SPY PICS: Unassuming Z06 could actually be a Corvette ZR1

There’s something fishy going on at General Motors right now in the US, where our spy photographers have just snapped a debadged Corvette Z06 fitted with the Z07 Performance Package and wearing camouflaged rear bumper.

Given it’s yet to be released in markets including Australia, it’s too soon for the Z06 to be getting an update, which makes us think this yellow and black example could actually be a test mule for the upcoming Corvette ZR1.

The flagship ZR1 version of the mid-engined C8 Corvette range is widely expected to feature a twin-turbo version of the Z06’s 5.5-litre flat-plane V8, taking factory Corvette performance to a whole new level.

Rumours have been swirling for a while now as to the make-up of the ZR1’s earth-shattering powertrain and the big debate revolves around the inclusion of a hybrid system.

However, the most recent reports cite “bullet proof” sources within GM suggesting the ZR1 won’t in fact incorporate any sort of electrification.

Instead, that role could be left to the hypercar-slaying Corvette Zora, which is tipped to combine the ZR1’s force-fed V8 powertrain with a tri-motor hybrid or plug-in hybrid system putting more than 746kW to the ground with the help of all-wheel drive.

Meantime, while the ZR1 has always had the Z06 licked for power, performance and track capability, the fact both Corvette variants are primed to the use the same basic motorsport-derived engine – albeit with turbos for the ZR1 – helps a lot with analysing this test mule.

Odds are the rear bumper has been altered at this early stage to free up room for the extra plumbing required by a pair of inevitably huge turbos and/or their beefed-up cooling systems.

Meantime, the fitment of the Z06’s optional Z07 Performance Pack is a likely preview of the ZR1’s feistier aero features and uprated braking package as standard.

The upcoming Chevy hypercar is expected to retain the traditional rear-drive layout and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as the rest of the C8 Corvette line-up, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was given a few upgrades to help handle the ZR1’s 630kW/750Nm-plus outputs.

It’ll be a while yet before we see the ZR1 on local soil given the first Z06 has only just arrived Down Under, but North American outlets have reported either a late 2024 or 2025 domestic launch for the 2025 or 2026 model year.

That’s assuming the ZR1 is produced in right-hand drive, in line with all other versions of the first global Corvette. We have no reason to believe it won’t be and, given the Z06 is likely to cost around $250,000, expect a circa-$300K price tag for the ZR1.

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