Chevy Corvette Z06 could rock specific Michelin rubber, active aero, report says

A new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a super badly kept secret, because the Z06 badge goes hand in hand with a Corvette. First comes the regular model, then finally a Z06.

If we ever see one Corvette with mid-engine Z06, it will be a completely different animal than that Corvette Stingray on sale today. And thanks to a report from Muscle Cars & Trucks, we probably have more information about the car.

The website reported on Monday about three separate areas around the next Z06: tires, active aerodynamics and exhaust. Before we look at the new alleged information, let’s go through a big deal that is far from confirmed. That would be the engine of the next Z06.

Chevy previously confirmed its new racing car, the Corvette C8.R, runs a 5.5 liter naturally aspirated DOHC V8 engine with a flat crankshaft. It’s a wildly exotic move for the Corvette, and it’s basically guaranteed that this engine will get to the center of the Corvette Z06 with some tram changes.

The MC&T report described a possible change to the mid-engine car’s exhaust, which could help produce a powerful exotic tone compared to the standard car’s 6.2-liter push rod V8. According to the website’s sources, the move will help to better distinguish the Z06 and the Stingray. The proposed exhaust would also come with various finishing tips, but the design has yet to go green, according to the report.

When we get on the tires of the Z06, we will likely see that the car’s wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. If the tire looks familiar to you, the rubber Porsche runs on it 911 GT3 RS and GT2 RS. They should offer the necessary grip to drive the next Corvette Z06 through curves and supposedly to deliver 650 PS. By the way, we could also see optional carbon rims.

The last information relates to the car’s aerodynamics, and it is likely that we will see an optional active aero package, according to the report. Probably part of the Z06’s normally optional Z07 package. We absolutely know that GM is interested in such technology because the automaker has previously applied for a patent for an active aero system – and even used a C7 Corvette as a sample vehicle.

Such a system would allow the Corvette Z06 to respond when the car is turning, accelerating and braking. These systems are very complex, but can have numerous advantages when it comes to letting air flow and allowing it to pass differently depending on the conditions.

Did Chevy have anything to say about this? That would be a no. A representative told Roadshow: “We are not speculating about possible future product variants.” The Z06 was said to debut in 2022, but we know it too GM has frozen future vehicle development due to the coronavirus pandemic. There may be delays while the Z06 is not off the table.

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