AT THE REDLINE C8 Z06 EN ROUTE Since the all-new, midengine Chevrolet Stingray C8 hit the streets in February 2020, JOHN KRAMAN John found career success as a sales manager of autos and then aircrafts, and he is a licensed Federal Aviation Administration pilot and mechanic. He joined Mecum in 2006 and is now the director of company relations and the company spokesperson at public events. As the supervisor of Mecum’s on-air talent, Kraman further utilizes his skillset as a commentator and analyst for the televised coverage of Mecum auctions on NBC Sports Network. He enjoys tending to his personal car collection, spending time with his wife, Christine, four grown children and five grandchildren, and also performing in the classic rock trio Redline 7000. it has been a sensation in the marketplace. Demand still greatly exceeds the supply and production capabilities, even with two shifts operating at the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant. Certainly the styling and performance, including the fun-to-drive factor, has been embraced and celebrated by enthusiasts who have waited since the 1960s for America’s Sport Car to adopt this exotic midengine platform. With a $60,000 base price, the car comes with a potent LT2 6.2L V-8 rated at 495 HP with the popular Performance Exhaust, a GM/Tremec 8-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DCT) transmission and a list of options to choose from, plus 12 paint color choices allowing for more than 11,000 different combinations. It’s no surprise that buyers are eager to sign on the dotted line. With around 50,000 new C8s already produced, it was just a matter of time before the bar would be raised even higher. The 2023 Corvette Z06 has been officially announced, and I was lucky to get an early peek at the reveal location inside the spectacular Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Following are some highlights of the limited information we know so far. As rumored, the Z06 will be powered by a sophisticated 5.5L DOHC 32-valve V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The crankpins are spaced 180 degrees apart versus the traditional 90 degrees to allow much higher RPM capabilities and specific exhaust notes. In fact, this LT6 variant, codenamed Gemini, is rated at an astonishing 670 HP with an 8,600 RPM redline. It is now the most powerful normally aspirated (no turbos or superchargers) production V-8 in the world. Interestingly, the torque rating is 460 lb-ft versus the LT2 at 470 lb-ft. So the gear ratios have been tweaked to allow this new high revver to operate in the power sweet spot with a claimed 0-60 MPH run at 2.6 seconds. Expect quarter-mile times to be in the mid 10-second range. The body is wider and slightly redesigned from all angles and includes a Z06 emblem on the rear quarter panels just forward of the rear tires and larger side scoops. The quad exhaust outlets have been moved inboard and are another clue that this is not a Stingray version. Both coupe and convertible versions will be available, in addition to a track-focused Z07 option package that features aggressive aero equipment and revised suspension. No pricing has been established yet, but a base coupe is expected to list at well under $100,000. As it will be summer 2022 before Z06 deliveries begin, it is quite possible the first examples will be seen at Mecum Auctions. After all, history does repeat itself. 28 // MECUM.COM
