Tearing Open a C8 Z06 Convertible and Comparing it to the Benchmark Ferrari 458

While being compared to the Ferrari 458 the exposed C8 Z06 convertible reveals a major clue related to the future of the platform.

The C8 Z06 convertible is a great car in many ways. However, there is one major drawback with this mid-engine supercar. That is that the glorious LT6 engine is completely hidden from view. The car makes 670 horsepower that you can hear and feel. You just can’t see them. At least not without removing some bolts and a panel. Definitely not something you want to do at every cars and coffee event. Many will happily make that trade to gain the open-air experience. But when you pay this much for a car you want to at least see the engine once, right? And since you are already removing panels, you may as well go a bit further and remove the under-body panels as well. And while you are doing that, you may as well bring along a Ferrari 458 so you can compare the two, right?

That is precisely what is done in a video that recently dropped on the Hoovies Garage YouTube channel. As we all know GM used the Ferrari 458 as one of the key benchmark cars during the development of the C8 Z06. From a sound and performance perspective we are getting a good idea as to how close GM came to their target. But what about from the way the Corvette was built? In this video the Z06 and 458 are both up on a lift with panels removed so we can look at each in detail. It may not come as any great surprise, but you can clearly see how the GM engineers copied a lot from the Italians. That being said, there is at least one surprise that is revealed.

LT6

Once the access panel is removed you can finally see the LT6 in the C8 Z06 convertible. That is not a big deal in the coupe but in the convertible a glimpse of the engine is rare. Overall, the engine and engine bay has the same general look as the 458. But the 458 is a bit tidier and better looking. At least from the top. From the bottom the Corvette is even more similar to the Ferrari as it has a little bit of oil leaking. It doesn’t seem like an active leak, just some residual from the build, so not a big deal. However, one thing is clear and that is servicing this engine is going to be a lot more involved than any previous generation Z06.

Surprise

While poking around underneath the car a discovery is made. There is a long empty tunnel that runs nearly the whole length of the car. This is something that the Ferrari 458 does not have. What we are looking at here on the Corvette is a space that is intentionally designed for future use. That tunnel can be used to add all wheel drive or perhaps electrification in the future. What we do know is that it was put there for a reason. That reason will most likely become apparent on the Corvette ERAY that should be revealed soon.

Ferrari 458

Comparing these cars, you see the similarities but also some differences. Most notable is that everything seems to be a bit more compact on the Ferrari. Especially around the suspension. There doesn’t seem to be as much travel on the Ferrari. And the components are generally placed closer together. The carbon brake discs also appear to be larger on the 458 than on the Z06. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that the Ferrari was much more expensive when new. It will be much more expensive to maintain. And on a track the Z06 will beat up the Ferrari. When examining the mechanical bits of the Z06 we must give credit to GM for accomplishing their mission.

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