Most of the speculations prior to the launch of the C8 Corvette Z06 were based on the C8.R race car, especially about the 5.5-liter V-8. The leaks sure helped, but it the C8.R race car was used as a benchmark. Now, the automaker has decided to replace the C8.R with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. What makes this even special is that you will be able to purchase it. We’ve seen automakers like Porsche and BMW do this, but not Chevy.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Race Car

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Race Car
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What Is The Corvette Z06 GT3.R All About?

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a customer racing car that is based on the Z06, but isn’t street legal. The C8 Z06 comes with a whole lot of performance and aerodynamic aids, and the GT3.R just builds up on that. It has the GT3 aero elements all around, including the large rear wing.

The car will be based on the C8.R’s aluminum chassis. It will be powered by the same 5.5-liter, flat-plane crank naturally aspirated V-8 engine as the Z06, but won’t make as much power. Keeping in line with the GT3 racing regulations, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R will churn out between 500 and 600 horses. This will make it FIA compliant and eligible to participate in various events.

Just to give you an idea, here are some of the highlights of the 2023 Corvette Z06:

- 5.5-liter, flat-plane crank naturally aspirated LT6 V-8 engine - 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm- 460 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm- Redlines at 8,600 rpm- Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox- Features a Launch Control, Performance Traction Management, Electronic Limited-Slip Differential, etc. - Sportier on the outside. A lot of aero elements – front splitter, rear spoiler, larger air vents- 20-inch wheels up front, 21-inch at the rear- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP rubber as standard. 275/30 section at the front, 345/25 section at the rear- Brakes - 14.6-inch Brembo rotors at the front, 15-inch at the rear- Speculated to start around $90,000- It will be available starting the summer of 2022

Conclusion

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is still undergoing testing, so Chevrolet is yet to announce all the specs and features. We’ll have more details about it next year. Chevy noted that the Corvette GT3.R will be up for sale from the 2024 racing season. However, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R looks like an exciting proposition for now. It is a true-blue racing car that is meant only for the tracks. So, if you are looking for something that can be driven on public roads, you should look at the Z06 with the Z07 Performance Package. While you wait for the ZR1, the Zora, or even the E-Ray, relish the GT3.R race car!