When Chevrolet unveiled the C8-generation Corvette Z06 for the 2023 model year, it marked a dramatic shift in America’s sports car legacy. The front-engine Vette was gone. In its place stood a mid-engine machine, bred with tech from Corvette Racing and powered by the highest-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 ever dropped into a production car. For 2024, that same formula continues with no major updates, no need for one. The Z06 remains a visceral, high-revving anomaly in an era of downsizing and forced induction.
A year into its production run, the Z06’s role in the Corvette lineup is firmly established. It sits above the Stingray as the more track-oriented offering and below the E-Ray in terms of hybrid tech. But don’t be fooled, there’s nothing mild or electrified about the Z06. This is raw performance done with precision.
Understanding the LT6 Powertrain
To truly understand what makes the Z06 special, you have to start with its centerpiece: the engine. Under the rear hatch of the 2024 Corvette Z06 sits a hand-built, naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, known internally as the LT6. This masterpiece produces 670 horsepower at a soaring 8,400 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque peaking at 6,300 rpm. Thanks to its flat-plane crank design, the LT6 can spin to an exhilarating 8,600 rpm redline. The result is a Ferrari-sounding V8 scream.
This precision engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a setup favored in modern performance cars for its lightning-fast gear changes and efficiency. It blends the ease and refinement of a conventional automatic with the direct engagement of a manual when driven hard. The result is a drivetrain engineered for immediacy, with sharp throttle response, seamless power delivery across the rev band, and a soundtrack that elevates every upshift and downshift into an event.
Performance Metrics
The 2024 Corvette Z06 isn’t just about feel; it backs up its reputation with numbers that place it among the world’s elite performance machines. Independent testing by Car and Driver underscores its capabilities:
- 0–60 mph: 2.6 seconds for the coupe, 2.7 seconds for the convertible. In their testing, this was two-tenths quicker than the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3.
- 0–100 mph: 5.9 seconds.
- Quarter-Mile: 10.5 seconds @ 131 mph (coupe), 10.7 seconds @ 129 mph (convertible).
- 0–150–0 mph: The Z06 completed this demanding test in 22.5 seconds, showcasing both its explosive acceleration and robust braking capabilities.
- Top Speed: Chevrolet lists a top speed of 195 mph.
These figures aren’t just impressive for a Corvette, they’re exceptional for any car, especially one without turbocharging or hybrid assistance. It’s a purist’s machine that achieves staggering speed through naturally aspirated engineering alone.
How it Stacks Against the Competition
| Vehicle | Power | 0-60 MPH | Base Price |
| Corvette Z06 | 670 hp | 2.6 seconds | $114,395 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 518 hp | 3.2 seconds | $241,300 |
| McLaren Artura | 671 hp | 2.9 seconds | $233,500 |
| Ferrari 296 GTB | 819 hp | 2.9 seconds | $333,255 |
Exterior and Aerodynamics
One look at the 2024 Corvette Z06 tells you it’s no ordinary sports car. Its aggressive stance and sculpted bodywork are more than visual drama; every line, crease, and vent serves a purpose. From airflow management to heat extraction and downforce generation, the Z06’s design is a perfect marriage of form and function.
Where the Stingray prioritizes elegance, the Z06 wears its performance intent on its sleeve. Key differences include:
- Widened Body Panels: The Z06’s broader fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, enhancing grip and giving the car its planted, wide-shouldered look.
- Engineered Airflow: Enlarged front and side intakes channel cooling air to the LT6 V8, transmission, and brakes, ensuring thermal stability even during intense track sessions.
- Adjustable Rear Aerodynamics: The rear spoiler provides vital downforce, keeping the car stable at speed and adding confidence through high-speed corners.
For drivers seeking maximum track readiness, Chevrolet offers two critical upgrades. The Carbon Aero Package introduces featherweight carbon-fiber components like a front splitter, side rocker moldings, and underwing deflectors. Opt for the Z07 Performance Package, and you gain a taller, race-inspired rear wing, front dive planes, and underbody strakes, all working together to press the Z06 into the tarmac at speed.
In 2024, the Z06 gained new color options such as Riptide Blue Metallic, Cacti Green, and Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat. Popular hues like Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic and Caffeine Metallic were retired. Chevrolet also expanded customization with broader stripe selections and introduced a visible carbon-fiber wheel option accented by a bold red stripe.
