When a mainstream American carmaker units out to problem Europe’s best supercars, individuals take discover. Again in 2019, Chevrolet determined that its C8.R race automotive wouldn’t recycle the identical LT5.5 engine from the C7.R. As a substitute, it could debut a freshly engineered 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, a selection that immediately gave it what it wanted to tackle the world’s finest.
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Quickly afterwards, it was confirmed this unique engine would make its manner right into a road-going mannequin. That automotive turned out to be the Corvette Z06.
The C8 Z06 represents fairly a dramatic departure from the C7. The latter had a supercharged model of GM’s acquainted 6.2-liter V8, and whereas it supplied loads of energy, it nonetheless very a lot had that American really feel. This was excellent for a traditional front-engine sports activities automotive just like the C7, however wouldn’t have been as well-suited to the mid-engined structure of the C8, particularly given the truth that it was designed to tackle rivals from established high-end European manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren.
It’s been a couple of years because the C8 Z06 launched within the US. Lovers had been thrilled, with loads of critiques heaping reward on it. It’s thus far escaped our grasp in its homeland, however shortly after it touched down in Australia, we had the chance to check it regionally. Throughout my week with it, I lined nearly 1,200 km (745 miles) on a mix of suburban roads, highways, and beautiful mountain and coastal roads to see if it truly is the decide of the C8 vary.
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Images Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Australia’s Z06
Within the US, the Corvette Z06 begins at $112,100 (AU$174,000), and extremely specified fashions are actually promoting for effectively underneath their MSRPs on the used market. Aussies aren’t so fortunate. In actual fact, the automotive’s beginning worth has nearly doubled in right-hand drive guise, leaping to AU$336,000 ($216,000) earlier than on-road prices. Nonetheless, that’s considerably lower than what you’d pay for a mid-engine Italian unique, such because the AU$604,000 (US$393,000) Ferrari 296 GTB or the AU$454,127 (US$296,000) Lamborghini Huracan (RWD), each earlier than on-road prices.
Our tester was even pricier. That’s as a result of it was outfitted with the AU$50,000 ($32,000) Z07 Efficiency Bundle, which provides carbon ceramic brakes, the Z07-spec suspension with Magnetic Selective Journey Management, the carbon fiber entrance splitter and canards, and the seen carbon fiber rear wing.
It additionally had AU$3,640 (US$2,400) 20- and 21-inch solid aluminum wheels, AU$2,405 ($US1,600) Torch Pink paint, pink brake calipers, and a pink and black inside, bringing the sticker worth as much as AU$397,700 (US$256,000). Ordinarily, Z07 fashions have Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, however because of the winter circumstances within the Southern Hemisphere, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires had been fitted as an alternative.
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these photographs, it’s possible you’ll discover the Vette appears totally different than those out there within the US. Whereas the Z06 is offered in its residence market with 4 centrally-mounted tailpipes, Australia-spec automobiles have the European-spec exhaust, which appears similar to what you’ll discover on the Stingray.
Along with not trying as cool because the central pipes, this Euro exhaust provides petrol particulate filters, robbing the automotive of 25 kW (33 hp). Which means Aussie fashions don’t ship 500 kW (670 hp) just like the US-spec ones, however fairly 475 kW (637 hp). As such, the e-Ray has a slight energy benefit over the Z06. Even so, there’s no denying 637 hp is a critical determine for a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8.
What’s It Like To Drive?
I jumped into the Z06 with recollections of the Corvette e-Ray contemporary in my thoughts. I ended every week behind the wheel of it in April, and to today, I nonetheless go to sleep imagining the roaring 6.2-liter V8 and reliving the e-Ray’s ferocious acceleration. To say I had excessive expectations for the Z06 can be an understatement.
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Images Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Visually, the Z07 pack makes the Z06 stand out from the e-Ray and Stingray, even when it’s not as loopy as those on the ZR1 and ZR1X. Moreover, the sensation of the engine could be very, very totally different.
When fired up, it doesn’t produce the identical burbling rumble that’s attribute of a typical American V8. As a substitute, it has a flatter and smoother idle that’s, however, each bit as addictive. Whereas pulling away, and when the engine is chilly, it may really feel somewhat tough, however it doesn’t take lengthy earlier than the 5.5-liter comes into its personal.
The flat-plane crank has allowed GM’s engineers to extend the redline to an epic 8,600 rpm, giving the eight-cylinder a personality beforehand remarkable for something carrying a Chevy badge. Pin the throttle and the revs construct and construct and construct. By the point you get to the higher echelons of the rev vary in something apart from 1st or 2nd gear, you’re accelerating at a daunting tempo.
Chevy claims that the Z06 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, the identical time it quotes for the e-Ray. Whereas I used to be in a position to report a number of GPS-verified 2.8-second launches within the e-Ray, the Z06’s rear-wheel drive structure means it’s way more troublesome to attain these instances.
The very best I might muster up was a fairly disappointing 3.5 seconds, primarily as a result of the street and tires had been chilly, inflicting some wheel slip off the road. I additionally tried tweaking the launch revs and share of wheel slip, however to no avail. Clearly, not even 345 mm-section Pilot Sport 4S tires on the rear are sufficient to place all that energy easily to the bottom. In all chance, the Cup 2 R tires would assist in heat circumstances, however would most likely be even worse within the chilly.
