The Incredible History Of The Speed-Racing Z06 Corvette

America’s supercar, the Chevrolet Corvette has undergone several changes over the years. Fans of the Vette brand are likely more abreast with the upcoming mid-engine 2023 Z06, but its humble beginnings actually date back to 1962. Let’s go back in time to explore just how far this iconic vehicle has come.

The GodFather 1963 Corvette Z06

One of the greats in automotive history, particularly with sports vehicles is Zora Arkus-Duntov, this is due to his manifestation of the OG Corvette of 1963. The Belgian-born engineer was a car racing aficionado, and he recognized that the selling point for General Motors (GM) was an optional package for fellow Corvette devotees in the racing industry. This gave birth to the then-unconventional RPO (Regular Production Option) box on the Vette’s order sheet.

Practically all of these coupes got their wheels turning by a 360-hp 327-cu in V-8, 4-speed manual transmission, and Positraction rear axle. One could also obtain the package a bigger 36.5-gallon fiberglass fuel tank that made it possible for longer track sessions, producing monikers like the “tanker” and “big tank.”

The 2001 Chevy Z06

Come the time generations C3 or C4 of the Corvette came to yield, Z06-badged models were nowhere to be found. Truth be told, Chevy didn’t even find it necessary to even mention the Z06 nearly 40 years after the 1963 induction. We thank our lucky stars that the company eventually decided to revive the race-inspired vehicle for the Corvette C5, in 2001. It followed a comparable design language to the OG Z06 by honing in on performance, establishing itself as the first production car to lap the revered Nürburgring track in under 8 minutes.

The 2006 Chevy Z07

Once the Corvette audience got the chance to get acquainted with the ultimate thrill of the C5 Z06, the company followed it up with something far more stimulating. In 2006, the Z07 ramped up its track skills, while also implementing a distinctive aluminum frame that the manufacturer claimed was 136 pounds lighter than the steel structure on the conventional version. It also possessed a prominent 505-hp 7.0-liter V-8 LS7 motor. At this point, the LS7 was the most vigorous Corvette ever made and implemented technology from the corporating racing program.

The 2015 Chevy Z06

When the fourth version of the Vette Z06 came about in 2015, it came packing with a devilish 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. The C7 experienced many firsts, which consisted of an available automatic transmission, together with a targa top and convertible body styles.

2023 Z06 Chevy Zenith

Of course, we saved the best of last with the upcoming mid-engine Corvette Z06. Anyone with eyes can see that this is certainly the most sensational Vette its history, as it’s energized by a naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V-8, surpassing its predecessors with 670 hp.

This unique Corvette has been elevated for track duties like its descents. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels (with available carbon-fiber versions) and various chassis promotions are intended to help this god-like car get every minute second that it can extract from each lap, especially when the more intense Z07 track package, that is included brings on aerodynamics, higher spring rates, carbon-ceramic rotors, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are implemented into the car’s engine configuration.

NYE Automotive Group

When the time comes to purchase the 2023 Z06 Zenith Corvette or any other vehicle from the Chevrolet brand, be sure to do it at NYE Chevrolet. We sell a wide selection of cars from the company in different shapes and sizes.

Simply view our online new car inventory. If you find something that suits your interest, chat with one of our representatives for more information.

Photo Source/Copyright: Chevrolet Pressroom