One thing that occurs frequently in the business that we are admittedly not always fond of here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis is tedious waiting! When the details about the 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 were given to us some time ago, we knew that supply chain issues may influence the time we’d see it finally grace lots nationwide. The Motor Authority staff officially announced this week on their blog that supercar production finally began in September, and the very first batch was excitingly shipped out to dealerships last Thursday.
The very first model offline was a 70th-anniversary edition example sporting Z07 package and dipped in the unique and eye-pleasing Carbon Flash Metallic hue. The proud ownership rights to this one was sold at an auction for charity early this winter, with CEO of Hendrick automotive group Rick Hendrick coughing up $3.6 million to diligently make it his own. Chevy started accepting orders in late July for the 2023 Z06, which derives power from the always-potent and flat-plane crank 5.5-liter V8, which comes screaming at you larger than life with dual overhead cams and fitting dry-sump lubrication.
Output is a very key issue when it comes to performance and highly collectible cars, and here you're working with 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque that is now the highest output of any production made and naturally aspirated V8. Customers can take the time to thoroughly assemble and design their own powertrain with the Engine Build Program, which is paired up with the same 8-speed clutch that takes up residence in the Corvette Stingray. The Stingray version has a bit shorter final drive ratio, clocking in at 5.56 and working overtime to improve the all-important and enjoyable acceleration.
Getting all the way up to the crucial 60 mph interval takes place in just 2.6 seconds, with the quarter mile coming out of the “dry cycle” in just 10.6 seconds at a breathtaking 130 mph. Top speed impatiently signs your dotted line at 195 mph, and it’s all due to the well-homed in setup that will most likely be the very last Corvette Z06 happily blasting through corners with an internal combustion engine. The official announcement came this April regarding the future work and ultimate release of a redesigned C9 that will boast all-electric power.
Car and Driver also claimed earlier this summer that the incoming Z06 is “an intoxicating thriller on the street and an iron-fisted killer on the track”, completely satisfied with everything from the exhaust note to the trademark nervous energy you’ll experience during each drive. Each of the drive modes emits its signature variety of this trademark fun, with Weather, Tour, Sport, and Track on deck as your choices. The My Mode function allows you to recall multiple levels of exhaust intensity that will undoubtedly signal out noticeably in its furious manner to your neighbors when you are prepared to leave and get some pavement-crushing quality time in!