Chassis and Suspension
The 2024 Corvette Z06 stands out for its razor-sharp handling and exceptional composure at speed. Chevrolet’s engineering team spent years fine-tuning the C8’s mid-engine platform to deliver a driving experience that feels intuitive and confidence-inspiring. Whether carving through tight back roads or attacking corners on a race circuit, the Z06 reacts to inputs with precision and balance.
Several critical components contribute to its dynamic personality:
- Advanced Suspension System: The Z06 employs an independent setup featuring unequal-length control arms at all four corners. This geometry enhances wheel control and stability under load. Opting for the Z07 Performance Package takes things further, adding stiffer springs and recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 dampers. These magnetorheological dampers adjust in milliseconds, providing an ideal blend of ride comfort and handling sharpness across different driving scenarios.
- Wheels and Tires: Standard equipment includes lightweight forged aluminum wheels—20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires. For those seeking maximum track performance, the Z07 package swaps these for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP rubber, delivering substantially more grip in high-load situations.
- Braking System: Bringing the Z06’s power to a halt is no small task. The standard system features large ventilated steel discs with Brembo calipers for strong, consistent stopping power. Buyers who check the Z07 box gain Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which provide superior heat resistance and reduced fade during repeated hard stops. In Car and Driver testing, a Z07-equipped Z06 came to a stop from 70 mph in 139 feet and from 100 mph in 274 feet—numbers that rival hypercars.
Together, these systems form a cohesive chassis package that communicates clearly with the driver. The result is a Corvette that feels equally at home during spirited weekend drives and at the limit on track days, rewarding skill with poise and precision.
Interior and Technology
Stepping into the 2024 Corvette Z06 reveals a cabin meticulously designed with the driver at its core. It seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with premium materials and integrated technology. While sharing its fundamental interior architecture with the C8 Stingray, the Z06’s cabin incorporates distinctive features and elevated finishes. Inside, you’ll find:
- Driver-Centric Layout: The cockpit is distinctly angled towards the driver, featuring a distinctive squared-off steering wheel and a clear, reconfigurable 12.0-inch digital gauge display. The infotainment touchscreen is also angled for optimal ergonomics and visibility.
- Material Quality: The Z06 interior utilizes a sophisticated blend of leather, metallic trim, and imitation suede. Opting for the 3LZ package further elevates the cabin with sewn leather across most surfaces and elegant carbon-fiber trim elements.
- Seating: The seats are sculpted to provide both substantial support and long-distance comfort. Available heated and ventilated GT2 bucket seats enhance comfort on extended drives.
- Practicality: Despite its mid-engine layout, the Z06 still offers practical cargo capacity. With storage compartments in both the front trunk (frunk) and behind the engine, the Z06 provides a combined 12.6 cubic feet of storage, capable of accommodating items like two sets of golf clubs, as verified by Car and Driver.
- Integrated Technology: For 2024, the Z06 received a significant infotainment upgrade, now featuring Google built-in with an 8.0-inch diagonal HD color display. This new system replaces previous infotainment offerings, enabling a more personalized experience with integrated apps, Google Maps for real-time navigation, and more. It retains essential connectivity features like Bluetooth audio streaming, a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New for 2024, the Artemis interior with Green seat belts became an available option, exclusively on the 3LZ trim. Visible carbon fiber sill plates also debuted as a Genuine Corvette Accessory. Furthermore, the power hood pull-down is now a standard feature across all 2024 Z06 models and trims.
Safety and Warranty
While the Z06 focuses on performance, Chevrolet didn’t overlook driver assistance systems. For 2024, several features previously reserved for higher trims are now standard across the lineup:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Keep Assist with Lane-Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
- Rear Camera Mirror and Rear Park Assist
Optional Blind Zone Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert further enhance situational awareness.
Chevrolet’s warranty coverage includes:
- Bumper-to-Bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: 1 scheduled service visit
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Corvette Z06 continues the storied Corvette tradition of delivering an exceptional performance package. While it represents a significant investment, its pricing remains highly competitive within its segment, especially when considering its formidable performance capabilities relative to other high-performance vehicles.
