Will the C8 Corvette ZR1 Kill Demand for the Z06 When It Debuts?

The C8 Corvette ZR1 will offer more in the way of performance, but that isn’t necessarily what a lot of folks are looking for.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 is easily one of the most hotly-anticipated new vehicle releases in recent memory, and one that not even a shockingly high price tag could slow down. Demand for the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8-powered car in history far exceeds supply, and figures to do so for years to come. The only thing that could possibly calm down Z06 fever is the release of an even more high-performance variant, something like, say, the C8 Corvette Z06, which is already reportedly in the developmental stage. But given the fact that these two cars will be philosophically different, it’s worth wondering if that will even happen, a hot topic that’s currently being discussed in the Corvette Forum.

“If you want to have (one of) the last great naturally-aspirated engines, then the ZR1 isn’t even on your radar,” said Higgs Boson, underscoring the one factor that may disrupt the natural order of things. After all, the Z06’s calling card is it high-revving, sweet-sounding, flat-plane crank LT6 V8. The C8 Corvette ZR1, on the other hand, is expected to be powered by a twin-turbocharged version of that same engine – one that packs more power, but at what cost?

“It will be more expensive and turbo with a different sound, so less ZR1s will be sold than Z06s,” noted RacerX, while smiters added “I doubt it. ZR1 will be a lot more expensive..probably a $140-150k base price. That is a big price jump that will probably price out a lot of Z06 buyers (myself included).”

“Maybe a certain subset of people will drop out, but I do think most on the list want one of the greatest N/A V8 engines ever built and not a turbocharged engine,” said Jridden. “I for one want the N/A V8. I no longer have any interest in turbocharged engined sports cars having owned a few of them. Of course, the ZR1 will be faster and roll racers will like it, but it’s not for a lot of people on here I think.”

These are some interesting comments indeed, if not terribly surprising. We have no doubt that the C8 Corvette ZR1 will enjoy tremendous demand when it launches, particularly from those that want the ultimate version of the mid-engine sports car. But more power and performance isn’t always a good thing, and it seems as if more than a few Corvette fans still prefer a good old fashioned naturally-aspirated V8 over anything with forced induction.

Photos: Chevrolet, Corvette Forum

.