The 2014 Corvette Stingray isn’t even in the hands of customers yet (though we have seen its first crash), but details are beginning to emerge about the next generation of higher-performance Corvette models. The good news is this: Chevrolet appears to have plans to launch both a Z06 and ZR1 version of the C7 Corvette.
According to Motor Trend, the next Z06 will get an updated version of the current car’s normally-aspirated 7.0-liter V-8, with as much as 600 horsepower on tap. That’s quite a jump from the 505 horsepower made by the Z06 in 2013, though the final output is dependent upon the next ZR1's powerrating.
As we told you yesterday, GM is looking at both supercharging and twin-turbocharging to increase the output of its latest LT1 small block V-8, which debuts in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. While the first-generation ZR1 relied on supercharging to make its 638 horsepower, that recipe isn’t set in stone.
If GM can get better output and fuel economy from sequential turbocharging, expect to see that employed on the next Corvette ZR1, as well as the next Cadillac CTS-V. Rumor has it that Chevrolet is targeting the 700 horsepower mark for the next ZR1, which would clearly put the car at or near the top of the U.S. sports car food chain.
To protect its range-topping Corvette, Chevrolet will look to maintain a 100+ horsepower gap between the Z06 and ZR1. If the ZR1 doesn’t crack the 700 horsepower mark, don’t expect to see the Z06 break 600 horsepower.
As good as the current Z06 and ZR1 are, the positive news in all of this is that the next generation cars will be even faster and more capable. As for when they’ll debut, don’t expect to see either model in dealer showrooms for at least a year, as Chevrolet wants to generate Corvette Stingray (and Stingray convertible) sales before introducing new variants.
First Details Emerge On Next Corvette Z06 And ZR1: Report
700hp factory cars.
