Z06X Coming?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, Ky
Z06X Coming?
I’ve been hearing a lot of speculation about a possible Z06X. On paper, it seems like a compelling fit, but from a track perspective it may not be the best choice, except at a few venues. Many tracks appear to restrict or ban “X”-style additions due to concerns around batteries and fire risk. Most facilities don’t have the capability to effectively extinguish battery fires, nor can they easily repair track surfaces that could be damaged by the extreme heat from such events.
What are your thoughts on this?
Link to the article from Corvette Blogger
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...corvette-z06x/
What are your thoughts on this?
Link to the article from Corvette Blogger
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...corvette-z06x/
Last edited by BCPantera4; May 7, 2026 at 10:56 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 654
From: No. VA
I think the battery makes sense on the Z06 to some extent for some torque fill, maybe moreso than the Grand Sport. I was actually thinking the GS should have just been the widebody with standard new motor without the battery along with the suspension upgrades. The regular V8 has a good bit of torque early on compared to the LT6.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 367
Likes: 310
From: Texas
Racer
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 367
Likes: 310
From: Texas
I think the battery makes sense on the Z06 to some extent for some torque fill, maybe moreso than the Grand Sport. I was actually thinking the GS should have just been the widebody with standard new motor without the battery along with the suspension upgrades. The regular V8 has a good bit of torque early on compared to the LT6.
The LT6 does not need more torque and what it does have isn't small (plus the final gearing is setup on purpose to help with that). No more than a Ferrari 458 or any other FPC before it did. It has a unique power curve and therefore needs to be driven properly. For people that aren't willing to do that, buy a different variant. This is very similar to how you drive a 4-stroke vs 2-stroke dirt bike. Driving the 2-stroke the same way as the 4 will leave you disappointed and at times shocked (when that power band kicked in unexpectedly). See a recent thread on here called "DCT Grinding?" if you think the LT6 needs more torque.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 149
Likes: 105
No doubt it would sell to some degree.
I think the real question on a Z06 X being produced in the C8 variant really depends on when GM drops the C9. If they are looking at C9 as 2029 model we are only couple years away and I think they'd rather spend that time developing the C9 over another C8 variant. Now if the C9 isn't going on sale until 2030 as 2031 model then I think it make sense to drop the C8 Z06 X. Even though I kind of agree that it steps on the toes of what the Z06 purpose really is in the Corvette line up. Also does the average Corvette owner appreciate the FPC enough over the GS X engine set up. Because I think performance numbers would be very similar and I'm not sure buyers are willing to drop an extra 20 to 30K or or more for just for the FPC and a very slight increase in performance overall. But then again Porsche 911 buyers basically do it everyday for decades. I tend to think GM may wait for the C9 Z06 to drop a Z9 Z06X.
I think the real question on a Z06 X being produced in the C8 variant really depends on when GM drops the C9. If they are looking at C9 as 2029 model we are only couple years away and I think they'd rather spend that time developing the C9 over another C8 variant. Now if the C9 isn't going on sale until 2030 as 2031 model then I think it make sense to drop the C8 Z06 X. Even though I kind of agree that it steps on the toes of what the Z06 purpose really is in the Corvette line up. Also does the average Corvette owner appreciate the FPC enough over the GS X engine set up. Because I think performance numbers would be very similar and I'm not sure buyers are willing to drop an extra 20 to 30K or or more for just for the FPC and a very slight increase in performance overall. But then again Porsche 911 buyers basically do it everyday for decades. I tend to think GM may wait for the C9 Z06 to drop a Z9 Z06X.
Last edited by skylolow; May 8, 2026 at 07:48 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 75
THIS. It's literally a factory track car. That's what it's designed to do. It has a bunch of expensive parts and compromises put there intentionally to optimize it to lap all day quickly and reliably but that make it a worse choice for other uses. It blows my mind that people buy them for drag racing, daily driving, Cars & Coffee flexing etc. when other Corvette variants or other cars would be a much better choice for their use case. Same as people that drive a lifted jeep with winches that never even drives on grass, or guys that get a full size pickup truck and the bed is absolutely pristine - nothing ever put back there. Absolutely bizarre.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 64
Likes: 61
From: NETX
It blows my mind that people buy them for drag racing, daily driving, Cars & Coffee flexing etc. when other Corvette variants or other cars would be a much better choice for their use case. Same as people that drive a lifted jeep with winches that never even drives on grass, or guys that get a full size pickup truck and the bed is absolutely pristine - nothing ever put back there. Absolutely bizarre.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 75
Hey man you can do whatever you want....buy a Dually F-350 as a track car, or get a Chevy Bolt to tow a trailer with - it's a free country. But the rest of us are also free to point and laugh and shake our head.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 547
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The laugh and shake I mean.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 929
From: Huntsville Alabama
THIS. It's literally a factory track car. That's what it's designed to do. It has a bunch of expensive parts and compromises put there intentionally to optimize it to lap all day quickly and reliably but that make it a worse choice for other uses. It blows my mind that people buy them for drag racing, daily driving, Cars & Coffee flexing etc. when other Corvette variants or other cars would be a much better choice for their use case. Same as people that drive a lifted jeep with winches that never even drives on grass, or guys that get a full size pickup truck and the bed is absolutely pristine - nothing ever put back there. Absolutely bizarre.
HAHA I literally Daily drive my Lowered C8, and my back up is a lifted 2500chevy that toes a turbo jetski once a week. hahaha I am the guy that blows your mind ha and soon a Z06 or maybe something more exotic on Daily.
But I am also one that wants a LT6 with X front too, I know heavier and not track focused but still want it.
Last edited by mittens; May 8, 2026 at 12:12 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 749
From: Alexandria, VA
I'd get it, well not really since I already own one, maybe if they offered a factory upgrade, honestly since the platform is built for it they should just offer the X option for every model
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 707
From: New York
I hope not. If you dont like the characteristics of the Z06, get a different Corvette. This reminds me of the people that ruin the places they live in, complain and move to another place and want to change it. This is the way you found it and this is the way its gonna be. You dont like it, go someplace else.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 929
From: Huntsville Alabama
I hope not. If you dont like the characteristics of the Z06, get a different Corvette. This reminds me of the people that ruin the places they live in, complain and move to another place and want to change it. This is the way you found it and this is the way its gonna be. You dont like it, go someplace else.
How does having the option for one guys ruin the option for you? If you don't want it, don't buy it. same concept. THe fact that the LT6 is the lowest TQ motor, but sounds the best... would be a fun option.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 697
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From: Armonk, NY