Skip to main content

Chevy’s 2015 Corvette Z06 makes 650 HP, overpowering McLaren 650S and Viper

When the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show back in January, it proved itself a worthy successor to the supercar-slaying C6 model, even though Chevy wouldn’t say exactly how much power it produced.

Now, those power figures have been revealed. It was definitely worth the wait.

The 2015 Z06’s 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 is rated at 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That makes the new Z06 the most powerful production car GM has ever built.

Not only does the Z06 eclipse the old Corvette ZR1’s output of 638 hp and 604 lb-ft, it also overpowers the McLaren 650S and SRT Viper, and is just one horsepower shy of the Ferrari FF’s output.

That record-breaking power output is achieved with an engine based on the same Gen 5 small-block design as the LT1 V8 used in the regular Corvette Stingray. Notable upgrades include a 1.7-liter supercharger, dry-sump oiling, aluminum cylinder heads, and titanium intake valves.

However, the 2015 Z06 won’t be an untamed race car. It’s the first Z06 to be offered as a convertible, and the first with an available automatic transmission. The eight-speed unit targets Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK, and will be offered alongside a seven-speed manual.

While the 2015 Corvette Z06 has yet to turn a wheel in anger, it’s earth-shattering power has already earned it a place in the history books. The Corvette team should be commended for proving that “America’s Sports Car” can run with the world’s supercars.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more