Hear the C8 Corvette Z06 Accelerate Through Its Gears
C8 Z06 is not going to use a hotter version of the LT2. This baby sounds like a whole new beast.
The run of the mill C8 Stingray already strikes fear in the hearts of Porsche and Ferrari. The performance to dollar ratio is one of the most impressive we have ever seen. Add the Z51 package and the performance creeps up even more. If you really want to make the Europeans sweat, just wait until the Z06 hits the streets. From the look and sound of things, Chevy is not going to be happy with simply tuning the LT2 for a bit more power. The Z06 is going to bring a whole new armament to the party.
In a video from GM Authority via the Motrolix YouTube channel we get to hear the still camouflaged C8 Z06 accelerate through a couple of gears. This does not sound like a modified LT2 engine. This sounds like a whole different architecture. Close your eyes and you would be forgiven if you thought that was an Italian exotic running through the gears. This sounds like a flat-plane crankshaft engine to us.
The clip is brief but is long enough to give us a taste of what is to come. A heavily wrapped C8 is leading a small group of standard Stingrays into the GM Milford Proving Ground. When the video begins the driver of the Z06 is already on the move. While the car is clearly not under wide open throttle it is accelerating moderately and runs through a couple of gears before the video ends. We do not know who the test driver is, but no human can manipulate a clutch pedal and stick as quickly as we hear in the clip. Based off that, the Z06 will almost certainly use a dual-clutch automatic.
The Z06 in this clip sounds like it is running the rumored LT6 engine. This engine is expected to be naturally-aspirated with a 5.5L displacement. It will also use a dual overhead cam configuration and of course that distinctive sounding flat-plane crankshaft. It should put out at least 100 horsepower over the LT2 unit. The Z06 will also have a distinctly different feel. The LT6 will likely tack on at least 1,000 rpm to the redline of the LT2. This is an engine that is going to scream.
We have a looming Z06 Corvette that is mid-engined, has no pushrods, automatic-only, and will likely spit out around 600 horsepower. What is this world coming to? We are not sure but sign us up. This Z06 is going to be a world-beater. Some car shoppers might not ever consider a Chevy, but if you are looking at pure performance, it is going to be impossible to ignore the Z06. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these beasts. In the meantime, we just have to be satisfied with the video clip. Turn up the volume and give it a listen. Hell, it is a short clip, give it a couple of listens.
Images: GM Authority
Join the LS1Tech forums now!
