Breaking: C8 Z06 will Receive Twin-turbo Flat-plane V8

Thanks to the exotic sound of the C8.R, we can confirm the C8 Z06 will be embracing a flat-plane design and leaving push-rods in the past.

Since the recent reveal of the C8 Corvette, the performance vehicle market has been turned upside down. The mid-engine legend was revealed to be true to its spy shots and renders, and its sub $60,000 price point and base-model 500 HP V8 literally had the whole automotive community shocked. Many of us were so blown away by the reveal of the base model that we forgot all about the hardcore version: the Z06.

However, Chevy didn’t sleep a minute while designing the C8. We didn’t have full details about engine design in the C8 other than power figures and general design. We had even less understanding at what possibly was going to power the C8 Z06, when it gets released. However, thanks to an internal leak discovered by MotorTrend, it has been confirmed that the new C8 Z06 will feature a twin-turbo flat-plane V8.

You might be thinking right now, how is that possible? Chevy has been the pioneer for push-rod V8s for decades, and most will agree that they have perfected the design. For this reason alone, Chevy might be looking to expand to new horizons and a dual-overhead-cam design might be the start to that. The internal source within Chevy stated according to the article “Everyone thinks it will be a small block, but it won’t be…Listen to the race car”.

This source is referring to the currently-being-tested C8.R race car getting ready for the upcoming IMSA and GT competition. The car has been recently spied at Sebring International Raceway and we will tell you straight up, its obviously not a push-rod engine like the C7.R race car was. It has a particularly high-pitched, screamingly exotic exhaust note, completely unlike its obviously grunty, bass-filled, growly predecessor.

You might be wondering, after years of perfecting push-rod design and front-engine balance why would Chevy switched their emphasis completely to a mid-engine, flat-plane DOHC design? You must remember that at the end of the day, the Corvette is a race car. Its development, design, and history are all embedded in racing. Without getting into too much detail, the reason Chevy is partaking in this departure from the norm is to win more races and we hope that is a lot more.

If you want a full technical break down of how and where this engine came from, we recommend reading the full article. Its safe to say that we have never been this excited for a Corvette and we can’t wait to keep up with more developments.

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