Chevrolet announced Wednesday that it will unveil the ZR1 version of its eighth-generation Corvette this summer. A highly anticipated variant among fans of the American sports car, it should push its dynamic limits even further.
First seen in 1970 as a performance option package, the ZR1 label became a full-fledged version of the Corvette in 1990. The coupe was then fitted with a 5.7L twin-cam V8 leading 375 hp. We had to wait until 2009 to see the reappearance of the version in line with the sixth generation. Its supercharged 6.2L V8 produced 638 hp.
The last iteration of the Corvette ZR1 dates back to 2019, the last year of production of the seventh generation. A 6.2 L V8 also supercharged by compressor gave the kick with a cavalry of 755 hp. To this day, it remains the most powerful livery of the model ever produced.
Now, what should we expect from this first mid-rear ZR1? It is not possible at this time to answer this question accurately. The visual preview reveals very little in a short clip revealed by Chevrolet.
However, we vaguely hear the sound of the engine which seems higher pitched than the rocker arm V8 of the Corvette Stingray. It could therefore be the reworked mechanics of the Z06, a 5.5 L flat crank V8, as suggested by American specialist media. In addition to the possible contribution of two turbochargers, the magazine Motor Trend goes so far as to suggest, based on one source, that a front electric motor would be used to increase the count to 900 hp. One thing is certain, this excess would undeniably fit well with the crazy spirit of this ZR1.