The new Chevrolet Corvette is a pretty amazing machine. It offers a whole lot of performance for relatively short money. Still, the Corvette King of the past generation was, for many, the Z06 version. The Z06 is the Kentucky-bred badass that offers the best mix of furious power and potent performance at a trim fighting weight--despite the 638-horsepower ZR1 offering's punch, it also weighed quite a bit more.
Since the new Stingray is the 'entry-level" Corvette and it's bursting forth with 455 (plus) horsepower, it only makes sense that 'Vette fans are licking their chops in anticipation of the reveal of the Z06 (or possibly Z07) powerplant and specs. The ZR1 will, naturally, exceed the Z06's figures even further.
It seems someone may have glimpsed the new motor a bit early--though it's not clear if it's headed into the Z06 or the ZR1.
Per CorvetteOnline, the engine spied is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. A reader sent in some photos of what he or she is claiming to be that next-gen mill.
Originally, there were some rumors swirling that the new C7 Z06 would benefit from snail-based forced induction just as some of its updated Cadillac cousins will be doing. Engine rumors are nothing new for the Corvette, and we're sure there'll be several more rounds before GM finally gives us the answers.
We expect the supercharged V-8 to be a finely honed monster mill, whichever badge it wears. The C6 Z06 was a powerhouse with its 505-horsepower engine, so the next-generation car should pull out even more power (perhaps as much as 600 hp) while still probably managing a rise in fuel economy. The next ZR1 could pack as much as 700 horsepower.
Honestly though, if you're buying a Z06 or a ZR1, the fuel economy display is just there to prove that yes, you are in fact properly wailing on your car.
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