Good luck spotting one of the latest C8 Z06 Corvettes in Atlanta.
Our best guess is that as of the end of January 2023, only ten of the new C8 flat-plane crank Z06s are prowling our metro area streets.
Few Corvettes have the potential to whet the power-hungry appetite of Corvette enthusiasts like the all-new naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 Z06.
As it rolls off the assembly line, it revs to 8500 rpm and sounds every bit as exotic as it looks. The engine produces 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, all without the aid of forced induction.
Legitimate world-class performance is available any time your right foot deems it necessary.
Zero to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, quarter-mile sprints in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph, and enough lateral G grip to convince you your eyes are coming out of their sockets.
To round out the visceral assault on your senses is the Ferrari-like howl from its specially tuned exhaust that turns every head within earshot.
So, as you can imagine, we were thunderstruck when we came across Wayne Mobley’s 2023 Silver Flair Z06 at Caffeine & Octane.
We appreciate Wayne taking a few minutes to share his first-hand experience buying and owning this road course-dominating beast from Bowling Green.
Corvette Journey
Rod Worley – Editor – I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess this is not your first Corvette. When did you pick up your first one, and how has the Corvette journey been thus far?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – In 1983, I bought my first Corvette. It was the all-new fourth-generation C4 for the 1984 model year.
Initially, I was fourth in line to get one at the dealership, but the three guys in front of me passed on the car, so they offered it to me. Looking back on it now, it was probably the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.
It was a horrible car that was in the shop as much as it was on the road. It had 17 documented shop visits and two or three other visits to do little things. Finally, after about six months, Chevrolet repurchased it from me, and in the end, they did right by me.
You would think I wouldn’t buy another one, but I’ve had eleven of them since that first one. However, I did wait until they changed the body style in 1997 with the introduction of the fifth generation.
I’ve had several fifth, sixth, and seventh-generation models because they kept improving the styling, handling, and owner experience.
Z06 Buying Experience
Rod Worley – Editor – You mentioned you owned a 2020 C8 when they first came out. Which dealership did you use?
Also, how long were you on the waiting list for this all-new 2023 Z06, and what was your overall buying experience like?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – In September 2016, I put a deposit down for the 2020 C8 model and got the first one off the car carrier at Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta.
I suspect it was first off the long haul carrier because it was the last one loaded at the factory. I enjoyed that car and kept it for about a year and a half before selling it.
Regarding the 2023 Z06 dealership experience, I’ve heard horror stories and read online about the excessive markups some dealerships are charging.
Fortunately, I had no issues because I dealt with Reggie Stagmaier at Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta.
Reggie Stagmaier has been selling Corvettes forever and has always been great to work with through every purchase. In fact, over the years, I’ve purchased 20 vehicles from him.
Reggie has always honored the price he quoted me and has given good service along the way. I’d recommend him if you want to purchase a Corvette or another new vehicle.
First Impressions
Rod Worley – Editor – Wayne, granted, you’ve got less than 500 miles on the odometer and can’t push the performance envelope, but what are your first impressions of the 2023 C8 Z06?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – The overall styling is excellent. Recently at a Caffene & Octane event, I was parked beside a new 70th-anniversary Corvette.
I had a chance to look over both cars and was impressed with all the subtle differences between the two vehicles. The designers at G.M. have taken the time to make the new Z06 special.
You’re right. I’ve got 300 miles on the engine, so I can’t speak to the performance side of things yet. All I’ve done is drive around East Cobb county.
But I can say that the cabin’s sound level seems somewhat louder than the 2020 model I had. Of course, some of that is the specially tuned exhaust, and some is the newly designed flat-plane engine sound.
The driveability and build quality are both top-notch. Overall, I’m completely satisfied with the buying experience and love the new Z06.
I’m just waiting to get it properly broken in to experience the performance side of the equation.
Handling & Storage
Rod Worley – Editor – Since you’ve owned the fourth through the eighth generation of Corvette, what are your overall thoughts on the mid-engine placement?
