Spy shots and video of the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: The flat crank V8 sings

It has been over a year since the introduction of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, and by all accounts, the butterfly brand has been a success.

However, the Stingray is only the first performance stage for the mid-engine C8 Corvette. Another example is the track-oriented Z06.

A fresh prototype of the Z06 was spotted ahead of its unveiling this summer. The car is due in 2022.

The prototype may look like an early Stingray tester, but don't overlook the much wider rear wheels. The rear fenders also look wider than the Stingray's, which makes sense given the wide rubber. The Stingray's maximum rear tire diameter is 305mm, while the Z06's rear tire diameter is expected to be 345mm. Looking at some prototypes, the front tires (in this case Michelin Sport Cup 2 R) are already 275 mm thick.

Inside, we can expect some elements unique to the Z06. Official sketches show what the Z06's interior looks like. The dashboard layout is the same as the Stingray design, but the controls on the steering wheel are different and include a huge red button labeled "Spec Mode". The instrument panel is also race track-inspired, and many surfaces use carbon fiber instead of the usual leather.

As for the powertrain, we can expect an engine akin to the 5.5-liter V8 found in the C8.R race car. It's a naturally aspirated engine with dual overhead cams and a flat crank, the same configuration as on the Z06. Listen to the engine running in the latest spy video.

Peak power is expected to be around 625 hp. - that's not quite the 650 hp of the C7 generation's supercharged V8 engine, but many buyers will appreciate the naturally aspirated power. The new Z06 engine is expected to accelerate to 9,000 rpm, which should appease many fans who were upset that the Z06 switched from naturally aspirated to supercharged when the C7 generation was introduced.

For those who crave power, the new Corvette ZR1 is expected to be powered by a new twin-turbo V8 with around 800 hp. In addition to the new Z06 and ZR1, Chevrolet will also introduce two hybrids: one is expected to be the successor to the Grand Sport model; the ZR1 is also expected to be a hybrid. The other is expected to be a flagship combining the ZR1's engine and an electric motor (or two). Don't be surprised if it's called the Zora, in honor of Corvette father Zora Alx-Duntov. An electric Corvette is also believed to be in the plans. [But it's hard not to love Chevrolet's awesome eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that debuted on the Stingray.