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Video: Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Corvette's latest Stingray has already impressed, so just how good can this Z06 version be? Rory takes to the track to find out
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 June 2023 | 0 min read
Rory has already enjoyed the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, this latest C8 generation switching from its traditional mechanical layout to go mid-engined, like the majority of European-built supercars. Perhaps the most radical move in the Corvette’s long history it’s resulted in a proper giant-killer of a car, which you can now buy for Porsche 911 money over here. Not bad for a 6.2-litre engine and nearly 500 horsepower.
But back in its American homeland there’s another option – the Z06. It might not look a whole lot different from the regular Stingray. But, as Rory finds out at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway, it’s a much, much more serious car. At its heart is a new engine, actually smaller at ‘just’ 5.5 litres but packing a mighty 670 horsepower thanks to completely re-engineered internal parts and more than a little inspiration from the Ferraris that cost literally hundreds of thousands of pounds more. We’ll let Rory explain the technicalities but it clearly does the job, a racing version of the Corvette with the same-sized engine recently winning the highly competitive GT class at the Le Mans 24 Hours ahead of Porsches, Aston Martins and, yes, Ferraris. This particular Z06 has had a few tweaks applied by its owner, NASCAR racer Jesse Iwuji, to make it look and go even better, as Rory finds out with the ride of a lifetime alongside him around the terrifyingly fast Willow Springs track. Has Corvette really taken tricks learned from Ferrari and created a car fast enough to beat Italian exotica for a third of the price? Jump aboard with Rory to find out. And if you enjoyed this video don’t forget to let Rory know in the comments, hit like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more.
But back in its American homeland there’s another option – the Z06. It might not look a whole lot different from the regular Stingray. But, as Rory finds out at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway, it’s a much, much more serious car. At its heart is a new engine, actually smaller at ‘just’ 5.5 litres but packing a mighty 670 horsepower thanks to completely re-engineered internal parts and more than a little inspiration from the Ferraris that cost literally hundreds of thousands of pounds more. We’ll let Rory explain the technicalities but it clearly does the job, a racing version of the Corvette with the same-sized engine recently winning the highly competitive GT class at the Le Mans 24 Hours ahead of Porsches, Aston Martins and, yes, Ferraris. This particular Z06 has had a few tweaks applied by its owner, NASCAR racer Jesse Iwuji, to make it look and go even better, as Rory finds out with the ride of a lifetime alongside him around the terrifyingly fast Willow Springs track. Has Corvette really taken tricks learned from Ferrari and created a car fast enough to beat Italian exotica for a third of the price? Jump aboard with Rory to find out. And if you enjoyed this video don’t forget to let Rory know in the comments, hit like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more.