The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a record-setting all-American supercar with a 5.5-liter LT6 V8 that produces 670 horsepower and revs out to 8,600 RPM, enabling the engine to break some significant records within the automotive world. It’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever installed in a production car in the United States. Due to the addition of gasoline particulate filters, the power for the engine has been reduced, but until recently, it wasn’t clear how much.
Corvette Z06 Power Reduction: Details
Corvette Z06 supercars that are exported to Europe, Oceania (Australia/New Zealand), and other international markets will only have 636 horsepower behind the driver, a 34 hp decrease from the U.S.-spec cars. In addition, export cars are likely quieter than what can be found on roads in the U.S. Outside of the quieter demeanor and lower power; the foreign-market Z06s will be easily identifiable due to the outboard exhaust that will be very similar to what’s found on the regular Corvette Stingray, instead of the center-mounted unit. This should also make the foreign market Z06s appear very similar to the E-Ray, which features some Z06 exterior parts but lacks the centered quad exhaust of the more track-focused car. However, there is an aftermarket solution to have a center-mounted exhaust for the Stingray, so perhaps something will be released for the Z06 later.
Image copyright Steven Pham, Muscle Cars & Trucks.
The C8 Corvette Z06 isn’t the only vehicle that gets hit by a reduction in power in other markets outside of the U.S. For example, in the U.K., the C8’s LT2 produces just 475 horsepower as opposed to Z51-equipped American cars, which have 495 hp. Meanwhile, in Australia, the Texas, of Britain, the cars make the same American noise and power. It’s unclear why the Z06 in Australia has so much less power when the regular Stingray doesn’t; perhaps the emissions from the LT6 engine has something to do with the difference.
If you’re an American, there’s nothing you need to worry about regarding the Z06. However, it’ll be hard to want one with the knowledge that new and even more powerful trims of the car are on the way, though without any indication of how much power they will have and the cost, it’s probably best to bide our time to make a final decision.
