Is this the 2015 Corvette Z06? Good lord, we sure hope so

By Nick Jaynes Published December 6, 2013

Is this the 2015 Corvette Z06?

Chevrolet recently teased that the 2015 Z06 performance Corvette will be making a debut next month at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Now this very convincing photo has surfaced of what could be the Z06.

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We had reported earlier this year that the performance Stingray could receive the Z07 moniker, as the newest Corvette codename is the C7. Turns out, it won’t be.

We had also reported that the next iteration of the Z06 could be powered by a 600+ horsepower version of the twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 under the skin of the Cadillac Elmiraj concept.

I asked chief Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter about it this week at the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible drive in Palm Springs, California. He put it plainly, “That engine doesn’t exist.”

Corvette Z06 engine spy photo — Image used with permission by copyright holder

So this admission, coupled with this spy photo found on Autoblog of what could be the motor of the Z06 tells us that Chevy is sticking with the 6.2-liter pushrod LT4 V8 to power the next vicious ‘Vette. Expect it to make upwards of 600 horsepower thanks to help from a supercharger.

If the grainy image above that originally appeared on Craig Darling’s Google+ page really is the Z06, we love the extra carbon fiber lip in the front and rear and the skirting along the side. This images looks like the supercar version of the C7 Corvette that we American muscle car fans have been waiting for.

Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long to find out whether this is the Z06 or not, as the Z06 debuts on January 13^th.

We’ll likely have more info soon so be sure to check back often.

Former Automotive Editor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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