C8 Z06 More Powerful Than We Thought
It's safe to say that the Corvette Stingray C8 has been a resounding success for Chevrolet. In fact, the biggest problem for customers has actually been getting hold of the C8, a situation that has recently been made more frustrating with news of a supply issue that caused the Corvette Assembly Plant to be temporarily closed.
While this matter resolves itself, we'll focus on some better news: the arrival of high-performance variants of the mid-engine C8 such as the Z06 and the ZR1. Thanks to new information gleaned by Motortrend from an anonymous source, we know a bit more about these and other C8 variants.
The Z06 will apparently make use of a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank naturally-aspirated V8 that will produce in the region of 615 to 625 horsepower. That's more than the 600 hp we expected from the Z06, which will reportedly debut this July. That falls short of the 650 hp and 650 lb-ft produced by the previous supercharged Corvette Z06, but the stock C8 has already proved it makes the most of the power it's got.
The Z06 will also be offered with optional carbon fiber wheels and likely carbon-ceramic brakes, but those won't come cheaply. In its most desirable spec, the Z06 will be close to a three-figure sports car, but most current C8s have sold for far more than their base sticker price of below $60k, so it's a sure thing that enthusiasts will be willing to pay for the Z06.
Even more extreme is the upcoming ZR1, reportedly a 2023 model. It will start off with the Z06's 5.5-liter V8 as a base, but two turbochargers will increase output to up to 850 hp. Not much else is known about the ZR1, but with that amount of power on tap, it should be an absolute monster.
At the other end of the sensible spectrum is the Corvette plug-in hybrid. We already knew a hybrid Corvette was on the cards last year; this one is presumed to use dual motors on the front axle and another at the back. There is no confirmation on the gas engine that could be used on the hybridized Vette, though, but with electric assistance, either of the V8s should suffice.
The final two Corvettes will be notable for different reasons. First is the all-electric Corvette, and although it'll be bizarre to see a Corvette without a large-capacity V8 screaming away, it's got the potential to be even quicker than the gas-powered variants.
Last but most definitely not least, there's the mighty 2025 Corvette Zora. By combining the ZR1's twin-turbo V8 and the C8 hybrid's electric motor/s, it's anticipated to make around 1,000 horses. It'll be the priciest Corvette of all - perhaps around $150,000 - but like every other C8, it would still be a relative performance bargain compared to anything else you can get at the price.
The foundation has been laid for these high-performance Corvettes to take the C8 to new heights - we can hardly wait.
Source: Karl Furlong - Car Buzz
Posted 2/12/21