2023 Corvette Z06: A Year in Review - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Those fortunate enough to own a 2023 Corvette Z06 know it's not just a car—it's an experience. Justin from the HorsePower Obsessed YouTube channel has spent a year with this mechanical marvel, clocking around 6,000 miles. His review offers invaluable insights into what living with this American supercar is truly like.

The Good

When asking any car enthusiast, especially a Corvette aficionado, what makes the Z06 special, you’ll likely hear about its ferocious power, exquisite design, and state-of-the-art engineering. Justin, a proud owner of this beast, states that his investment—around $160,000 when taxes and additional costs are considered—was worth every penny.

This review starts with a visual tour of the car, spotlighting its carbon ceramic brakes, wheels, and tires. Justin highlights the impressive stopping power of the carbon ceramic brakes, albeit acknowledging that they do come with a learning curve. Inside, the Z06 shines even brighter. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with high-quality materials adorning every surface. Justin’s Competition Sport seats, along with the center console and door panels, show little to no wear despite a year of use.

And then there’s the engine—a true centerpiece. Justin treats us to the symphonic roar of the LT6, revving up to an electrifying 8600 RPM. The auditory delight it offers can make anyone feel the pulse of American automotive engineering at its finest.

The Bad

Perfection, however, is elusive. For those contemplating ownership, Justin outlines some challenges. The Z06 is incredibly hard to acquire, often sold above MSRP by opportunistic dealers. This means that joining the elite club of Z06 owners can be a pricey endeavor.

Maintenance is another hurdle. Due to its unique and advanced technology, many dealership technicians lack the expertise needed to service it properly. Finding a tech who understands this sophisticated machine can be as challenging as the car's engineering itself. Justin recalls an experience where multiple dealerships were unaware of how to properly align the car for track use, highlighting the gap in specialized knowledge.

The Ugly

What about the ugly? Justin doesn't shy away from discussing the less glamorous aspects. Fuel economy is far from commendable; if you’re planning to make this your daily driver, prepare for frequent fuel stops. The extensive front grille, while aesthetically appealing, often invites debris, which can prove detrimental to the radiators. Justin strongly recommends investing in radiator grills and rock guards to mitigate these issues.

One particularly annoying issue that has plagued Justin’s Z06 is an elusive rattle in the passenger side door panel. Despite various attempts to pinpoint and fix it, the issue remains unresolved.

The Modifications

No review of the Z06 would be complete without touching on aftermarket modifications. Justin has delved into the thriving world of Z06 mods, tailoring his car to even better suit his needs and tastes. From custom exhausts to enhanced aerodynamics, the modifications available for this car offer boundless opportunities for personalization.

To dive deeper into Justin’s firsthand experiences, including all his custom mods, check out the video. Whether you’re an aspiring Z06 owner or a Corvette enthusiast, this year-long review presents an honest, comprehensive view of life with this legendary vehicle.

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