For Chevrolet Corvette purists, the ZR1 version is the ultimate show of force for the iconic American sports car. Becoming a full-fledged version in 1990, this recipe combining furious mechanics with reworked seats has graced barely three generations of the immortal two-seater. Now add to this short list its eighth opus, which by the same token becomes the fastest Corvette ever built.
There’s no beating around the bush: this new Corvette ZR1 will feature nothing less than the most powerful V8 ever bolted to an American production car. With a maximum output of 1,064 hp, this 5.5-liter block is in fact a heavily reworked variant of the heart of the Z06 version. That’s 77 hp more than what the Bugatti Veyron had at its launch.
Named LT7, it has flat crankpins to enhance high revs in addition to the contribution of two turbochargers. Its maximum power is thus developed at 7000 rpm, a high rotation speed that betrays its proximity to the world of motor racing. The fact that it is supercharged also supports a very high torque reserve of 828 lb-ft.
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The Corvette ZR1’s twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 produces 1,064 hp.
This great impetuosity remains guided by a dual-clutch automatic transmission (8 speeds) reworked to negotiate with the increased power and centrifugal force. The top speed of the ZR1 peaks at 346 km/h after having completed a quarter mile (402 m) under 10 s.
A little tribute and a lot of technology
The bodywork, decked out with an extraordinary amount of aerodynamic appendages, is a discreet homage to the 1963 Corvette C2, whose rear window was made of two pieces, the venerated “split-window” models. The rear hood thus exposes the central rear mechanics through two separate windows.
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The Corvette ZR1 coupe equipped with the ZTK aerodynamic package and the convertible version of the model
Besides, this Corvette ZR1 has no affiliation with its ancestor with its canard plans and its voluminous front and rear spoilers which work like an inverted wing to maintain stability at high speed in concert with the electromagnetic shock absorbers. An air pressure of 544 kg (1200 lb) thus presses this Corvette to the ground when it reaches its maximum speed.
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Designers paid homage to the 1963 C2 Corvette with a two-piece rear hood glass.
When a tight turn looms, carbon-ceramic brakes with large 15.7-inch front and 15.4-inch rear rotors step in to slow this ZR1 without being affected by the heat generated.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will begin production next year in both coupe and convertible body styles. Pricing has not been released at this time.