’ll find an 8.0-inch touch- screen infotainment system including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Two separate Bose stereos with a standard 10-speaker system and an optional 14-speaker set-up complete the look. The Z06 has a camera in the front to track your overlay on the circuit or road. The rearview mirror acts as a GM (General Motors) Rear Camera Mirror with a high-res video feed in the convertible version when the retractable folding or hardtop is up. Images courtesy of Chevrolet