Is the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

Key Points

• Cars.com editors liked the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for its quick performance, throaty soundtrack, handling and comfort off the track, as well as its value.
• However, editors disliked its poor fuel economy, as well as how paying the premium for the Z06 doesn’t result in any interior upgrades.

A Z06 badge has again become available in the Corvette lineup, denoting the top performance variant of Chevrolet’s iconic sports car. The new Z06 pays homage to the 2001 C5 version and brings even greater performance and handling; combined with the most powerful engine ever offered in a Corvette, it all adds up to a winning formula for the track or street.

Related: 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Review: Sensational Screamer

Like the 2001 model, the new Z06 gets a beefed-up suspension, larger brakes and massive sticky performance tires. But it is the incredible response and acceleration from its 670-horsepower V-8 engine that really makes the Z06 stand out; it’s accompanied by a heady soundtrack and delivers supercar performance for what amounts to a bargain price. Changes to the Z06 for 2025 are limited to new color and wheel choices.

Cars.com West Coast Editor Conner Golden had the opportunity to drive the new C8 Z06 and came away quite impressed. Tap the link above to read his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on for five things we like about the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the Chevrolet Corvette Z06?

1. Crazy Quick

The heart of the Z06 is its potent and sophisticated mid-engine powerplant, a technological tour de force — especially when compared to the pushrod V-8s that powered Corvettes for decades. The Z06 gets a naturally aspirated, dual overhead camshaft, 32-valve, 5.5-liter LT6 V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The result is 670 hp and 460 pounds-feet of torque, delivered smoothly while screaming all the way to a redline of 8,600 rpm. That’s enough for the Z06 to leap from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, according to Chevrolet.

2. Joyful Noise

As powerful as it is, there’s more to appreciate with the Z06’s powertrain than blistering acceleration. The accompanying throaty soundtrack is endlessly entertaining, giving up nothing to the aural experience of a Ferrari 458 at full song. When fired up, the Z06 announces itself with a bark through its four big exhaust pipes that can set off car alarms when started. The sound morphs into a satisfying mechanical wail as engine revs increase, with smooth power delivery throughout the rev range.

3. Canyon Carver

To manage the added power and deliver improved handling on and off the track, the Z06 gets stiffer magnetorheological shock absorbers, stickier P275/30 tires up front and P345/25 rubber in back, and larger front and rear brake rotors. The Z06 also gains 3.6 inches in width to accommodate those wider tires. It all adds up to immediate steering response and tenacious grip, and combined with the Z06’s powertrain, the result is canyon-carving capability of the first order.

4. Civilized Cruiser

When you’re finished turning hot laps, the Z06 can deliver a more civilized ride home than might be expected in something with supercar performance — as long as you leave it in Tour mode. Doing so takes a bit of the edge off the driving experience with a quieter exhaust and more compliant ride, though it isn’t exactly coddling. It helps make the Z06 more comfortable as a daily driver, especially given its impressive capability on the track.

5. Screaming Deal

Like the 2001 Z06, the new incarnation is often compared to Italian supercars, and for good reason. If anything, it’s closer to those exotic competitors in terms of performance and sophistication. And like the C5 version, the C8 Z06 is nothing short of a screaming deal when compared to those imports: Its starting price of around $117,000 (all prices include destination) is a significant increase over the $70,000-ish Stingray, but it’s a whole lot less than anything else with this kind of performance.

Read More About the Chevrolet Corvette:

• Chevrolet Announces Pricing, New Package for 2026 Corvette ZR1X
• 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Review: Grand Sporting, Grand Touring
• Chevrolet Reveals Updated 2026 Corvette Interior
• 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Up Close: If This Is the End, What a Way to Go
• Research the Chevrolet Corvette

What Do We Dislike About the Chevrolet Corvette Z06?

1. No Upgrades Inside

The good news for anyone who has spent time in any Corvette is that Chevrolet has finally upped their interior game with the current-generation model. Interior quality is decent, if not outstanding for the category. However, while stepping up to the Z06 adds a big chunk of change to the bottom line, it unfortunately doesn’t get any upgrades to the interior, which some buyers might find disappointing.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

Chances are most Z06 buyers aren’t too concerned about fuel economy. But it’s worth noting that with an EPA rating of just 12/21/15 mpg city/highway/combined, that performance will cost you at the pump.

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