The engine was developed by the team under the codename Gemini. It is similar to the NASA missions.
During a presentation on the LT6 engine in the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Jordan Lee, Global Chief Engineer at the automaker, revealed that the team created the powerplant under codename Gemini. This partially refers to the Project Gemini NASA missions from the 1960s. The crew left 54 Easter eggs from rocket ships all over the mill in recognition.
The image above shows one of them. It is located on the right side, just to the left from the red valve cover. Lee says that some of these serve a purpose to indicate the direction when you assemble the engine. One shows the direction to point the pistons, for example.
Because of their enthusiasm for the astronaut era, the Gemini codename was born. It also has a Corvette connection. In this era , Chevy allowed astronauts to lease any of its products at $1 per year. Many of them chose the ‘Vettes and sports cars, which became a common theme in the public mind.
Gemini, Latin for “twin”, is Lee’s codename. There are two intake plenums, and one pair of throttle bodies.
The LT6 has many neat features. It has an internal split intake manifold that increases low-rpm torque. The engine’s three valves open and close at certain rpms to optimize airflow through them.
The LT6 is a 5.5-liter displacement and features dual-overhead camshafts. It makes 670 hp (500 kilowatts) at 8,400 rpm. At 8,600 rpm, the redline is reached. At 6,300 rpm, the torque peak is at 460 lb-ft (624 Newton-meters).
The Z06’s pricing and availability are unknown. The base price could be lower than $90,000.. According to a rumor, dealers will be able to begin accepting orders for the Corvette’s meaner version on March 24,. Production would then begin on May 9th. It usually takes several weeks for the vehicles to reach showrooms after they have been assembled.