Learn: I Drove The 2025 Corvette E-Ray And It’s A True Supercar In Every little thing However Worth
Given the traction limitations, the Z06 doesn’t really feel fairly as ferocious because the e-Ray. Make no mistake, although; this factor is very quick. It pulls relentlessly by means of the gears, creating an addictive howl that fills the cabin. As within the Stingray and e-Ray, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is excellent, offering extremely fast adjustments whereas additionally having surprisingly good around-town manners.
Images Brad Anderson / Carscoops
There’s little doubt the Euro-spec exhaust of Australian-delivered automobiles does rob one thing from the auditory expertise, and it’s no shock that some native homeowners have began retrofitting the American-market half. In the direction of the highest of the rev vary, it’s nonetheless loud, however lacks the high-pitched howl of European rivals, or Z06s in America. However with heaps of aftermarket choices out there, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker anyway.
Like most automobiles providing this type of efficiency, it’s unattainable to discover the Z06’s full potential on the street. The tires present immense ranges of grip, and this factor chews up pavement as tenaciously as a pit-bull terrier chases a tennis ball.
There most likely gained’t be many Z06 homeowners who use their automobiles as every day drivers, however the automotive is unquestionably up for the duty. Due to the Magnetic dampers, it does a fantastic job of absorbing bumps when left in its softest setting. Nonetheless, it’s noticeably firmer than each the Stingray and e-Ray. The brakes are additionally sensible because the carbon ceramic models work simply as effectively at low speeds as they do at excessive speeds.
What Else Makes It Particular?
As with all different C8 Vettes, there are a slew of driving modes to select from, together with Z mode, which lets you tweak settings just like the steering, suspension, powertrain, brakes, and exhaust. To benefit from the full Z06 expertise, utilizing Z Mode is a must-do. Nonetheless, you’ll want arms as massive as Dwayne Johnson’s to have any hope of turning within the steering system’s heaviest mode.
Whereas the C8 has turn out to be fairly a standard sight within the US, it’s nonetheless a really uncommon factor in Australia and the Z06 turns heads at nearly each intersection, notably when specified like our automotive was. Youngsters cease on the facet of the street to take movies and plead with you to rev the V8, one thing I might all the time do for them. It’s each bit as a lot of a showstopper as a Lamborghini Huracan or a Ferrari F8, and makes you’re feeling like a rockstar each second you’re behind the wheel.
Apart from the considerably muted soundtrack of Australian fashions, it’s exhausting to fault the driving habits of the Z06 on the street. A car like this actually must be pushed on the observe to discover its potential. Nonetheless, I’ll say that due to the rear-wheel drive setup, it doesn’t cowl floor as shortly or as effortlessly because the e-Ray.
Images Brad Anderson / Carscoops
A Acquainted Cabin
The inside is just about similar to all different C8 fashions. Importantly, the automotive we examined was a 2025 mannequin, that means it retained the controversial ‘wall of buttons,’ not like the newly-launched 2026 Corvette that has switched to a extra typical structure. The refreshed mannequin has but to land on Australian shores, however when it does, GM will launch it with a particular limited-edition Stingray R. It’ll embody all of the 2026 inside updates in addition to a carbon fiber roof, a novel look package deal, solid wheels, and carbon fiber wing mirrors.
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Does the cabin of the 2025 Z06 really feel becoming for a automotive this costly? For probably the most half, sure. I really like the cockpit-style cabin and the way the tunnel and infotainment show are tilted in direction of the motive force. Headroom may very well be a difficulty for anybody over 6’2″, however that’s not unusual in mid-engined supercars.
The one actual indication of this being a Z06 is the distinctive badges on the steering wheel and on the speaker grille sitting between the 2 headrests. There’s little or no in-cabin storage, however that is greater than made up for by the truth that the Z06 retains the identical spacious entrance and rear cargo areas because the Stingray and e-Ray, making it excellent for a weekend getaway. I’d have appreciated to see extra soft-touch Alcantara all through and fewer low-cost plastic buttons, however for probably the most half, the cabin feels as much as spec.
Verdict
The Corvette Z06 is a significantly spectacular automotive, and we’re fortunate to be residing in an age the place Basic Motors is constructing a mid-engined supercar to rival the perfect Europe has to supply.
Some don’t just like the appears, however clearly that is subjective. Personally, I really like them, and the Z06 turns simply as many heads as a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, all whereas delivering comparable on-road efficiency and costing far much less. It’s a disgrace that Aussie automobiles don’t get the American exhaust, as we’re positive it makes the ‘Vette much more riveting to drive.
Is the Z06 well worth the premium over the Stingray and the e-Ray? I’m not so positive, as these automobiles provide equal driving thrills and are cheaper. My dream C8 would most likely be a Stingray, however full with the identical widebody because the e-Ray and Z06, in addition to the entire Z06’s aero appendages. Memo to GM: if anybody is studying this, please persuade the powers-that-be to construct a C8 Grand Sport.
