Upon witnessing the long-awaited release of the mid-engined C8 Corvette in 2020, it was clear to all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of Saint Louis that it would be the perfect contender to spar with more exotic brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini. The staff on duty at Hotcars.com agreed this month on their blog that the 2023 C8 Corvette is the most road-worthy and soon-to-be memorable model ever constructed.
The 70th anniversary model will surely attract buyers who have avidly followed the Corvette for decades, but this crew actually tested the current Z06 model. Every hardcore Chevy fan knows that any badge that begins with “Z” is an omen that the car will deliver notoriously noteworthy performance, and this one didn’t disappoint. We agree with the Hotcars team’s assessment when they concluded that the creation of this mid-engined vessel to boisterously “excel at everything possible” will answer the prayers of gearheads everywhere in a world focused primarily on efficiency.
There are many added goodies to support your New Year's resolution to blast down abandoned roads at high speed whenever you have the time. You’ll be able to do just that courtesy of 20-inch wheel designs, optional black tailpipes, and a new very sleek looking Stealth Aluminum interior package. Another direction you can go with this thoroughly fantastic setup is the adrenaline red-dipped interior theme, which provides every element doused in shiny bright cherry upholstery for the win.
The Z06 derives its reputable and expertly laid-out power from the 5.5-liter flat-plane V8 LT6 engine, which pumps out 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm. We’d like to add here that the distinguishable and dedicated howl that it emits makes models such as the Ferrari 458 Italia’s NA V8 experience seething envy. It is a slightly different production twist of sorts that the standard 2023 Corvette features the larger 6.2-liter V8, but cranks out a slightly lower 490 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, but not existing as a complete “role reversal” in power.
What changes matters drastically is the addition of the Z51 package, which bumps things up to 495 hp and adds competent driver-focused upgrades such as the electronic limited-slip rear differential, brakes with more bit, and tires with a consistent grip that makes a huge difference. If the Z06 package for any reason isn’t enough to keep your heart rate as high as the star perched on top of the tree, the available Z07 package throws on a more aggressive carbon fiber rear wing along with tweaked magnetic ride control settings, and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes that provide industry-leading slowdown mojo!