C8 Corvette Z06 Delayed Until 2023 Model Year, According to New Report

GM has pushed the C8 Corvette Z06 to the 2023 model year, and it likely won’t be revealed this summer, either.

Everyone – including consumers and critics like – was blown away when the C8 Corvette was revealed nearly two years ago. However, at the same time, everyone immediately began a countdown timer for the arrival of the C8 Corvette Z06, which was expected to be revealed at some point this year, perhaps as a 2022 model. Now, it appears that we’ll be waiting a bit longer to see the C8 Corvette Z06, as it’s been delayed until the 2023 model year, according to a new report from GM Authority.

The report blames COVID-19 for the delay, which is no big surprise. After all, the pandemic caused a supply chain nightmare for automakers and their suppliers, far beyond the semiconductor chip crisis to include raw materials like steel, rubber, and even seat foam. These days, it’s difficult to find just about any new vehicle on most dealer lots, let alone a highly coveted product like the latest Corvette.

Unfortunately, this means that eager Corvette fans will have to wait not only to purchase a C8 Z06 but also to see it, as GM Authority also reports that the vehicle’s launch has likely been delayed as well, which means we will have to wait a few more months or perhaps even a year to see it in the flesh. This is hugely disappointing news, of course, but the fortified model will likely be worth the wait if rumors to this point prove to be true.

As we’ve reported in recent months, the C8 Z06 is expected to be powered by a naturally aspirated, high-revving, flat-plane crank 5.5-liter LT6 V8 with an output north of 600 horsepower and 480+ pound-feet of torque. That sweet-sounding mill will be joined by a host of upgraded bodywork designed to aid track performance, particularly when buyers tick the Z07 Performance Package box and add things like the giant rear wing we’ve seen in recent spy photos.

Regardless, this news comes on the heels of multiple leaks, including the new Z06 logo itself, as well as word that GM has already begun building pre-production examples on the assembly line. Unfortunately, we’ll probably have to settle for more proverbial drips of information over the coming months before we finally get to see the latest and greatest Z06 for real.

Photos: Corvette Forum

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