Corvette Z06 Coupe

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Coupe

This should come as no surprise to anyone out there, but the all-new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be hit with the dreaded gas guzzler tax.

Chevrolet has yet to reveal the go-faster Corvette's EPA-estimated fuel consumption figures, but GM Authority reports that insiders close to the matter expect the American supercar to be penalized. That means the entire Corvette range will be subject to the gas guzzler penalty, including the standard C8 Coupe and Convertible. The upcoming E-Ray hybrid has the best chance of finally beating the system.

The expected penalty for the standard Z06 with zero optional extras is $2,600. Going by the government's guidelines, that means it achieves between less than 22 mpg on the combined cycle, likely only managing around 17.5-18.5 mpg.

Considering it's powered by a high-revving 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane V8, that's not half bad.

The standard C8 is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine developing 490-495 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, and it achieves 19 mpg on the combined cycle. We'd gladly pay the additional $2,600 for 670 hp and a flat-plane crank V8 that spins all the way to 8,600 rpm. Bargain.

But $2,600 is only the cheapest option you can get away with. The Z06's options list leaked earlier this year, and we know it will be available with several carbon fiber aerodynamic upgrades and three spoiler options. These spoilers may increase rear grip and downforce at high speed but increase drag.

That means if you opt for one of the abovementioned options, the fuel consumption suffers even more. GM Authority's insiders expect a $3,000 gas guzzler charge for models equipped with the T0G Carbon Aero package or T0F Carbon Aero package. Looking at the penalty guidelines, a Z06 with an aero kit will record between 16.5-17.5 mpg on the combined cycle.

The Z07 Performance Package comes with several aero features as standard, so factor in an additional $3,000 above the asking price for this option.

That's if you can even get hold of a Z06, as Chevrolet is extremely particular about where the initial allocation is being sent to. If you live in an area where Corvette C8 3LT ownership is high, it should be easy to find one.

There aren't many naturally aspirated supercars left, which means the Z06 is part of an extremely exclusive club. Though fuel consumption figures for these cars are purely academic, it's interesting to see how the Z06 compares.

Starting with the big V12s, the Ferrari 812 records just 13 mpg on the combined cycle. The Lamborghini Aventador does even worse, at 11 mpg. In the city, the big V12 Lambo doesn't even hit double digits. The Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan's V10 both improve slightly with 15 mpg on the combined cycle.

For the big V12s, you're looking at a $6,400 gas guzzler penalty, while the V10s will cost an additional $4,500. When you look at it this way, the Z06's fuel consumption is actually quite good. Score one for the American supercar.