The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 isn't scheduled to debut until the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January, but here's a peek at its engine.

American Velocity Performance posted a photo on Instagram this morning of what it says is a supercharged V-8 slated to power the Z06.

Unlike the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that popped up in October, this one has clearly-identifiable "LT4" badges.

As with previous generations, the Z06 will be a step up in performance from the base and Z51 Corvettes. We still expect a ZR1 replacement to emerge and become the top model in the Corvette lineup, though.

Performance figures will obviously remain a closely-guarded secret until the Z06's Detroit unveiling, but we expect it to pack as much as 600 horsepower.

While the existence of this LT4 V-8 clears things up a bit, rumors of exactly what will power the Z06 have been all over the place. It will definitely be a V-8, but previous reports suggested a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter mill, a 7.0-liter version, or even a turbocharged 4.5-liter.

Whatever ends up under the hood, the Corvette Z06 should be quite a machine. The standard 2014 Corvette Stingray with the Z51 package has already shown vast improvements in performance and refinement over previous generations.

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