Corvette Reveals First Official 2023 Z06 Photo!

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Set for debut on October 26, the motorsport-bred 2023 Z06 variant makes an appearance a month ahead of schedule.

GM has been teasing the hell out of the long-awaited 2023 C8 Corvette Z06. Constant Nurburgring testing has been taking place quite publically for months. Mark Ruess, CEO of General Motors, even acclaimed in a tweet (see below) how well Nurburgring testing had been going. 

However, today Team Corvette finally released this photo (see above) on their Instagram, giving us our first look at a non-camouflaged Z06 model. This is a big step up from the spy photos. While the official debut is still set to be on October 26, this photo still gives us a lot to talk about. For example, there are some major differences between this photo and what we have seen in the spy shots.

First, today’s new photo appears to show a base Z06 rather than the track-focused variant. This subtler model offers a smaller C7 Z06-esque wing and splitter, new flower-spoked Z06 wheels (which look amazing), and Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires. Although we can’t make out the sizing from this relatively low-res photo.

Sadly, we can’t see the rear end so no word on whether or not the base model also includes the center-exit exhaust we’ve all seen. An intentional omission, no doubt. That being said, it’s in the photo Mark Ruess tweeted.

By comparison, GM has teased and tested another camouflaged variant (rumored to be a Z07)  that you can see in the rendering Corvette also shared today. It boasts a more aggressive front splitter, larger rear wing, Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, and carbon fiber wheels with carbon-ceramic brakes.

Next, let’s talk about the paint. This 2023 Z06 appears to be in the C8.R’s “Racing Silver,” currently not offered on any Corvette model. This distinct color is a couple of hues darker than “Flare Silver” but not quite dark enough to be “Hypersonic Gray”.

We think this color creates a great base color for the livery on the race car and think it looks amazing on a production car. Even with the fact that this Racing Silver model does not have the aero package previously seen on the car at the Nurburgring.

And there’s still no official word on the Z06’s powerplant. (We have a TON to learn still next month.) Sure, we’re pretty sure it will be a high-revving 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 that will make at least 600 HP. But we just want to see it! If you haven’t heard the car yet, do yourself a favor and check out some official sound clips.

This new engine will be sure to break some necks just due to its exotic tone. Corvette has been running the tagline “the street will never be the same” along with the Z06. So far we agree that things are looking exciting. Many long-time fans and hopeful new Corvette owners have been waiting patiently to get their hands on one of these high-strung C8s. We will provide more information as we get closer to that becoming a reality!