A few days ago, we learned some interesting details regarding the next Corvette Z06, reportedly due for the 2022 model year. Supposedly, it will come powered by a reworked version of the twin-turbo 4.2-liter 'Blackwing' DOHC V8 Cadillac refuses to share with any other GM division. Once suitably modified, this engine will produce at least 800 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque.
A new rumor from Muscle Cars and Trucks, however, claims this output will not be for the C8 Z06, but rather the next ZR1. Is this to be believed over the report from just a few days ago? Perhaps, as MC&T states its "own sources" provided the information. The original Z06 details came from Automobile Magazine. Who should we believe? It's impossible to say at this time.
Another interesting tidbit MC&T mentions is the possibility of the Z06 utilizing a flat-plane crankshaft V8, leading to a far more exotic car-like engine sound. We wouldn't be opposed to that. The C8 Z06 (or ZR1 engine) is part of the Blackwing V8 family, meaning there are many ways engineers can adapt it to suit the C8's needs. Previous rumors regarding this subject suggest a couple of DOHC V8 engines are up for consideration for high-performance variants, displacing 4.2- and 5.5-liters. Both will come with a couple of turbochargers.
With this in mind, the assumption was that the C8 Z06 would displace 4.2-liters while the top dog ZR1 would come to the plate with 5.5-liters combined with electric power for a grand total of over 1,000 horsepower.
We do know the C8 was engineered from the get-go to accommodate electric motors upfront. If we were forced to make a guess based on the information currently available and the fact that outputs of the C7 Z06 and C7 ZR1 sit at 650 hp and 755 hp, respectively, then it could entirely be possible the C8 Z06 will have somewhere between 650-700 hp with even more dramatic weight-saving measures to improve power-to-weight ratio. It's a track-focused Corvette, remember.
As for the ZR1, we could easily see it hit that coveted four-figure output with an electric boost. And then there's this potential wild card: the also rumored C8 Zora. Chevy has a long C8 Corvette lifecycle planned and we're only at the very beginning.