2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: What We Know About the Twin-Cam Super-’Vette

If the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s nearly 500-hp V-8 engine fails to entice you, then the forthcoming Corvette Z06’s more than 600-hp V-8 ought to do the trick. And it’s not just the horsepower output that’s changed. The Z06’s engine will be an entirely different animal from its lesser sibling, increasing performance and bringing an entirely different character to the car. Read on to find out why.

While we originally believed the Z06 would embrace forced induction by way of two turbochargers, a source within Chevy recently informed us such a setup will be reserved for the more powerful C8 ZR1 and Zora models, the latter of which is due to embrace a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Instead, the Z06 will pack a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 aft of its cabin. Thanks to its race-car-like construction, the more than 600-hp engine is due to spin its crankshaft to an insane 9,000 rpm. How Chevy will quell the powerplant’s vibration (an inherent issue of V-8s with flat-plane cranks) remains a mystery. Nevertheless, we’re sure the bow-tie brand’s learned a few tricks from the C8.R’s 5.5-liter engine. 

Like the Stingray, look for the Z06 to rely on an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to send all those horses to its rear wheels. Revisions to the car’s suspension and a set of sticky summer tires—that are properly wide at the rear—are sure to keep the Z06’s power from overwhelming its drive wheels and chassis.

In addition to the added power, the 2022 Corvette Z06 will welcome a number of weight-saving measures. Don’t worry, creature comforts will still abound, and there’s no indication the Z06 will ditch the likes of the Stingray’s large digital gauge cluster or touchscreen infotainment system.

Nevertheless, look for the model to feature a number of lightweight materials for items such as the exhaust, rear wing, front splitter, and even its wheels. Specifically, the 2022 Corvette Z06 will offer buyers the option to equip it with a set of carbon-fiber wheels. While such a setup is not new (vehicles from Porsche and Ford offer carbon fiber wheels), it’s still a relatively rare—and surely expensive—way for road-going cars to go about shedding mass. 

Although we hear the current pandemic is forcing Chevy to push back the Corvette Z06’s debut, we’re still hopeful the brand manages to take the wraps off the car in early 2021 and ship it to dealers before the end of the year as a 2022 model. That said, it’s possible the Z06 won’t arrive until sometime in 2022 as a 2023 model. 

Regardless, prepare to spend a good chunk more change to get into the car. Frankly, we’ll be surprised if the Z06 stickers for anything south of $80,000. That’s pricey for a Corvette (consider the Stingray starts at $59,995). Still, compared to the 572-hp Porsche 911 Turbo, which starts at more than $170,000, the 2022 Corvette Z06 promises to be a relative steal given its performance capabilities.

Update: This post has been updated to reflect new information that indicates the 2022 Z06 will feature a naturally aspirated engine.