When a press release from a car company talking about its latest go-fast machine starts out with phrases like “unleashed the unthinkable” and “mind-bending specs,” we get a little bit skeptical.
After all, we’ve read countless documents from several car makers bragging about all the little widgets they’ve updated or how its latest model is really the most performance-oriented one yet.
So consider us surprised when the release for the 2025 Corvette ZR1 that landed on our desk informed us that Chevy gave its latest C8 a twin-turbo V8 good for 1064 horsepower and 828 lb.-ft. of torque. (Yes, from a car you can buy off the showroom floor.)
But wait, there’s more.
General Motors estimates the ZR1 can reach a top speed of over 215 mph–on a race track, of course–and is capable of a sub-10-second quarter-mile time.
Chevrolet managed all this by taking the LT6 engine out of the Z06 and giving it several upgrades and tweaks that include–but are not limited to–larger combustion chambers, optimized valve train timing, an all-new intake, two 76mm turbochargers integrated into the exhaust manifold and a secondary port fuel injection system.
That upgraded engine then gets a new name, LT7, and is then bolted to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s also been improved with shot-peened gears (for increased strength), an oil management system, increased control valves plus upgraded inner and outer input shafts.
Aerodynamically, the ZR1 comes in two flavors: “Yes” and “even more.” A carbon fiber front splitter and a rear spoiler with adjustable wickers come standard.
For customers looking for more downforce, however, Chevrolet offers the ZTK Package that adds a larger rear wing, front dive planes, a Gurney lip on the hood (all made from carbon fiber, of course) and underbody strakes.
In total, and at top speed, this "purposeful carbon fiber aero package creates over 1,200 pounds of downforce," the most from any production Corvette, per Chevrolet.
The ZTK Package also upgrades the ZR1 with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires–in place of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that come standard–and a recalibrated Magnetic Selective Ride Control paired with stiffer springs.
Whether configured with or without the ZTK Package, the ZR1 gets carbon ceramic rotors measuring 15.7 inches up front and 15.4 inches out back as well as a staggered wheel setup: 20x10 inches and 21x13 inches from front to back. (Likewise, the ZR1’s tires measure in at 275/30ZR20 front and 345/25ZR21 rear.)
And for the hardcore Corvette fans, Chevrolet had brought back the iconic and short-lived split-rear window from the C2–an addition that helps extract heat from the engine compartment, per Chevrolet.
Production of the ZR1 is set to begin sometime in 2025 in–you guessed it–Bowling Green, Kentucky. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, though Chevrolet has confirmed that the ZR1 will be available as either a coupe or a convertible.
Corvette ZR1 with ZTK Package (left), Corvette ZR1 (right)
Comments
Chevrolet also included some items to brag about:
- On its first lap at the Milford Proving Ground's MRC test track, the new ZR1 clocked a faster peak speed than the production C7 ZR1.
- Engineers clocked a sub-10-second quarter-mile time on the Corvette ZR1’s first launch.
- All four test drivers clocked over 200 mph peak speed on their very first laps at the Nürburgring with ease.
- LT7 produces more power than two LS7 engines, the legendary 7.0L V-8 from the sixth-generation Corvette Z06 – akin to one LS7 engine per bank.
designed for race tracks :), destined for car shows :(
I'm sorry, a 1000hp Corvette from the factory? berkeley yeah, Chevy. berkeley yeah.
In reply to Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) :
Insane, right? This isn't a Koenigsegg or a Bugatti–it's a Chevy. It's a 1000-horsepower supercar that's built in Kentucky.
What a time to be alive.
Driven5
PowerDork
7/26/24 10:27 a.m.
I would run out of talent so fast in that.
This is insane! What else will we find the LT7 being put into? Escalade? Blackwings?
MSRP + $250k markups will bring dealers over $400k per car LoL
The markups will be high that is for sure. Bu the Z06 is now under MSRP in some areas of the country if they are on the lot.
I think the big money buyers will buy then trade up for the Zora same as the Z06 which will bring prices back down. I really want a Z06/7 Convertible I really liked my C8 but the coupe was not for me and the base motor really had very little soul.
STM317
PowerDork
7/26/24 11:14 a.m.
That's crazy powerful without any hybrid assist.
kb58
UltraDork
7/26/24 11:22 a.m.
Kinda hard to miss how it simultaneously popped up on every YT car channel .
Yes, technically it's very impressive, but I wonder how many who can otherwise afford a Ferrari or other exotic will instead choose a similarly-priced Corvette. Speculators and collectors will buy one, never to be driven, and stored to be sold on BAT in a few years. Let's see how long it takes before someone spots one in the wild. Decades ago I saw an authentic F40 on the street, so it'll happen someday - someday.
Okay, is there anyone wondering about the modern-day battle of Ford versus Chevrolet? GTD vs. ZR1? :-)
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Photography Courtesy Chevrolet