Here is the general pricing structure for the 2024 Corvette Z06 at launch (MSRP, excluding additional options or taxes):
- 1LZ Coupe: Starts at $110,100
- 1LZ Convertible: Starts at $117,100
- 2LZ Coupe: Starts at $119,000
- 2LZ Convertible: Starts at $126,000
- 3LZ Coupe: Starts at $123,650
- 3LZ Convertible: Starts at $130,650
For those prioritizing ultimate track performance, the Z07 Performance package is a pivotal option. This package includes a track-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and specialized Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP track tires. It necessitates the high-downforce Carbon Aero package, which adds visible carbon-fiber exterior components like the front splitter and rear spoiler. The Carbon Aero package can also be selected independently for Z06 models equipped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires and steel brakes.
It’s also worth noting that as a high-performance vehicle, the Z06 will likely be subject to a gas-guzzler tax, which will be added to the final MSRP. Based on previous Z06 models, this is anticipated to be at least $3,000.
Chevrolet initiated production of the 2024 Corvette Z06 in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the most precise and up-to-date pricing, including all applicable taxes and delivery fees, it is always recommended to consult your local Chevrolet dealership.
The Z06’s Place in the Corvette Family
With its screaming LT6 V8, aggressive aerodynamics, and track-bred suspension, the 2024 Corvette Z06 is more than a high-performance car—it’s a statement. It builds on decades of Corvette innovation while staying true to the core values of driver engagement and accessibility.
Even as competitors embrace hybridization and turbocharging, the Z06 stands defiant, offering a pure, naturally aspirated experience few others match. For enthusiasts seeking unfiltered performance with everyday usability, the Z06 remains a rare and compelling choice.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Specifications
ENGINE
| Type: | LT6 5.5L DOHC VVT DI V8 |
| Bore & stroke (in. / mm): | 4.104 x 3.150 / 104.25 x 80 |
| Block Material: | A319-T7 sand-cast aluminum with pressed-in iron cylinder liners and four-bolt main bearing caps |
| Oiling System: | Six-stage dry sump; includes oil-spray piston cooling |
| Oil Type: | DexosR synthetic 5W50 |
| Cylinder Head Material: | A356 T6 cast aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber Volume: | 58.8cc |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.5:1 |
| Valvetrain: | Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with mechanical finger follower valvetrain and dual-coil valve springs |
| Valve Size (in. / mm): | 1.77 / 45 titanium (intake) & 1.37 / 35 sodium filled Nimonic (exhaust) |
| Fuel Delivery: | Exhaust side direct injection; max pressure: 5,076 psi |
| Firing Order: | 1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2 |
| Throttle Body: | Twin 87mm single bore (electronic) |
| Charging: | N/A |
| Charge Cooling: | N/A |
| ECU: | GM E68 (32-bit processing) |
| Horsepower (hp / kW): | 670 / 499.6 @ 8,400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): | 460 / 623 @ 6,300 rpm |
TRANSMISSION & AXLE
| Type: | 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) |
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
| Front Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers (46mm) (FE6) |
| Rear Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers (46mm) (FE6) |
| Steering Type: | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops with available Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 |
| Steering ratio: | 15.7:1 |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m): | 38 / 11.1 |
| Brake Type: | Front and rear eBoost-assisted carbon ceramic discs with six-piston/monobloc front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers |
| Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm): | Front: 14.6 x 1.3 / 370 x 34 Rear: 15.0 x 1.3 / 380 x 34 |
| Wheel Size: | Front: 20-inch x 10-inch (w/5 x 120mm bolt pattern) Rear: 21-inch x 13-inch (w/5 x 120mm bolt pattern) |
| Tire Size: | Front: 275/30ZR20 Rear: 345/25ZR21 |
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase (in. / mm): | 107 / 2722 |
| Overall Length (in. / mm): | 184.6 / 4688 |
| Overall Width without mirrors (in. / mm): | 79.7 / 2025 |
| Overall Height (in. / mm): | 48.6 / 1235 |
| Track (in. / mm): | Front: 66.3 / 1685 Rear: 66.1 / 1678 |
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Headroom (in. / mm): | 37.9 / 962 |
| Legroom (in. / mm): | 42.8 / 1087 |
| Shoulder Room (in. / mm): | 54.4 / 1382 |
| Hip Room (in. / mm): | 52 / 1321 |
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
| Dry Weight (lb. / kg): | 3500 / 1588 (coupe) 3599 / 1633 (convertible) |
| Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L)1: | 12.6/ 356.8 |
1Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)
| 18.5 gal. / 70 liters |
