Fan Peeks Under C8 Z06 Prototypes, Discovers Possible Magnesium Transmission

Evading security and peeling back camo, this fan discovered something very interesting on three C8 Z06 prototypes.

We’ve been waiting for literal years to see the C8 Z06 in the flesh, and GM recently whet our appetites with confirmation that the model is indeed on the way, as well as essentially confirming that it will be powered by a flat-plane crank V8. Otherwise, most of the details surrounding the newest Corvette Z06 are unclear, though Brandon Byers of the Vette Titans Facebook page may have just uncovered a juicy new feature present in the car – a magnesium transmission.

Byers discussed this topic with YouTuber Rick Conti, who covers all of the details in the video below. Byers drove all the way to Ohio from South Carolina, then peeled back some camo and snuck a peek underneath some C8 Z06 prototypes and discovered what certainly appears to be a magnesium transmission. This much is clearly evident by comparing the standard aluminum Stingray transmission case to the Z06’s, as there’s a clear difference in color between the two.

After evading security and peeking underneath the cars, Byers also immediately realized they were Z06 prototypes – not ZR1s. “None of the cars that I got under had turbos,” he said. “They all had the center exhaust.” One thing did stand out, however – the aforementioned transmission casing. “The big news is the surprise of what looks to be a magnesium DCT up behind those exhausts,” Byers said. “The center exhaust really conceals the magnesium DCT so you can’t see it.”

Byers does cast a bit of a disclaimer on his discovery, however. “Before we get too carried away, it could be a coating. I’m not going to stake my reputation on the fact that it absolutely is magnesium,” he says. “But if I was a betting man and you had to choose between red or black I’m going to bet that it’s magnesium.” Byers also discusses the fact that he doesn’t believe the exhaust routing or rear fascia is a finished design. These prototypes appeared to be out testing ride and handling, and none were wearing carbon fiber wheels.

Magnesium has been used in transmission casings in the past, as it’s lighter than aluminum and more rigid. It’s no secret that the base C8’s dual-clutch gearbox is rather heavy as well, tipping the scales at around 300 pounds. Thus, as GM engineers sought to reduce weight in the Z06 as much as possible, this was likely a pretty obvious way to do so, even if it is a bit more expensive to make.

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