Monday, August 31, 2020

2022 Corvette Z06 Continues Tradition of Precision Design, Raw Power, and Aerodynamic Control

Last year one of the most memorable stirs in the global automotive community was caused by the release of the 2021 Corvette C8. It was a truly dazzling piece of engineering from Chevy and continued a long tradition of precision design and high-octane thrills on the tracks and beckoning back roads everywhere. Through careful analysis of spy shots, leaks, and insider sources, the emerging profile and future of the Z06 is revealed. A C8 Z06 has been unofficially announced in various circles to be released sometime in 2021 for the 2022 model year.

This new 'Vette is expected to feature a flat-plane crank engine similar to what is found in the track-only C8 race car. Chassis and suspension upgrades are sure to be added to join mechanical forces with the increased power and assisting with making every dip and dent in the road less noticeable to the driver. The release of the very innovative 2021 Corvette shocked the world with its very driver-focused cabin and meticulous design, brandishing the 6.2-liter V8 LT2 as the standard engine. Featuring direct injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management, it was a charismatic and punch component of a design that amazed and thrilled many.

The Z06 is expected to see a new engine as a power source, with many betting on the 5.5-liter V8 that cranks out between 600-800 horsepower and around 700 lb-ft of torque. Many web sources and car experts out there note that the incoming Z06 will use an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, identical to what is hard at work in the 2021 C8. In videos of the 2022 Z06 blasting around happily outside of the Detroit testing grounds, the exhaust note is much like the C8, with just a slightly tamer quality. It has been compared to that of the Ferrari 458, which also derives power from a flat-plane crank engine.

A very aggressive wing is said to be a standard feature, and would make sense considering its track-oriented design. Others argue that they are positive a spoiler will be offered instead, and both convertible, as well as hardtop versions of Z06 prototypes, have been spotted, a clear indicator that both styles will be available. The Z06 is also on track to include the revolutionary Performance Data Recorder, which allows you to take note of more than 34 performance statistics, and record detailed video of every single drive.

Heated seats, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on deck to be included as well, as well as the choice of a 10 or 15-speaker premium Bose audio system to dictate the best in decibel-high driving tunes. A concept sketch of the coming interior was released last year, depicting a Stingray-like interior sporting sleek lines and a squared-off steering wheel, hinting towards its potential for pure thunder on the track. We will keep you up-to-speed here on the Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis blog about arrival dates and other particulars, and are excited to share with everyone just how potent and revolutionary the new Z06 will be!