However, building enough Corvette Z06s is a priority.
The world’s fastest naturally aspirated V8 was featured in the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 last week. A new report suggests that there may be more surprises to come. The performance machine already has a lot of attention. Chevy may sell the Z06’s V8 engine separately for DIY projects. However, it still needs to make a decision.
GM Authority was able to speak with Russ O’Blenes (GM’s Director for Performance and Racing Propulsion Team), who said that such an option had been discussed by his team. The Corvette Z06 has such strong demand that GM wants to concentrate on delivering them first.
O’Blenes stated that there was “definitely discussion” during the 2021 SEMA. “I believe right now, I think the good news is that we’re already selling I think three year’s worth of cars. It’s something we will continue to explore, I’m certain. It has been a lot of work for us as we worked closely with the production team. We have a good understanding of how to make it happen.
Corvette Z06’s LT6 v8 engine produces 670 horsepower (670 kilowatts) at 8400 rpm. All-aluminum construction, with a dry sump and flat-plane crankshaft. Redline at 8,600 revs. At 6,300 rpm, the torque peak is rated at 460 pound feet (623 Newton-meters). The most powerful Corvette C8 version, the V8 can propel the car from standstill to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 2.6 seconds.
In the summer of next, the Corvette Z06 will be in production at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility. The assembly of the LT6 unit will be handled by the Performance Build Center, located in the factory. Customers can still choose to have the V8 engine on the market until ( or if Chevrolet decides not to make it available as a crate engine.