How high will the first-ever 2023 Corvette Z06 go?

When the 2023 Corvette Z06 was unveiled, the performance car world was shocked at its astronomical power numbers. At 670 hp, the LT6 heart of the Z06 will become the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 in production and promises to take advantage of the grip afforded by steamroller tires hidden under bulging new fenders and quarter panels.

In just a couple of weeks, there will be a new number to buzz about in relation to the upcoming Z06 as Barrett-Jackson will sell the very first production Z06 at its Scottsdale event on January 29, with proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront.

As was the case when the first production C8 was sold at Barrett-Jackson’s 2019 Scottsdale event—where the sale raised $3,000,000 for the Children’s Fund—the car on the auction block will be a stand-in. The winner of the auction will get to option their car as they see fit. As the Z06 comes nearly loaded with amenities as-is, that will mainly amount to color, wheel, and trim selection. As with the 2019 auction, Barrett-Jackson will waive all auction fees, so the entirety of the final bid will go to Operation Homefront, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps veterans and their families with financial assistance and housing support.

While the first C8 was a breakthrough vehicle, the 2023 Z06 also represents a major performance milestone—not just for Chevrolet, but for the entire industry. If the LT6 delivers as promised, it may go out as the pinnacle of the V-8 engine as we know it. Tied to another worthy charity, the very first Z06 could eclipse the price that NASCAR team owner and Corvette aficionado Richard Hendrick shelled out for that C8 in 2020, and we’d be surprised if Hendrick weren’t in the thick of it when the bids start coming in on January 29.