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! 

2020 Corvette Performance Numbers Wow Everyone, Including Chevy Engineers

Official data now confirms that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray coupe equipped with the Z51 Package reaches the 60 MPH mark in 2.9 seconds and conquers the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 MPH. Even without the help of the Z51 pack, this year's new mid-engined Corvette makes it to 60 in 3.0 seconds, and still kills the quarter-mile at the same 11.2-second mark. We love this milestone in automotive history that allows the brand we love to  represent so much here at West Chevy of Knoxville the right to brag that it's the fastest base model in the vehicle's existence!

Alex Macdonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager, said that the performance of the 2020 Stingray has exceeded his expecatations, truly standing out as a milestone in history. One of the major changes from older models is that the engine now features revised camshafts that increase valve lift duration. There is now an overhauled intake manifold that the mill breathes through, which has an increased plenum volume. The new exhaust puts to use four-into-one twisted headers that are fabricated rather than casting, ultimately saving in weight factor.

The engine has a dry-sump oil system that uses three scavenge pumps that can cope with the demands of high  acceleration on the track. The low-profile oil pan also allows for a lower center of gravity, and the engine runs through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission gleaned from Tremec. The final drive, differential, controls system, sensors, lubrication, and cooling hardware are all packed into a complete unit through integrated construction. If you want to get an earful of the delightful exhaust, pulling both shift paddles behind the steering wheel allows the driver to free rev the powerplant while parked in neutral.

The transmission is governed by three driving modes: the smooth Touring, aggressive Sport, and peak performance range of Track. Just two weeks ago, the staff on duty at Car and Driver claimed it was even “More than the best Corvette Ever”, and that it definitely lives up to the heavily-generated hype surrounding its release. They had based their ecstatic opinion on the new ride after timed laps at Grattan Raceway outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they determined that the mid-engined model's handling advantage over the outgoing C7 was indeed very real. We invite you to come down after the holidays to check out just how 60.6 percent of the car' mass being situated over the rear tires is a game-changer off the line, and also boasts by far the best Corvette interior ever!

2020 Chevy Corvette Spotted by Autoblog Crew With Reduced Aero Factor

Reese Counts from Autoblog.com has for many years had a keen sense of what is happening in the auto industry, especially within the realm of high performance and sports cars. This past week he reported on the excitement that is ever-present due to the reveal of the long-awaited mid-engine 2020 Chevy Corvette, which has been steadily shedding more and more camouflage during spy shots as of late. Since Chevy is still thought to be deep in the development stage, the C8 will probably still not be on sale until the end of 2019.

These new spy shots emerged from the Chevy proving grounds over the week, and are some of the clearest yet out there. They were taken with a rather long lens, but you can clearly note the lack of a rear wing or front splitter on the C8. This makes a lot of sense if engineers are tuning the car for triple digits, and also suggests that there may be optional aero packages such as there are on the current Corvette. Every single C7 variant from the Stingray on up to the ZR1 has had at least one optional aero package that is in place to improve downforce and grip, which also, unfortunately, reduced the car's top speed potential.

As you check these photos out and think of all the awesome Corvettes that have “graced the stage” during years past, it appears that the distance between the rear either door and the back is a bit longer, and hunched forward. This visual sensation that some weren't keen on in the beginning when spy shots first turned up has now caught on, and is part of the great things that are different and alluring about the new C8. Full Throttle Drive also had a super cool video over the past week highlighting the tuning options that the C8 will boast, as you can adjust the suspension and diagnose any engine issues with startling efficiency.

We've long known here at West Chevy that manufacturers simply don't tune their cars rolling off the line to the best of their performance potential, meaning that a simple tune upon new ownership can drastically change things. All car makers are not pleased with the fact that ECU's need to be “hacked” to adjust some of these elements, and will usually void your warranty if they find out you have done so. The all-new digital platform implemented in the C8 may provide a challenge for that “under the radar” task, but rest assured that this car will be rolling off the line in full-fledged, track-ready and performance-laden stature!

Close-up Look at Chevy Corvette C8 Interior Courtesy of Automobile.com

Fans of Corvettes have already seen so many prototype pics, drawings, and spy shots of the upcoming Corvette C8 that it's dizzying to think about them all. There were even these shots provided with one making its way through a Mcdonald's drive-through, providing an up-close look at the glory and astounding flashy characteristics from an important, all-telling viewpoint. This past week on the Automobile blog, there was a brand-new series of shot that shows the mid-engined Corvette's cabin in full production trim. As you can see here, said interior is going to be mind-blowing, and nothing less than epic.

