Group of C8 ZR1, Z06 Corvette Prototypes Spied Testing in Ohio

A grand total of four C8 ZR1 prototypes and one Z06 are caught driving around with some new styling elements.

Over the last several weeks, all sorts of rumors regarding the forthcoming C8 ZR1 and Z06 have been flying around as we inch closer and closer to each special Corvette’s unveiling. Quite a few prototypes have been spied driving around various places as well as GM continues to fine-tune the development of the high-performance C8s. Now, Corvette Blogger has spied not one, not two, not three, not four of these prototypes, but a whopping five C8 ZR1 and Z06 models in Marietta, Ohio, led by Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter.

It’s tough to tell exactly what models we’re looking at here, but as Corvette Blogger points out, four of the widebody prototypes are running a center-mounted exhaust, while one – a Z06 – features exhaust tips mounted on the corners. Many have speculated that the center-mounted, four-tip exhaust cars are actually C8 ZR1 prototypes, which is different from previous prototypes spied with two main exhaust tips mounted in the middle and two smaller outlets flanking them, believed to be twin-turbo wastegates.

Peeking inside the larger outer exhaust tips, we can clearly see those wastegates, which indicates that these cars are indeed ZR1s. The rear fascia styling has also been tweaked since the last prototype spied, likely to accommodate those larger outer tips. As we’ve reported previously, the C8 ZR1 is expected to be powered by a twin-turbo LT7 V8 producing north of 800 horsepower, while the Z06 will come equipped with a naturally-aspirated flat-plane crank 5.5-liter V8 making around 617 horsepower.

The prototypes appear to also be testing different kinds of tires – Michelin Pilot Sport 4s and Cup 2 R-spec rubber – with 275s up front and 345s in the rear. In terms of styling, the Z06 has no rear spoiler and a tapering rear like the base Stingray, while the ZR1s are wearing an extended lip spoiler.

What’s particularly interesting about this sighting is that the Corvette engineering team was accompanied by a film crew, which Corvette Blogger believes could signal that GM is obtaining footage of testing to include in some sort of upcoming documentary like the previously released “Corvette Stingray – The Mid-Engine Corvette Revolution.” For now, however, we’re still patiently awaiting an official announcement from the automaker regarding these two exciting new models.

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