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C8 CORVETTE Z06 SPOTTED WITH UNIQUE DUCT WORK, AND WE KNOW WHY

Unfortunately, The Reason Is Fairly Anti-Climactic

C8 Corvette Z06 Prototype Spy Video Photo 2022 2023 2024

A C8 Corvette Z06 squadron is currently testing in the Colorado mountains, and several keen observers have spotted them on public roads. Most recently, one of them was spotted with a peculiar setup featuring a pronounced bulge on the frunk of the upcoming supercar, as well as two pronounced intake vents – one on each side. Other Z06 prototypes we’ve seen thus far are absent of these features, but we have learned what’s going on here, and we’re going to share the details with you.

The audio is dubbed over with music, giving us zero indication as to what’s powering this unique supercar prototype. But even without it, we can confidently state that what remains behind the passenger cabin, affixed just fore of the rear axles is the LT6 5.5L DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine that’s in other C8 Corvette Z06 prototypes. To aid with its validation, the Corvette Racing team is also running a 5.5L flat-plane DOHC V8 engine based on the LT6. Its output is expected to float around 600 hp, while its redline is expected to encroach on 9,000 RPM. It’s going to be a screamer.

So, what’s with the pronounced vents crudely affixed to the exterior camouflage and cladding? We’re told by those familiar with the matter that they’re meant to assist with airflow and cooling. Of which, the vent in the front may point to an extra heat exchanger taking up space in the frunk. Testing an NA V8 at such extreme altitudes not only greatly reduces the power of the engine, but it also runs a greater risk of overheating. It’s not really a good look for the C8 Corvette Z06, which won’t feature any turbochargers to feed extra air into its combustion chambers, but this is the whole point of vehicle development; to constantly evaluate and improve the product before it reaches the hands of the customer.

In other words, no. This is not a C8 Corvette ZR1. Nor is it the C8 Corvette Zora hybrid supercar. These vehicles are still out by several years. But take comfort that the 2022 Corvette Z06 is right around the corner.

2022 C8 Corvette Z06 Spy Video Photo LT6

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

4 Comments

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  1. You do realize the camp Stingray mules had exactly the same fake “vent” on the hood, right? You’ve been played for a Fool, again.

  2. No, you clearly don’t when you’re saying stupid things like “…the vent in the front may point to an extra heat exchanger taking up space in the frunk.” It’s misleading because that was there on the models currently released. This was just another article for clicks.

    • Repeat: we know more than you. Our track record shows we’re ahead of everybody on the C8. Encrypted ECU? Us. Z06 tires? Us. Z06 exhaust? Us. Incoming Active Aero? Us. ‘Ring Time? Us. We’re an authority on the C8.

      GM is doing some crazy stuff when it comes to testing the C8. Some of it involves heat exchangers up front. Some of it will never reach production – but it’s nevertheless happening.

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