Corvette Z06 GT3.R Isn't Much Different Than Production Version

Same, but Different

The fact that the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R is in development hasn't exactly been a closely-guarded secret, especially because GM has devoted an entire web page to the future racer. But while in the past we might expect the track-focused version of the road-going Z06 to be worlds different, that isn't the case this time around, according to Corvette Racing's Tommy Milner.

Photos: Chevrolet

Miles Different?

"It doesn't feel miles different than what I'm used to with this platform, with this chassis," Milner told Sportscar365 in a recent interview. "There are little differences here and there but ultimately the stuff we're testing now is the same process we went through with the C8.R, the C7.R, in blending lots of simulator work with on-track stuff."

Photos: Chevrolet

Simulated Experience

"I think realistically the sim stuff allows the engineers to try things that you maybe wouldn’t normally try in real life and then you prove them on the race track," Milner added. "We’re just going through that process now, in all the things and different options we’ve tried with suspensions, aeros, etc, and proving out the things that work in the sim to see if they work in real life."

Photos: Chevrolet

Developmental Process

Milner is the lead test and development driver for the new Z06 GT3.R, a fitting role for the long-time hot shoe. He's been tasked with this important position ahead of the car's 2024 debut for North American racers and GT3 customers around the globe. Following its initial rollout in September, the Z06 GT3.R has completed tests at a variety of tracks across the U.S.

Photos: Chevrolet

Similar Features

Thus far, Milner has been impressed with the new machine, but the car's familiar feel and carryover bits have sped up the developmental process as well. Many of the new car's features carry over from the C8.R GTD, including its Michelin S9M tires and ABS brakes. "For us as a team, we have such a long history on a Michelin confidential tire," Milner said. "While the customer tire is not miles different from that, finding the last couple percent of the potential out of the customer tires and how those tires function will definitely help us with testing the GT3 car and not having to also re-learn a tire itself as well."

Photos: Chevrolet

Iconic Venues

The real beauty of the Z06 GT3.R, however, is that it will be racing at some of the most iconic venues on the planet, helping the Corvette Racing team gain even more recognition across the globe. "From a driver’s perspective, to be able to race this car at basically all of the big sports car races going forward is awesome," Miner said. "There’s always been some of the big name races: Nürburgring, Spa 24 Hours, Bathurst, now all of those races are possible with this car."

Photos: Chevrolet

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