Spy shots of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 convertible: a domestic exotic coming soon.

The convertible version of Chevrolet's upcoming supercar, the Corvette Z06, has been spotted for the first time.

The new Z06, based on the C8 Corvette, will be revealed on October 26, but Chevrolet has already released the first photos. The domestic supercar will go on sale in 2022 as the 2023 model, and the convertible should appear around the same time.

The Corvette convertible has an exotic look thanks to its retractable hardtop roof made of lightweight composite material. Moreover, the design is not clunky like many retractable hardtops on the market. Impressively, the convertible rivals the coupe in storage, regardless of whether the roof is raised or lowered.

Besides the roof, the hood of the Z06 convertible houses a newly developed V-8. This V-8 engine is expected to be related to the 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V-8 engine in the Corvette C8.R endurance race car, which is known from the coupe prototype to produce a sound that will surpass the new turbocharged Ferrari It is known that the engine will have a sound that surpasses that of the new turbocharged Ferrari. Incredible? Watch the video below.

In the C8.R, the engine produces 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, but is limited by regulations; the Z06 produces 625 hp and 485 lb-ft. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will likely be the only option for gear shifting, and a manual mode should be available that allows the driver to turn the engine up to the expected redline of 9,000.

Aside from the drivetrain, other improvements to the aerodynamics and chassis can be expected. The prototype already points to a wider stance, with rear flared fenders covering huge 345 mm wide tires (the Corvette Stingray's rear tires are a maximum of 305 mm). The prototype's front tires were 275 mm.

Note that as far as the C8 Corvette is concerned, the Z06 is far from the pinnacle of performance; a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06's engine, the Corvette ZR1 with a maximum output of 800 hp, is still believed to be under development. Beyond that, a new flagship model, named Zora after Corvette's father, Zora Alkus-Duntov, is thought to be a possibility. This one is expected to have a ZR1 engine and an electric motor mounted on the front axle, with overall output approaching 1,000 hp and hybrid all-wheel drive.

We also know that Chevrolet is developing a more modest hybrid model positioned like the former Corvette Grand Sport. This one is also scheduled for release in 2022 and could be called the E-Ray. Also in the works, although not yet confirmed, is an electric Corvette, based on multiple comments from President Joe Biden.

Stay tuned.