We will have to wait just a bit longer for America’s newest supercar to be available in track-spec, the C8 Corvette Z06.
While this is frustrating, we do know a good amount of what to expect from the next Z06. We know it’ll stay naturally aspirated with V8, but rather than a re-working of the exiting 6.2 cross-plane V8 from GM we’re going to get a slight variation of the 5.5L flat plane crank V8 from the C8R GTLM car.
Corvette Z06 Pedigree
The last generation of Corvette Z06, the C7, got a supercharger and was the first Z06 to get forced induction. It made gobs of power and was an absolute riot, but this C8 generation Corvette takes performance much more seriously. Chassis tuning and balancing are priority and overwhelming the chassis, suspension, and tires with too much power doesn’t help the C8 compete against the more serious exotics from Europe.
The 5.5L flat plane crank has not only been in the C8R, but it’s been winning within GTLM in the IMSA series ever since the C8R took to the track. What it lacks in suprcharged torque it more than makes up for a linear, high revving power band that redlines at 9,000 rpm. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been at 9,000 rpm in a V8, but it’s euphoric. Very few cars these days can rev out that far. The exclusive company includes protagonists like the Porsche products packing the 4.0 flat 6 and a couple Italian supercars – some serious company, indeed.
Why was the C8 Z06 delayed?
Production issues due to the pandemic have plagued manufacturers. Don’t believe me? Try to go to your Ford dealer and order a Bronco and tell me how long you’ll have to wait. Well Ford isn’t the only manufacturer feeling the pan of supplier and chip issues. GM and Chevy, along with everyone else, have had their manufacturing schedules effected by the shortages. Sure things will ramp up, but don’t expect to see the Z06 before 2023.
This doesn’t just effect the Z06, but also the twin-turbo ZR1 and the twin-turbo hybrid Zora. The all electric eRay is too far out to make any estimation of whether or not it will be delayed, but given the electrification push GM is making we’d guess it’s release schedule remains unaffected.