Do you miss the easy access storage behind the driver?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – The mid-engine placement has several advantages. First, the engine weight over the rear drive wheels helps with traction and straight-line acceleration.
Secondly, this weight distribution and new suspension system give you better cornering capabilities.
Though, driving a mid-engine car is a different experience than a traditional front-engine car when it comes to cornering. It takes some seat-time to adjust to it.
Do I miss the access behind the seat? Hmm, that’s a yes and a no.
Since I use my C8 Z06 as a daily driver, I have to remember to put heavy jackets and other things in the front storage area (frunk) or rear trunk because there is no storage in the cabin area. That’s caught me off guard a couple of times.
My wife and I used to take our 2020 C8 on week-long touring trips without problems. We packed medium-sized soft luggage bags during our travels to maximize the storage layout.
Performance Driving
Rod Worley – Editor – Have you made plans yet to head out to Spring Mountain Motor Resort in Nevada to attend the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School?
Also, are you considering the possible 1,000 hp Zora edition as a future purchase?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – I didn’t go out to the performance school with my previous Corvettes, though several friends have encouraged me to attend.
I’ve heard it’s a great experience that gives in-depth, hands-on training and is a lot of fun. My first Z06 was a 2019 C7, a great car to drive on the track.
This C8 Z06 will be much better, especially with higher horsepower and its mid-engine design. I just need to get it broken in properly before hitting the track.
Regarding future Corvette models, I’ll probably skip the E-Ray model since I’ve got the Z06. But yes, I will have to consider the Zora edition because a 1,000 hp Corvette would be something special to have parked in your garage.
Cold Engine Starts
Rod Worley – Editor – Besides the 5.5-liter flat-plane LT6 V-8 sitting behind you, what do you like best about your latest acquisition? Also, are you involved in local car clubs?
Wayne Mobley – C8 Z06 owner – One of my favorite parts right now is the cold engine starts. It’s such an exciting rush to hear that flat-plane crank engine fire up in the morning.
The rpm’s stay high for 10 seconds or so before dropping back down to idle. The exhaust note is unlike any Corvette and gives it that exotic supercar feel.
Believe it or not, one of my other favorite parts is letting my 15-year-old grandson drive it. Of course, most people don’t believe I do that, but he has his learner’s permit and is a good, cautious driver.
But now I’ve got a problem because he begs to drive it every time he sees it. Who could blame him, though?
As far as clubs, I’ve belonged to the Classic Glass Corvette Club (CGCC) of Marietta since 2003. It’s a good, active club with over 280 members.
The club has a lot of events, and for anybody interested in Corvettes, I would strongly encourage them to go to the CGCC website and look at their activity calendar.
They plan several fun events monthly so you can meet other Corvette enthusiasts and enjoy your car.
Final Thoughts
The long-anticipated Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 has finally made its way into the hands of diehard brand enthusiasts. Judging by the early road course videos and the mountain of media accolades, it was well worth the wait.
This revolutionary GM powerplant features an all-aluminum block with forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, an active split intake manifold with twin 87 mm throttle bodies, and a racing-inspired dry-sump oiling system. Honestly, what’s not to like here?
Sure, the purist in me longs for a gear shifter to row, but putting that power down to the track is done effortlessly via a Tremec TR9080 M1M dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission with a 5.56:1 final drive ratio.
Match all that with proven C8.R race-developed performance and a tuned magnetic ride control with massive 345/25/R21 rear tires, and you’ve got the stuff of dreams.
Of course, all this talk about the new flat-plane crank C8 Z06 leaves us with one burning question. How do we convince Wayne Mobley to let us ride along at his next track day event?
Contact Information
Website: Jim Ellis Chevrolet
Address: 5900 Peachtree Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga 30341
Dealership Phone #: 770-457-8211
Reggie Stagmaier: GM Product Specialist
Email: [email protected]
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