CORVETTE RELEASES THE Z06 GT3.R FACTORY RACECAR, AND IT'S RATHER PRETTY.
Factory-built racing cars are always good, often the result of the best R&D, the best manufacturing processes and the best setup for the chosen cars as well as better all-around reliability. Factory race cars aren’t cheap, but that’s to be expected when the model chosen to become a racer is usually the top-of-the-range option when they’re in showroom floor guise anyway. The changes to make the cars race-ready are extensive and so these types of cars are usually chosen by privateer race teams, wealthy gentlemen racers and of course, proper factory race teams. The latest car fitting this description from Chevrolet that fully meets FIA technical regulations for GT3 cars is the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R, and we get to see it a year ahead of its competition debut at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona where it will race for the first time as part of the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO category to open next year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. “The Corvette Z06 GT3.R breaks new ground for Chevrolet and the Corvette Racing program,” said Mark Stielow, director, GM Motorsports Engineering Competition. “This customer-focused racecar leverages learnings from throughout Corvette Racing’s lengthy and successful history, plus the expertise of our Corvette production design, engineering and powertrain teams.”
“Corvette Racing has been an important influence on the design of Corvette production cars for 25 years,” said Tadge Juechter, chief executive engineer at Corvette. “Corvette production and racing teams worked together closely in development to maximize the benefits of a mid-engine design, sharing lessons learned that set both programs up for all-out performance on the track.” The Z06 GT3.R features an aluminium chassis frame, a purpose-built steel roll cage, double wishbone suspension all round, race springs and dampers, competition-spec brakes, 18-inch wheels all round, carbon fibre splitters, a new and purpose-designed carbon fibre diffuser, underbody aerodynamics, a new-for-2024 wing and efficient ducting for brakes and engine cooling. The Z06 GT3.R is powered by a flat-plane crankshaft 5.5-litre V8 engine derived from the production Z06 that still shares more than 70 % of its parts with the production unit the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, coils, gaskets and a variety of other sensors. The race regulations have a 600 hp power cap, and that’s likely the power this setup will make. “Racing continues to play a key role in the development of our production engines,” said Russ O’Blenes, director, Performance and Racing Propulsion Team. “There were valuable lessons learned during the C5-R through C7.R programs that aided in the development of our V-8 engines for production and racing — many dealing with efficiency, materials and light-weighting. The flow of information from Corvette Racing to production engineering and back has helped us build race and street-car engines that are fast, reliable and efficient.”
Take a look at the YouTube video showcasing the latest creation from Corvette for customer track racing exploits, the factory-built Z06 GT3.R that promises excellent handling and performance along with some very happy customers who live for track racing and have the budget for top toys: Introducing The Corvette Z06 GT3.R | Chevrolet
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