2022 Chevy Corvette Z06 Proves to be "Perfectly Placed" and Aggressive on The Track

Now that the massive amount of anticipation and excitement surrounding the mid-engine Corvette has simmered down for one brief moment, it is the perfect time to shift the automotive lover's focus to the even more powerful Z06 model coming soon. Brandishing the exotic flat-plane-crank V8 engine, the 2022 Corvette Z06 will sport a bellowing and robust treat of noise, unlike any 'Vette that's fearlessly blazed the path before it. It admittedly looks a bit meaner than the mid-engined C8 due to flared fenders, larger air scoops, and aerodynamic add-ons that offer up the best in cornering traction and high-speed downforce. 

This is a more track-focused version of the standard 'Vette, complete with heightened performance qualities and more aggressive styling. One of the most exciting qualities that we are anticipating here at West Chevy of Knoxville regarding the Z06 is the engine that is going to turn many heads: it is the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that features a flat-plane crank and revs between 8500 and 9000 RPM. It is expected to crank out more than 600 horsepower, and the sound it makes will be pleasantly on par with the cars it is competing with.

This rather non-traditional V8 is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The 495-hp 2020 Corvette Z51 completed the zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and completed the standing quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph, and the Z06 promises to be even faster. More powerful brakes and wider, stickier tires will allow for better cornering and faster stops than the regular 'Vette. The structure will be strengthened and the suspension tune re-calibrated on the Z06, reassuring that all performance advantages will be engaged full-throttle where it fares the fastest: on the track! 

The incoming Z06 is one excellent example of an instance where a fully-committed design team went far above and beyond to ensure that the interior was far from ordinary. While the square steering wheel and the large cluster of climate-control buttons on the center console are a bit unusual, this is a cabin that was built to be very driver-focused, with a long list of standard and optional features. There is a 12.0-inch completely digital gauge cluster, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and wireless charging. Also inside is an 8.0-inch touchscreen that brings to live Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus system, with your choice of a standard 10-speaker or 14-speaker premium Bose stereo to put you in the mood for sheer road scorching and fun.

One very noticeable trait in drivers who are addicted to the track is the love of and close observation of stats: information gathered from every single run can make the next one that much more exciting and competitive. The new Z06 will continue to offer the Performance Data Recorder, which allows you to record in-depth video of every single corner and straightaway you conquer. We'll keep you posted right here on the blog about other features and specific arrival dates, and the potential for legendary handling and off-the-line factor that the Z06 is chiseled from!