One of the first features that really jumps out at you is the new two-spoke steering wheel, sporting controls for heating, Bluetooth, and info selection. Zooming in closely on a center console that's tilted perfectly towards the driver, you can see that there is a new knob on the infotainment system, and it has a hand rest a bit like what you would find in a Lexus. The word is for the most part officially out that there will not be a manual transmission available for the new C8, but the push-button controls that are present are expected to control a dual-clutch automatic. It is not known exactly when a mid-engined Corvette would actually be available to us here at West Chevy, but reliable sources have claimed it should be available as a 2020 model.

Shots that we were able to dig up earlier in the year showed the 'Vette lapping around the Nurburgring, and the front bumper area has dropped a lot of the mesh coverings. Sharp angles are really the predominant name of the game as far as design cues for the C8, which has been awaited anxiously for quite some time now. The most heavily-circulated spy shots show the taillights looking square-ish like the C7, but still having rounded corners. In the rear, there is a pretty big spoiler, but it does not protrude a great distance away from the hatch. This is one of those cars that for a long period of time was simply hard to dig up the scoop on, and we're kinda OK with that: mystery frequently surrounds cars that are this record-setting level of good.

In this video from Motor1 US, you can watch the car being pushed wonderfully to the limit on the Nurburgring track, and it's evident just how well it does cornering. Here you do notice the extra length of the car, but that it still has the ability to grip corners like none other, and the sound of the pipes is pleasing to even the most seasoned of track hounds. After 60 very exciting years of laying the engine out delicately in front of the driver, the C8 will realize one of Zora-Arkus Duntov's dreams come true: relocating said engine to the position behind the seats. Micheal Fira of the Topspeed.com blog claimed that this was his most anticipated car, period, for this year, and we'll keep you all posted here on any developments and final release dates as they materialize! 

Mid-Engined Corvette Composed of CGI Featured on GM Authority

Many employees and loyal customers of West Chevy can agree that waiting for the C8 mid-engined Corvette has definitely been a lesson in patience. Some of the first rumors about it began decades ago, with those at the high ends of the chain denying all speculations. During the last year, there have been spy photos released of the vehicle as well as trademark and patent filings, and it is evident that the coming of the C8 is for real. One of the coolest media bits regarding its release can be seen here, with a very cool 360-degree rendering video that provides one of the most thorough looks at the C8 yet.

While the engine now moves from in front of the passenger compartment to the rear, the overall styling of the C8 still evokes regular Corvette vibes through and through. The rendering does a good job of showing the elements of lighting that would not look entirely out of place on a front-engined Corvette. The ways in which the various lines and creases blend in with the very modern revamp help to form the chassis into a very appealing and visually exclamatory sports car.

Many of the details have been kept heftily under lock and key so far, but it is expected that the new Corvette will use a DOHC V8 engine, possibly like the one used in a Cadillac Blackwing LTA mill, as opposed to the incorporation of a Small-Block pushrod V8. The engine will most likely be paired with a gearbox that sports a dual-clutch, and there could be a manual gearbox that uses a clutch-by-wire configuration. A disappointment to many, there will probably not be a reveal of any official quality anytime soon, even at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Maybe there will be a private event hosted by Chevy just for the reveal, since everyone can agree that this is one special machine!

Some sources have told us that there may have been a bit of an electrical issue during development, in the area of load capacity. Based on what an awesome all-around car and commander of the track this baby is going to be, that is no surprise: changes may have to be made to coordinate suppliers involved for electrical components, as well as other needed equipment. Back in the 1960s, the engine jumped an important notch up to 530 horsepower, and the Vette's sense of raw power and accomplishment moved up a historic notch. Corvette Magazine once lamented, “The Corvette has followed a timeless formula, much to the joy of car fans from sea to shining sea.” We will keep you posted right here on the West Chevy Blog about any news that comes up pertaining to this release when we can excitedly advise everyone in the audience once and for all to “Fasten your seatbelts, and turn the ignition!”

'Vette Fanatics- A Mid-Engine Corvette Is Coming

Calling all Knoxville ‘Vette fanatics! After a recent string of spy photos, it’s looking like the next Corvette isn’t going to be your typical C7 Stingray, but rather a mid-engine model! We know what you’re thinking- you’ve heard these rumors before- but it’s looking like there may be some truth behind it this time around.

Sporting heavy camouflage (C7 body panels and all), the new Corvette was caught in the act while test-driving at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds and a few things point to the fact that this one may not be so ordinary. The biggest hint- the vehicle’s rear hatch looks as if it is missing it’s glass cover so if there is an engine behind the seats, this would ensure that it is receiving enough cool air.

Just last year, GM engineers and executives were seen testing a prototype that combined the C7 Corvette and the Holden Commodore SSV, so it seems as if this mid-engine vehicle has been a long time coming.
We will be sure to keep you posted but while you wait, be sure to stop by and see us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN to give the 2016 Corvette Stingray Coupe a test drive!