Unveiled again in 2021, the Z06 pushed the C8 to really unexplored territory. It didn’t simply match the efficiency of its European rivals at a cheaper price level; because of its naturally aspirated high-revving LT6 V8, it set itself aside by providing a powertrain expertise that’s shortly changing into a rarity. Nevertheless, with the arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the American carmaker superior the C8 platform to ship efficiency ranges beforehand reserved for hypercars.
Its stats actually assist this. Using the Z06’s LT6 as its base, the ZR1 provides two turbochargers to essentially the most highly effective manufacturing V8 engine ever (670 HP), creating the LT7. Introducing pressured induction has required some critical upgrades, together with up to date head castings, valve prepare optimizations, a brand new consumption system, and a CNC-machined combustion chamber. Further enhancements, equivalent to block and head machining to make sure correct cooling and oiling, will assist assist the LT7’s added efficiency.
The result’s a staggering output of 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet torque. For context, that’s 309-hp greater than the earlier C7 ZR1 and 48 greater than a Ferrari SF90. Whereas its 0-60 time has but to be introduced, GM claims the ZR1 will max out at speeds of over 215 mph whereas working a sub-ten-second quarter-mile time. These figures are significantly spectacular if you be taught that regardless of its large output, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sends energy completely to its rear wheels.
Nevertheless, not each model of the ZR1 will be capable of obtain these stats. As with the Z06, GM plans to supply its new range-topper in high- and low-downforce configurations. The latter comes customary, which, coupled with softer suspension, prioritizes on-road consolation. Nonetheless, it comes customary with 20 and 21-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and carbon fiber aero components. Its rear wickers, which peek out from the corners of its rear decklid, are manually adjustable so as to add or scale back drag.
No matter its configuration, nonetheless, all ZR1s have a brand new flow-through hood that enables air from the entrance grille to stream up and out over the automotive. This impact will increase downforce whereas cooling the air because it passes via. These pair with up to date air ducts positioned simply behind the doorways and new inlets embedded within the rear hatch. A carbon roof comes customary for all trims. Setting efficiency apart momentarily, the ZR1 reincorporates the split-window design final seen within the road-going C2. Nevertheless, they’re now separated by a carbon fiber warmth extractor, making its integration primarily practical.
For these in search of essentially the most track-oriented model of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a brand new optionally available ZTK bundle might be vital. Seen within the Competitors Yellow automotive photographed above provides an upsized rear wing, entrance dive planes, and a Gurney lip on the entrance hood, all product of carbon fiber. Alongside stiffer springs, the ZTK-equipped ZR1 additionally wears track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2-R rubber. As with the Z06 and the E-Ray, the ZR1 comes customary with carbon ceramic brakes, with 15.7-in rotors up entrance and 15.4-in rotors out again.
Chevy unveiled each coupe and convertible variants of the ZR1 concurrently. The previous sports activities a dry weight of three,670 lb, and the latter a 3,758 lb determine. Choosing the one with the folding roof leads to a weight delta of simply 88 kilos.
Inside, the ZR1’s updates are far subtler. Probably the most important adjustments are new badging, distinctive sew patterns, and an inside plaque, whereas a lift gauge joins the cabin for the primary time. Following the development set by the Z06, GM continues increasing its customization choices, together with including a brand new Habanero inside end and a separate blue stitching choice, becoming a member of the C8’s more and more prolonged checklist of extras.
As talked about above, there’s nonetheless a lot we don’t know concerning the new ZR1, together with its 0-60 time and, crucially, its value. For context, the 2024 Z06 begins at $112,700, whereas a 2024 E-Ray prices $104,900.
