Before you read any further, watch the video below and listen to the noise.
What you’re hearing is the all-new 5.5-litre V8 with flat plane crank that will power the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Z06. According to US reports the engine also ditches the pushrods that have been a staple of ‘Vette V8s, introducing overhead cams to allow it to rev higher and harder as Chevrolet tries to chase down the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The new engine is reportedly based on the same V8 developed for the Corvette C8.R GT-LM racing machine. But while the C8.R is limited to ‘just’ 372kW (500hp) because of IMSA regulations, the road-going Z06 isn’t tied down by those rules and is tipped to make as much as 460kW.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iQqi9s2Q2E&t=22s
This video reveals the first official detail about the new Z06, not only confirming it will sound spectacular but also announcing it will be launched before the end of the year. That suggests its public debut will likely be the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show in November.
The teaser shows the Z06 lapping the Circuit of the Americas which isn’t surprising as the model is typically the most track-focused of the Corvette line-up.
There’s no confirmation yet if Australians will get access to a right-hand drive Z06, but in the meantime the Corvette Stingray is already available for order and is set to hit local roads in the final few months of the year.
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