How We Determined: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2023

The standard Chevrolet Corvette is a very capable sports car, with a 495-hp 6.2-liter V-8 firing the coupe to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. But for 2023 Chevy has upped the ante by bringing back the Z06 badge on the more focused Corvette. We finally piloted and tested the Corvette Z06 2023, and it was as great as we hoped it would be. The naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 not only makes a soul-soothing howl, but its 670 horsepower helps the Z06 rocket hit 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 10. ,5 seconds. . After being blown away by the Z06’s performance, four of our editors decided to define our ideal Z06 specs using Chevy’s online configuration, just in case we ever hit the jackpot. Here’s how we built our dream Z06:

Greg Fink’s Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for $109,295

I’m a simple person, so it’s no surprise that my 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 reflects this. Rather than spending the extra coins on things like the 2LZ or 3LZ trim or the Z07 Performance package, I’m sticking with the bottom-of-the-line 1LZ model. Given that the entry-level Z06 includes little things like a heads-up display, electric seats and steering column, and leather interior, there’s no real reason to spend the extra coin on small, but mostly insignificant, trim. higher is added to the mix.

Admittedly, I was tempted to buy the $8995 Z07 kit, but in the end, I really failed to see the point of the kit add-on for a car I would only track occasionally. Or I guess I should change that by writing “a car I plan to take to the track only occasionally if I actually have the means to buy a new Z06.”

As is, standard brakes, suspension setup and tires offer performance in abundance for tearing the winding tarmac on some of the country’s most legendary public roads. Plus, I think the Z07’s extra carbon fiber bits, especially its massive rear wing, are a little overwhelming for my taste. I prefer the lower key look of the Z06 without the Z07 package.

However, not all options on the Z06 come at a cost, and to make my Z06 more suited to my tastes, I’m going to top it off with a coat of Arctic White paint (full of body-colored roofing). Add Adrenaline Red seats and interior décor, and my 670-hp Z06 coupe looks good and is relatively cheap at $109,295 (including $2600 gas waste tax). —Greg Fink

David Beard’s $142,175 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Good things come to those who wait. We’ve been patiently waiting for the eighth-generation Corvette Z06, and now we can tell you: It’s not great, it’s great. My build focuses on canyon crushing performances and all-out racetrack kills. The base for my Z06 starts with a $109,295 1LZ trim, as heated seat comfort, wireless device charging, and driver safety systems won’t be necessary.

From there, it’s all business. The Z07-packaged carbon-ceramic rotors, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, custom suspension calibration, and large rear wing are a must for $8995. Going Z07 also requires an aggressive carbon fiber aero package, and for that I would have spent the extra to get an exposed carbon cut. There’s another $10,495. The money saved by sticking to the base trim will fund the exposed carbon fiber wheels for $11,995. Add the $995 Competition Sport seat cushion and no-cost Ceramic Matrix Gray paint, and my last time attack Corvette Z06 comes in at $142,175, the cheapest way to get the highest level of performance. —David Beard

Jack Fitzgerald’s $144,080 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

I know what you’re thinking: “$144,000 for a Corvette? This guy is crazy.” To you, I say—try the Z06 hit the 8600-rpm redline and call me back. I will wait. Having windows and a roof won’t really stop the howls sent from the newfangled V-8 Z06 flat plane, but it will do the detriment of blocking even a decibel. For that reason, I will have my Z06 in the admittedly expensive but fully justifiable convertible format.

As a proud Wisconsinite I will be finishing my Z06 with an amazing Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic paint please and thanks. After careful deliberation I opted out of the $12,000 carbon wheel and instead stuck with the standard setting. Instead, I’d be happy to shell out the extra cash required for the Z07’s $8995 Performance package, which in turn entails adding a carbon flash painted component for an additional $2995. Moving inside the Vette, I opted for the $8700 2LZ trim level for extra comforts like heated and cooled seats. Since flashy is sort of the name of the game here, I’ll spend the $695 it would take to replace the standard black interior with Adrenaline Red leather. Even at $144,080, my Z06 is still well below what you pay for a used Ferrari 458—with the bonus of an extra liter of displacement to boot. —Jack Fitzgerald

Caleb Miller $149,515 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The new Corvette Z06 2023 is the best in terms of performance, so I wanted my Vette to see its share. I started with the highest-spec 3LZ trim at $119,150, which includes a steering wheel with carbon fiber trim and shift paddles, a leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors, a suede microfiber headliner, and more track-focused GT2 seats. The seats are also heated and ventilated — essential for life in Michigan — and there’s a 14-speaker Bose sound system from the 2LZ trim.

I then painted my Z06 an eye-catching Red Mist Metallic for $995, and spent another $995 on the transparent roof panels to help the Z06’s cabin feel a little more spacious. I didn’t want passersby to mistake my Z06 for a “normal” Corvette, so I added the $8995 Z07 Performance package, which brings carbon-ceramic brakes, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and more extreme aero with the rear. thick one. wing and the fuselage dives over the front splitter. These add-ons will be essential for the occasional track day, and the package also entails spending an additional $10,495 to get the open carbon fiber look that lets everyone know how extreme my Z06 is. I also added striking bronze wheels for $3795 and matched them to the natural brown leather interior. All told, my Z06 costs $149,515, but considering how sharp and satisfying the Z06 is to drive, it’s well worth it. —Caleb Miller