Countdown is on to Experience the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

We are less than a week away from the worldwide reveal of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevy has already released one official photo and a number of teaser videos. Now, Chevrolet is releasing more details about its planned unveiling of the mid-engine supercar, on October 26, 2021. Chevy has enlisted the help of professional basketball player Devin Booker for the big debut. For those people living in a cave without social media, Devin Booker is also the current boyfriend of supermodel Kendall Jenner a younger sister of the Kardashians. Record-breaking performance builder and driver, Emelia Hartford will also be on hand. Chevrolet is also expected to give details about when the Z06 can be ordered.

Here is the latest video, released today.

Chevrolet is making it possible for everyone to watch the reveal at the same time around the world. “Putting the World on Notice,” an approximately 30-minute reveal film, will premiere on chevy.com/Z06 on Oct. 26, at 12 p.m. ET. According to the automaker, immediately following the film, Chevrolet will host a panel discussion featuring Corvette and third-party experts, who will share how the Corvette Z06 provides an unparalleled driver experience. This is an unusual event for what promises to be a spectacular car. Apparently, Booker and Hartford will help moderate or facilitate the panel discussion.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Expected Performance

The 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 is expected to get at least 600 horsepower and produce at least 480 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is a naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine, which features a 32-valve DOHC design and a flat-plane crank, similar to the same LT6 V8 in the Corvette racecar. It is expected to rev to at least 8,000 rpm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In August, Chevy also released a video of the Z06 touring European cities. The audio of the performance car sounded impressive.

Fans have been waiting for a Chevrolet mid-engine Z06 ever since the mid-engine Corvette Stingray was introduced two years ago. Chevy did not give a specific reason for the timing of unveiling the supercar.

Unfortunate Delays for Chevrolet’s Halo Car

Several unexpected delays forced Chevrolet to push the mid-engine Corvette Z06 to a 2023 version. The Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky has had a difficult 18-months, first because of COVID, then the semiconductor chip shortages and then parts shortages, not linked to the semiconductor chips. A February storm in the southern states forced many auto suppliers to cancel production of petroleum-based parts. Many 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray orders have been delayed into the 2022 model year production.

What is particularly sad about the delays is that the C8 Corvette has been a hot seller for Chevrolet. This is only the second year for the mid-engine design and there appears to still be significant demand for the performance car. Chevrolet worked for years to get the mid-engine design perfected. While Chevrolet still builds a relatively small number of the halo cars per year, compared to the huge numbers of trucks and SUVs, it is sad to see them lose or delay any of the planned production.

Electric Mid-Engine Chevrolet Corvette?

President Joe Biden said earlier this year that Corvette is also working on an electric version of the mid-engine supercar. Chevrolet is not commenting on when we might see that version. I was surprised that GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra did not mention the Corvette EV during the recent investor days. There is a strong possibility that the EV version, often referred to as the ERay, could be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in November, which highlights electric vehicles.

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