Well, here it is, the moment all us gearheads have been waiting for: the unveiling of the Z06 version of the mid-engined C8 Corvette. And the results are, surprisingly, not as “out there” as I had expected. Sort of.

All About Those Rear Tires

In the past, the track-focused Z06 version of Chevy’s mighty Corvette has been not only the quickest but the flashiest. Don’t get me wrong, I get that all the kicks, flips, spoilers, and carbon fiber on the Z06 package found on the C7 are there for a Reason (with a capital “R”), but they weren’t exactly subtle. The C8 ZO6, on the other hand, doesn’t look all that different from its C8 brethren. The rear wing, although big and gaudy, looks to me like the optional big wing. The other aero bits are just as subtle. Apart from the badging and that odd bit of carbon fiber trim coming off the trailing edge of the side scoops, the only real outward sign is the tires – the rear tires.
Back when Chevy made the first ZR1 in 1990, apart from a very small “ZR1” badge, the only real way to tell was the rear tires. They were these massive 315/35s; impressive, imposing, effective. And if you look at the new Z06 from the rear (the view you’re most likely to see), you will note that the rear tires are friggin huge! 345/25ZR21, to be exact. Those, as the kids used to say on the playground, are boss meats.

The front tires are large but not humongoid (275/30ZR20...