2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful

Since making its debut it 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has been America’s Sportscar, well known around the world – even though it has not been sold as widely as the Ford Mustang. Within the Corvette family, the ZR1 version has always been the most extreme model with the highest performance.

While the Corvette is currently in its 8^th generation (since 2020), the new ZR1 unveiled recently is only in its 5^th generation, the line having begun in 1970 when the 3^rd generation of the Corvette was in production.

The new ZR1 moves the sportscar into hypercar territory with more than 1,000 bhp from the most powerful V8 in America (from an automaker). However, Chevrolet doesn’t use that term perhaps because the ZR1 is still fairly traditional in its design and powertrain, whereas hypercars tend to be all about advanced technologies.

“The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture took on another challenge: take ZR1 to the next level,” said Scott Bell, Vice-President, Chevrolet. “Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation. From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration — and challenge the best in the world.”

Highest ever engine output
The most eye-catching spec is the engine – a 5.5-litre, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 designated as ‘LT7’. This engine produces 1,064 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 1,123 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Those are the highest ever numbers from a factory Corvette.

Dubbed the ‘Gemini V8’ architecture, the LT6 program was only the beginning as engineers dual-pathed a goal: to create massive power, capability and character from naturally aspirated and turbocharged flat plane crankshaft twin engines. With these goals in mind, engineers did not create an LT6 with turbochargers, but instead changed and optimized virtually every system for a boosted application.

The LT7 engine is purpose-built to accomplish its 4-figure horsepower mission with no compromises in componentry and possesses a rev-happy character. It is hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Performance Build Centre, part of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

345+ km/h top speed, 2,640 kgs downforce
The new ZR1 will be in showrooms in 2025 and for now, GM engineers estimate the top speed to be over 345 km/h. Prototypes have hit over 320 km/h on the Nurburgring and while there is no 0 to 100 km/h time indicated, the quarter-mile (402 metres) that Americans are more familiar with is said to be under less than 10 seconds.

Being able to reach high speeds places more demands on stability and with a purposeful carbonfibre  aero package, over 2,640 kgs of downforce can be generated at top speed. For those who are going to take the car racing, there is a ZTK package with stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.

A new brake system has been installed to complement the higher performance. The brake package uses a revolutionary carbon ceramic rotor manufacturing technology to yield increased durability and reduced brake component temperatures. It has 400 mm front rotors which are the largest ever equipped on Corvette.

Return of an iconic feature
The new ZR1 revives one of the most iconic styles in Corvette history – the split rear window. Although this feature has long been associated with the model, it was actually only available in 1963 with the second (C2) generation.

The C2 generation was designed by Larry Shinoda and while the design team liked the split rear window, the car’s chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was known to have been against it. Probably he had a louder voice and it disappeared the following year.

“We didn’t approach this decision lightly, we know this is a beloved element from Corvette’s history,” said Phil Zak, Executive Design Director at Chevrolet. “Not only does this element provide function, but we were able to integrate passionate design into the form and do it in a way that paid homage to Corvette’s history. ZR1 felt like the right time to bring the split-window back.”

The split-window feature at the rear capitalizes on the design statement that is Corvette ZR1. While serving as a statement piece, the carbonfibre ‘spine’ between the two rear windows, available in exposed weave or body colour, provides increased heat extraction from the engine compartment, working in parallel with numerous other cooling elements throughout ZR1.

Functional form contributes to performance
The design teams worked to elevate the striking design first revealed with the 8th generation Corvette Stingray and accentuate lines that evoke the car’s sense of motion. And it is a totally functional design too as it helps the car perform.

Inside, the ZR1’s cockpit is like other Corvettes but with unique ZR1 badging found on an interior plaque, the sill plates and steering wheel. A boost gauge is also present, denoting the first factory turbocharged Corvette in the nameplate’s history.