Chevy Reveals Corvette Z06 GT3.R and We Can’t Wait for the Street Version!
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R will begin racing in the 2024 season, so let’s hope Tadge and crew have a Z06.R package in the works!
Just as the Corvette Racing C8.R previewed what was coming in the C8 Z06, now it’s the street car’s turn to influence the race car. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you the 2023 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. The most capable Corvette Racing vehicle ever made. It’s also the closest a street-legal Corvette Z06 has ever been to its track-capable sibling.
The Z06 GT3.R begins life as a chassis at Bowling Green, Kentucky, just like every other C8. It’s then sent off to Pratt Miller in Michigan where a team installs a roll cage, unique double-wishbone suspension, and race-spec springs, shocks, and braking components. The Z06 GT3.R runs 18-inch front and rear wheels capable of mounting a variety of tire types and compounds.
The motor, of course, is a variant of the LT6, a 5.5L dual overhead cam flat-plane-crank V8. Chevrolet says the race motor shares “more than 70 percent of its parts with the production Z06 engine, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, coils, gaskets and a variety of other sensors.” However, unlike the street-going LT6, the GT3.R’s V9 won’t be producing 670 peak horsepower on the track thanks to GT3 class power limitations.
The Z06 GT3.R also features a ton of new aero along with extra ducting for added cooling. Carbon fiber splitters up front add more downforce. There’s a large hood opening to draw air away from the front radiators. Underneath, there’s a new purpose-built diffuser. And, of course, a massive carbon wing for maximum downforce. (Definitely a must-have for both the street and track GT3 cars.)
Chevrolet expects to begin racing the Z06 GT3.R about a year from now at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Z06 GT3.R First Impressions – The CorvetteForum Take
I’m no racing expert, but after this reveal, and as Chevrolet gives more people access to the Z06 GT3.R, I expect folks will have two main reactions.
First, if you compete in GT3 racing, you’re probably considering buying one. Second, if you’re not into racing yourself, you’re really hoping that Chevy plans to release a street-going special edition package for the Z06 ala the C8.R package on the 2022 Stingray.
And we do too.
Just look at this beast, with its menacing livery, crazy aero, and one of the best-looking wheels ever put onto a Corvette. Now imagine the street-legal version. More powerful than the racecar. Hopefully lighter than the Z06 as it sits today. A little bit of luxury thrown in because, hey, street car. They’d be sold out in minutes.
What the Members Are Saying
We pulled a few quotes from THIS THREAD right here in the CorvetteForum and it looks like folks came to a similar conclusion as the editorial staff. Here are a few highlights. Click the ‘this thread’ link to join the discussion.
I’m holding on hope they release a GT3R “decal edition”. Gm is notorious for it. This is one livery I would buy into. — TRANS DAMM
BINGO! Problem is I bet this will be a 2024MY or 2nd half 2024MY option. If I knew it was coming in 2024 and if my number comes up for MY2023, then I would definitely defer to get the 2024 Z06 GT3R edition. Unfortunately, with GM being so unreliable in information and scheduling and with some dealerships being anything but transparent with allocations, its VERY HARD to plan ahead and make informed decisions with this car. — AustinVetter (aka SpeedPhenom)
That is actually a drop dead gorgeous race car. I hope they do well with it. I have very little interest in this kind of racing and have never known anyone who does. – Cryptonic
Let’s sincerely HOPE that GM offers that C8Z06 GT3R is a serious track focused STREET LEGAL car. The rear diffuser likely needs to be simplified and a front nose lift ……..EVERYTHING ELSE……….build it and SELL them to the general public. No tape stripes and replicas .
Carbon fiber light weight buckets, carbon fiber front fenders , light weight carbon hood with front brake ducts and radiator vent sing. the LEDs in the nose are cool. Massive wheels arches for larger wheels and center lock wheels (center locks look cool BUT are actually / truly in real world ….a pain in the ASS ) lightweight door cards, titanium exhaust …….take out 300#s and get engine to 700HP.
It’s gorgeous and a USA battle wagon to combat 992 GT3RS and 992 GT2 RS. — Joefab
Corvette Z06 GT3.R Image Gallery
Photos: Chevrolet
