Since its introduction 3 years ago, the C8 Corvette Stingray has enjoyed its rating of 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque directly off the factory line. Excited enthusiasts ready to dominate the track of their choice could now employ the assistance of the dual-mode performance exhaust system to increase this stat excitedly to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. To the enjoyment of our team at Jim Butler Chevrolet of St. Louis, some of the best-informed journalists regarding the automotive realm at GM Authority provided the scoop last week about another exclusive and thrilling bump up in horsepower.
The C8 Corvette Stingray currently derives its power from the naturally aspirated 6.2-Liter V8 LT2 gas engine, which received a valuable reworking of the engine’s fuel delivery and Active Fuel Management System this past year. There was a significant drop in highway fuel economy ratings over the year, which can most likely be attributed to the popularity of the Z51 Performance Package. Horsepower has long remained as the bragging rights for anyone that has enjoyed the many benefits of the new mid-engined placement the ‘Vette boasts.
Exclusive photos from GM Authority show the C8 Stingray equipped with a strange pair of exhaust pipes that are quite a bit thinner than the quad pipes on a standard model. This exhaust treatment that initially looks a bit out of the ordinary, and EPA certification pipes may signal the coming of powertrain revisions for this iconic sports car. The 500-horsepower mark will certainly be broken, and the strong allure will remain for this vehicle that can do fierce battle with the best of supercars, while still evoking the spirit of Corvette that drivers have loved for decades.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R racing machine was just spotted undergoing testing at the Sebring International Raceway in Florida ahead of its competition debut in 2024, which is built to global GT3 regulations and will be fit for several different race series. You’ll be able to spot it in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, the Fanatec GT World Challenge, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. The Z06 GT3.R incorporates the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6, which is the same mid-mounted powerhouse that is found on the traditional street car.
The Motor Trend evaluation team was heavy on the well-deserved praise for the 2023 C8’s fantastic supercar performance and very memorable Z06 exhaust note. We fully believe that the 2023 Chevy Corvette will easily hold its own against more expensive models such as the Mercedes-AMG GT, and Porsche 911. The Z06 is most definitely the supercar that true fans always wanted the model to be, boasting a full-on and proudly high-revving engine, and the ability to allow for massive confidence on the track.
Don’t forget to check out how exhilarating the Z07 Package makes the new ‘Vette stand apart with downforce-enhancing elements including dive planes, front splitter, underbody diffuser, and rear wing, each expertly crafted from carbon fiber. Handling responses are sharpened to a level not yet seen with the unique magnetorheological suspension system, and behind all these massive goods are enormous Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors primed for consecutive and powerful decelerations.