2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06MotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Epic high-revving V-8Open-roof excitement2023 Performance Vehicle of the Year winnerOver-the-top stylingLesser C8 Corvette models are so goodSome cheap-feeling interior bitsEvery Chevrolet Corvette is high-performance, but the Z06 provides a special type of excitement. This track-tuned variant has a high-revving V-8 that rewards hard driving. Aggressive design gives the Z06 further appeal, but it still works as a daily driver.AdvertisementAdvertisementLike every Corvette, the Z06 is offered with a removable roof panel or a power-operated convertible top. Performance-oriented sports car rivals include the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, Mercedes-AMG SL-Class, and Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC.What’s NewFor 2026, the Corvette range, including the Z06, got a reworked interior that added larger screens and made the center console more conventional than how it was at launch. More changes are applied for 2027.BasicsIntersection collision avoidance assistance addedExteriorPitch Gray, Admiral Blue paints introducedBlack exhaust tips become standard; silver tips optionalBlue racing stripes and brake calipers become availableOptional extended front splitter aerodynamicsInteriorSantorini Blue/Jet Black interior introducedColor-matched interior trim detailsWhat We ThinkSound is central to the Z06 experience. The flat-plane-crank V-8 spinning midship in the chassis emits an epic, angry wail. Whether on a racetrack, blasting through a tunnel, or launching from a stoplight, it delivers an unforgettable noise.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat audible drama is matched by ferocious acceleration and remarkable handling, giving the Z06 true supercar feel. Yet even with its track focus, the Z06 still rides comfortably on the street.Flaws are largely subjective. The styling is inelegant, the odd steering wheel takes getting used to, and some sports car rivals have more panache. Perhaps the Z06’s biggest challengers are within the C8 lineup—cheaper ones are excellent, and stronger ones might be worth the price.None of that matters much when the Z06’s tachometer is racing to redline. Our 2023 Performance Vehicle of the Year remains among the greatest American sports cars of all time.Top-Ranked Competitors:Ford Mustang Dark Horse SCPorsche 911 Carrera GTSMercedes-AMG SL-ClassToyota GR GTMotorTrend TestedThe Z06 is equipped with the LT6 engine: a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 that revs to 8,600 rpm. The LT6 produces 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, which goes through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to RWD.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn MotorTrend testing, the Z06 launched from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and crossed the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 131.6 mph.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the Z06 rates at about 12/21 mpg city highway. When equipped with the Carbon Aero package, efficiency drops to 12/19 mpg. Driving range on a full tank of gas is approximately 260 to 280 miles depending on specification.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesEvery 2027 Corvette Z06 is equipped with front automatic emergency braking, intersection collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesThe 2LZ and 3LZ trims gain blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThanks to its mid-engine layout, the C8 Corvette is surprisingly practical. There’s a trunk between the front wheels and another larger storage compartment behind the engine. Together, these provide 12.6 cubic feetof cargo space, more than many other sports cars.TechnologyInfotainmentFrom 2026, the Z06 has come equipped with a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s also a 12.7-inch gauge display, with a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen beside it. The Z06 has a standard digital rearview mirror, as well. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, along with a single wireless charging pad.Sound SystemA Bose 10-speaker audio system is standard on the 1LZ trim, while a 14-speaker Bose premium setup is equipped on the 2LZ and 3LZ.Available UpgradesThe 2LZ and 3LZ trims gain a universal garage door transponder, dual wireless charging pads, a head-up display, and a performance data video recording system.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Corvette Z06 starts at approximately $123,000 in the 1LZ trim. Standard features include staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, full LED headlights and taillights, a removable roof panel, heated side mirrors, and a soft-close trunk.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the Z06 1LZ has a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, a digital rearview mirror, one-touch windows, and power-adjustable seats.Recommended TrimThe higher-end 2LZ and 3LZ trims bring some nice upgrades, such as premium speakers, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a performance-data-recording camera, and front-facing camera. A front axle lift system becomes available on these trims.However, the 2LZ and 3LZ have the same epic engine and chassis as the 1LZ trim, leaving the base model as our pick in the Z06 range—choose that, with some options.New Corvette Grand Sport: Better Than Z06?For 2027, Chevrolet reintroduces an iconic Corvette model to the C8 lineup. The Grand Sportessentially combines the Z06’s track-tuned chassis with the Stingray’s standard engine, providing improved handling, albeit with less power.AdvertisementAdvertisementThing is, for 2027 Chevrolet also introduces a new standard engine for the Stingray. The LS6 V-8 has 6.7 liters of displacement and makes 535 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque—much less power but a lot more torque than the Z06’s rev-happy LT6.With that, the C8 Grand Sport promises to be speedy, sporty, and sonorous, while costing significantly less than the Z06 at about $89,000 to start. Chevrolet makes choosing the best Corvette model hard.
