2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 packs 650 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque

Based on the well-balanced and infinitely enjoyable C7 Stingray, we knew the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was destined to be great. And powerful. Only, we weren't sure exactly how great or powerful, since we haven't driven it, and Chevrolet has so far been tight-lipped about the exact output figures.

Now we know: It's an even 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, at 6,400 rpm and 3,600 rpm, respectively. The Society of Automotive Engineers says so, and you know you can trust those guys.

Earlier, we speculated that the 2015 Z06 would pack at least 620 hp; at its Detroit auto show debut, Chevy promised “at least” 625 hp. A car that actually exceeds automaker promises -- and comfortably, at that? Color us impressed. Or rather, more impressed than we already were.

To prove that the supercharged LT4 V8 under the hood is really the most powerful engine the Bowtie guys have ever built for a road car, the automaker helpfully supplied this handy, SAE-certified output chart:

Just look at all that accessible torque! The 650 hp are nice, but twist is really the name of the game here. All 650 lb-ft are yours at just 3,600 rpm. You could probably leave the car in third gear and cruise around town like you were in an automatic. But why?

Chevy, understandably proud of their small block prowess, are also touting the Z06's incredible value. Not only does the new 6.2-liter motor have 40 percent more peak torque than the previous Z06's 7.0-liter (and 29 percent more horsepower to boot), it's got more torque than the high-revving Ferrari F12berlinetta, the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the McLaren 650S.

It's tough to pin down the definition of a supercar these days, but the Z06's numbers largely speak for themselves. Steroidal sports car or budget supercar, we're excited to hop behind the wheel. It'll go on sale sometime early next year. The convertible version probably won't be too bad, either.

By Graham Kozak