A Racing Machine for the Road—The Corvette's High-Performance Special, the "Z06," Makes its Japan Debut | Chevrolet
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Most Powerful Corvette Z06 Yet Makes its Japan Debut
General Motors Japan unveiled the "Corvette Z06," developed based on the racing car "C8.R" as a high-performance special model of the Chevrolet "Corvette," at Fuji Speedway.
Based on the Currently Dominant Racing Car, the "C8.R"
The "Corvette Z06," making its first appearance in Japan at "CHEVROLET FAN DAY 2023" held at Fuji Speedway.
This is a model developed based on the racing car "C8.R," which has achieved six victories in the 2020 IMSA SportsCar Championship held in the United States and other regions, and has already secured two wins in the 2023 WEC (FIA World Endurance Championship), continuing its winning streak. It is the high-performance special model of the current Corvette, which adopts the first mid-ship layout in Corvette history.
The name "Z06" was originally used by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the "father of the Corvette" and a legendary engineer, as an option code for a track performance package set up for racing in 1963, which he envisioned as a "dream machine."
The first-generation "Z06" was equipped with high-performance brakes, an enhanced front stabilizer, and a large fuel tank that could reduce the number of pit stops during long races.
This concept is carried over to the current eighth generation (C8) with its mid-ship layout, making it a presence akin to a racing machine on public roads.
Let's take a closer look at the details of this "dream machine," the "Corvette Z06."
The heart of the car is the new 5.5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, the "LT6," mounted mid-ship, compared to the 6.2-liter V8 engine in the standard Corvette. Incidentally, the "LT6R," developed concurrently with the "LT6," has been used in the "C8.R" since 2019.
Although the displacement is smaller than the standard Corvette, the maximum output is 475kW (646ps), an increase of 106kW (144ps), making it the most powerful Corvette Z06 to date. It produces a maximum torque of 623Nm and is driven by the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The body measures 4,685mm in length, 2,025mm in width, and 1,225mm in height, with a width that is 85mm wider than the Corvette Coupe. The wheels are 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear, featuring a "spider design" and are the largest forged aluminum wheels ever fitted to a production Corvette model.
The airflow from the side air vents, which supply air to the two left and right radiators, has been increased. The front fascia, developed specifically for this model, efficiently distributes air to three front radiators, enhancing cooling performance.
Furthermore, for improved stability and cornering performance on the race track, it comes standard with a unique and reconfigurable rear spoiler equipped with an adjustable wickerbill. This significantly increases downforce, generating 362 pounds (approximately 164 kg) at 186 mph (approximately 300 km/h).
In addition, to achieve high performance, it comes standard with Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 and large Brembo brake rotors. The number of pistons in the front calipers is six, compared to four in the standard Corvette, contributing to higher circuit performance.
For the Japanese market, the "Z06" will also feature a right-hand drive, mirroring the current generation which was the first Corvette to offer right-hand drive. The body color is black, emphasizing its power, combined with a red interior.
General Motors Japan plans to sell the car via a lottery due to limited availability. The official sales volume and lottery method will be announced at a later date. The estimated price is 25 million yen.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Body Size: Length 4,685 x Width 2,025 x Height 1,225 mm
Wheelbase: 2,725 mm
Vehicle Weight: 1,720 kg
Engine: 5,454 cc V8 DOHC
Maximum Output: 475kW (646ps) / 8,550 rpm
Maximum Torque: 623Nm / 6,300 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Tire Size: Front 275/30ZR20 Rear 345/25ZR21
Steering: Right
Price: 25,000,000 yen
