Prototypes for the 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 that we had seen had corner-mounted exhaust. However, it wasn’t until the reveal in October that we learned that the Z06’s exhaust system was re-engineered as a center-quad system with unique parabolic reflectors that bounce the sound of the flat-plane crank V8 notes back into the cabin. The changes to the exhaust were because GM wasn’t happy with the sound coming from the 670 horsepower LT6. Early intel had it suggesting that the outboard exhaust setup was for older prototypes, but it appears that these mules actually carry the specific task of developing the C8 Z06 for the EU market, per reports.
Select C8 Corvette Z06 Exports Get GPF Filters
According to Corvette Blogger, C8 Corvette Z06 supercars seen with outboard exhaust setups are are equipped with gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) which are required in certain markets such as the anti-emission regions like the European Union, as well as Australia. Unfortunately, the tighter packaging for the center-quad exhausts doesn’t allow for the installation of the GPF modules. As a result, Z06 Corvettes destined for export will have the same corner-mounted system as the C8 Stingrays currently being exported, which also feature GPF filters. Chances are these supercars will be down on power, too, as is the case with what we currently see with the EU-spec C8 Corvette Stingray.
The Corvette team at the NCM Bash stated that this is the case for almost every area except North America and the Middle East, where there are less fun police. There’s claim that the exhaust still sounds great, so customers that receive the exported Z06 shouldn’t be too upset. What could be upsetting is the power reduction that comes with the European-spec Z06 paired with the required GPF.
The LT2 Corvette Stingray in Europe has just 482 ponies, while the US-spec has 495. The Stingrays have just 475 ponies with the GPF exhaust, a 4.1% difference. With that same percentage applied to the 670 horsepower LT6, the export version of the Z06 could have around 643 ponies. We’ll see what happens as Chevrolet gets ready to export the new Z06 later this year.
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