- The Corvette ZR1 is here and – Jesus – it cranks out 1,064 hp from its 5.5L twin-turbo V8
- Top speed is said to crest 346 km/h (215 mph), but zero-to-100-km/h times are still under wraps
- This monster also features a C2-inspired split rear window design cue that’s actually functional
When the ZR-1 trim, then denoted with a little dash in its official name, showed up on the C4-era Chevrolet Corvette in 1990, it packed a 32-valve Lotus-designed LT5 engine that was largely assembled by hand, with dished aluminum pistons and its own six-speed manual. Technically an option package, checking off “ZR-1 supercar” nearly doubled the price of a Corvette, but also brought you enormous cachet and towering performance. No wonder it was dubbed “King of the Hill.”
Nearly 35 years later, the latest ZR1 (no dash this time, badge nerds) re-earns that title thanks to mind-bending specs and what Chevy is calling the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer. The 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane-crank V8 engine, dubbed the LT7, is good for a gobsmacking 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, boasting a GM-estimated top speed of over 346 km/h (215 mph) and able to dispense with the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds.
Peak horsepower shows up at 7,000 rpm on the tach, and maximum torque just a thousand revs sooner. In other words, there stands an excellent chance you’ll hear this thing at the track long before you see it. An eight-speed dual-clutch DCT with shaft upgrades and other tweaks handles shifting duties.
For comparison, the 5.5L V8-equipped Z06 makes 670 horses, and can run to 96 km/h (60 mph) from zero in 2.6 seconds, on to a quarter-mile of 10.6 seconds; that suggests the ZR1 may accelerate up to highway speeds in not much more than 2.0 seconds flat. Curb weight is listed at 1,665 kilograms (3,670 pounds) for the coupe, about 75 kilos more than the Z06, so keep that in mind when bench-racing estimates.
Eagle eyes will have spotted the split rear window, not seen on a production Corvette since 1963, serving here not just as a statement piece but also as a method for increased heat extraction from the engine compartment. It can be clad in body colour or exposed-weave carbon-fibre.
Aerodynamics provide the most claimed downforce ever from a Corvette, with over 1,000 pounds of it at top speed. The standard ZR1 focuses on lower drag with a smaller spoiler, adjustable wickers, carbon-fiber front splitter, and front underwing with stall Gurney deflectors. Rubber is Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 20 inches in front and 21 inches rear.
Adding the ZTK performance package ramps up the visual drama, shown here on the yellow car. Notably, the kit adds an aggressive high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip — all constructed from woven carbon fiber. Underneath, underbody strakes add even more downforce. The suspension tuning incorporates stiffer springs and adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. With or without the ZTK, carbon-ceramic brakes are at hand, measuring 15.7 inches fore and 15.4 inches aft.
Inside, there is the expected smattering of ZR1 badging, along with specific stitching and trim. Of interest to gearheads is the presence of a boost gauge. Everyone should enjoy the wide palette of colours on offer, both inside and out, with the latter including hues like Competition Yellow and Hysteria Purple. A new Habanero hue is available on the interior upholstery.
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is anticipated to enter production in 2025 and will be built at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in the state of Kentucky. No pricing was discussed, but we will note a top-rung Z06 3LZ with carbon-fibre addenda, Z07 performance pack, and raft of other options has no trouble topping CDN$220,000 before taxes.
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