The Most Powerful V8 Engine Ever (Naturally Aspirated) - 2023 Corvette Z06

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Published 2021-10-27
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The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in a production car. Ever. In this video we’re going to take a deep dive into the 2023 Corvette Z06 engine; GM provided me access to several of their engineers who developed this engine to discuss in great detail the inner workings. The 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 engine is making 670 horsepower, which is especially crazy when you realize that’s more than the larger, supercharged engine it replaced. So, how in the world is this possible? Well we’re going to talk through many of the various engine features to find out.

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All Comments (21)
  • @tomgnyc
    I worked as an engineer at GM for 7 years. The engineers were some of the most brilliant people I've ever met. Unfortunately, also the worst management I've seen.
  • *Additional information!* Something I forgot to mention in the video - obviously, torque is down from the previous generation Z06. Power is ultimately the important figure, because you can make up for torque with aggressive gearing. You can get away with short (high torque) gearing because the engine revs high. New final drive ratio is 5.56:1, previous Z06 was only 2.41:1 (we don't know transmission gears yet). GM engineers say the engine really comes alive above 3,500 RPM. Below 3,000 RPM, not much torque, but part of the reason of keeping the engine large (5.5L is still very big) is so that down low it still has useful grunt. Edit 1: It's "Helmholtz" resonance not "Hemholtz." Words are hard for me. Edit 2: Should have mentioned, but two of the three center valves (intake manifold) share a common shaft (so they open/close together). So that gives you four possible combinations (all closed, all open, one open, two open). Edit 3: At 3:31 I state the naturally aspirated engine will have better air density (for its given pressure). To be clear, the supercharged engine will certainly have a greater air density than the NA engine overall, however it's not as simple as looking at a ratio of the two engines manifold pressure, because the supercharged air will have a higher temperature, reducing oxygen density. Also worth pointing out, it takes power to run superchargers, so some of the additional air going into the supercharged engine is also being used to power the supercharger.
  • @joevette6294
    No one ever expected to see this long run from a low hp six in 53 to this monster in 2023!! its an insane engine!!!!😁
  • You are a SUPERB teacher. I am not a gear head, just a guy who loves cars. The other reviews I have seen of the new Z06 engine left me without much gain. Your explanations and graphics were so expertly done even I could understand. The best instructors figure out ways to structure the information to maximize comprehension. You, my friend are the best of the best.
  • @0thers1d3
    I always click your videos thinking, "ah, I actually don't care that much, but I'll see what Jason is talking about". Then I stay for the whole thing.
  • @MrDilley777
    I had no idea that the ZO6 engine is so perfectly engineered to maximize performance and without turbo or supercharger!!!
  • I feel smarter every time I finish watching one of your videos! Today, I learned what the annoying buffeting air inside a car with a window down at 60mph is called.
  • Last time the Z06 came out, everyone was hyped about the new power and new interior, then I saw all the owners at the dealerships with serious problems. Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself.
  • @kidwave1
    Ive known most of this stuff, just a tad more than "generally". This video explains things so well, that it solidified my understanding to a higher degree. Excellent, and thank you!
  • The science is sound, 4 valves per cylinder, high rpm configuration, high compression ratio, and enough cam duration and lift. If this thing gets a pair of turbos, it's going to be awesome.
  • @kkitzhaber
    WOW. I love this engineering! Very creative, especially the valves that help the torque curve.
  • That intake manifold reminds me a little bit of what you talked about in the video about the Porsche 4.0L flat 6. I think it's a great to get some extra power without forced induction. Crazy engineering for some of the last ICE's. I'm glad they didn't go for a V6 like Ford
  • You forgot to mention that the super charged engine loses power running the super charger. (It's a net positive, of course, but it explains why you have less power per liter of air than a NA engine)
  • @Ragna-Rok1
    GM has been hitting home runs with the corvette!! Its great to see them competing with "supercars" for a fraction of the price.
  • Can’t ask for a better delivery of deep engineering know-how using simple terms and focused graphics that most enthusiasts can grasp the refinement of the design. Great job EE! You’re a very skilled professional and a great teacher.
  • My boss just said last night, "I need to do a deep dive into this engine" (we are in the porting business for Chevys) and, Voila ! Love this channel !
  • @zachsteiner
    Yoooo the fact is revs that high is sick I love high revving V8 engines.
  • @daveyelmer3222
    You are so right: this is the first REAL mid engine Corvette. I so long have been going WHY? Why still valley camshaft with ports choked by a pushrod picket fence ?! Now, Chevy did more than a token OHV V8.... they built a world beater, and future hot rod legend core. Thank you GM for doing something right. Please do manufacture it in the USA, so your/our workers can afford to buy one.
  • When a new car comes out, the thing I’m most excited for is the tuning scene. Especially whenever the new car brings something new to a genre of cars. We’re getting a flat plane in a corvette! That’s crazy. I’m excited to see how people respond.