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Chevrolet is continuing to build excitement for the launch of the 2023 Corvette Z06. Chevrolet announcing today that it will hold a worldwide reveal of the all-new 2023 Corvette Z06 at 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 26, 2021. The reveal will actually be a film that will be followed by a panel discussion about Chevy’s performance version of the C8 supercar.
As I reported on September 27th, Chevrolet released the first uncamouflaged photo of the highly anticipated 2023 Corvette Z06.
To watch the debut, go to www.chevy.com/Z06. If you go there now, you get a countdown clock and the videos of the 2023 Corvette Z06 that Chevrolet has periodically released.
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.
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.
Unfortunate Delays for Chevrolet’s Halo Car
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, which highlights electric vehicles.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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