What's in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R's new Evo kit?

Corvette Racing's Evo package for the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R will bring a series of reliability, serviceability, electronics and regulatory updates, according to program manager Andrea Hidalgo.

Hidalgo, who took over as Corvette Racing program manager in January following Jessica Dane's departure, described the 2026 Evo kit as a measured update rather than a major facelift.

"So it's not going to be a lot of updates, but we've kind of collected all the improvements that we've wanted to make to the car over the last few years," she told RACER.

"It's kind of nice to be able to update it all together in a package for an Evo. Otherwise, you're doing these one-off homologation 'erratum' fixes. So rather than doing a load of 'erratums', bundling up into an Evo is a good way to do it.

"Plus, it allows you to return to the wind tunnel and make any updates that require the wind that are aero-related."

Asked for further details on the tweaks coming for the car in its fourth year of competition, Hidalgo said a key focus has been reducing the effect of debris buildup on performance and durability.

"One example is we're adding some screens for debris mitigation, so we don't get as much debris in the radiator," she said. "That's something that impacts aero, so there's really not a way to change it unless you return to the wind tunnel."

The debris screens are among several changes aimed at improving the car's reliability. The Evo will also receive electronics and wiring upgrades, including additional computing capacity and more robust connectors.

"There's also just some hardening and reliability updates. We're also doing an electronics upgrade for some more computing overhead," she explained.

"The car requires a lot of electronics, especially in all the series we compete in. Every series has its own different type of scrutineering. So we use the WEC Marelli logger, and IMSA they use Bosch logger. So to be able to have the car race in any of these championships easily, you kind of have provisions for all of the scrutineering systems in the car. Having that computing overhead really helps with that with the control systems."

Hidalgo added that the wiring changes will form another part of the reliability work, while the team is also addressing the ease with which customer teams can service and adjust the car.

"So along with the electronics update, we're also doing some wiring updates," she says. "So just hardening, going to a motorsports-grade electrical connector, things like that. That’s the primary reliability updates. The debris mitigation is also one that's going to help a lot with reliability.

"Along with that, there are also some serviceability updates. We're going to add a wing angle quick adjuster, to allow more precise adjustment than what's currently available on the existing car. Teams are really excited about that."

Feedback from Corvette's existing customer teams has played a central role in defining the Evo package for a car that has won multiple titles and major endurance races since its debut in 2024.

"Serviceability is important to the teams," she said. "We've taken feedback from all our teams over the last few years on what's important to them, and that's the kind of stuff that we are trying to work into the Evo."

"The regulations are constantly evolving, so making sure that we have a car that's easy for teams to keep compliant as far as all the measurements that the scrutineers take."

Testing of the updates, led by Pratt Miller, has progressed to the point where Corvette Racing is confident in its readiness. For Hidalgo, the Evo update for the Z06 GT3.R represents her first major project since taking charge of Corvette Racing's program. Ensuring a successful transition to the Evo for Corvette Racing's customer base is the top priority in the months ahead.

The timing of the update kits being distributed will depend on individual teams' programs and logistical requirements, with Corvette also accounting for events that will continue to use the existing specification. 

However, what is certain is that the update package will make its race debut at the Rolex 24 in 2027. TF Sport, meanwhile, which competes with Corvette in the FIA WEC and European Le Mans Series, has told RACER it will receive its update kits before the end of the year. This will allow the team to complete an extensive winter test program with the Evo ahead of the 2027 season.

"It depends on what championships they're racing in and when they need to ship cars," Hidalgo said when asked about the rollout. "If they're doing sea freight or air freight, Bathurst will run with the current car, not the Evo, so that plays into it as well.

"We're working with teams right now to understand their timing and needs, and ensure that we get the teams the updates to meet their timing."

Once that period passes, it remains to be seen whether expanding the customer program is next on the agenda. Since its debut, nine teams have raced with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, with entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, GT World Challenge America, GT World Challenge Asia, the Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship.

"I'll say that we're just primarily focused on making sure that our customers that we have are getting what they need before we look to expand," Hidalgo said when asked if there was an active push to increase the number of Z06 GT3.Rs racing in 2027.