Wild new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 teased

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 could be revealed in the US even before the C8 Stingray on which it’s based arrives in Australia.

Chevrolet has confirmed it will present the first high-performance version of its mid-engined eighth-generation Corvette supercar, the Z06, around October this year - and it hasn't been ruled for Australia either.

In a 24-second teaser video posted to Chevy’s official YouTube channel, the new Z06 is previewed from a first-person perspective blasting at full noise around some of the world’s most famous racetracks, confirming its role as a genuine track-attack sports car.

There are no glimpses of the Z06’s more aggressive new look, which is expected to benefit from a number of dramatic bodywork upgrades to improve downforce and grip levels, including a massive rear wing and other bespoke aero additions.

The track-focussed Corvette is also expected to ride on lightweight staggered-diameter carbon-fibre wheels wearing sticky 275/30 ZR20 front and 345/25 ZR21 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R semi-slick tyres.

But it’s the screaming, high-pitched V8 engine note that has now set tongues wagging.

As previously reported, there was talk of a turbocharged V8 for the C8 Corvette Z06, but this video all but confirms it will be powered by a road-going application of the high-revving, naturally-aspirated 5.5-litre LT6 V8 seen in the Corvette C8.R race car.

Expected to redline north of 8000rpm, it features a flat-plane crank and a 32-valve DOHC design, replacing the C8 Stingray’s 369kW/637Nm 6.2-litre pushrod V8, and should lift power output to about 450kW.

Indeed, the phrase ‘Crank it up’ is splashed across the screen, perhaps implying a flat-plane crankshaft configuration like that in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, which revs to 8250rpm.

“The street will never sound the same” boasts the video.

So will the Corvette Z06 be offered in Australia, New Zealand or even Japan as part of the Corvette's right-hand-drive export program?

"The Z06 is a high performance version of the C8 Corvette, but nothing has been officially announced regarding a possible launch date - and no right-hand drive markets have been confirmed as part of the programme," GM Special Vehicles spokesperson Ed Finn told carsales today, neither confirming nor denying an Aussie launch.

The naturally-aspirated LT2 V8 in the standard C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has a 6600rpm rev-limit and, combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, accelerates the coupe to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 312km/h.

The Z06 will need to develop more power, more acceleration and more speed than the regular rear-drive, mid-engined Corvette.

Once the 2023 Corvette Z06 is launched sometime in 2022, it will be followed by the even more potent Corvette ZR1, which is almost certain to get a turbocharged V8.

In the past, official access to iconic American muscle cars were a fantasy for most Australians, but that has changed with the likes of the Ford Mustang and, soon, the Corvette become global models produced ex-factory in both left- and right-hand drive.

The standard 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is now available to order in Australia ahead of deliveries late this year or early next year, priced from $144,990 plus on-road costs (and potentially exorbitant dealer delivery fees) according to official importer, GM Specialty Vehicles.