Chevrolet has unleashed the extraordinary in the Corvette ZR1. The legendary King of the Hill makes its return, featuring the most potent V8 ever manufactured in America by an auto company, accompanied by mind-bending specifications and an iconic design poised to rival the world's top supercars in both coupe and convertible versions.
The Corvette ZR1 showcases a 5.5L, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine known as the LT7. This powerhouse engine delivers an impressive 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, adhering to SAE guidelines — setting records as the most powerful factory Corvette to date and the strongest V8 ever crafted in America by an automotive manufacturer. Additionally, the Corvette ZR1 is estimated by GM to reach a top speed exceeding 215 mph on the track and achieve a sub-10-second quarter-mile time.
To enhance performance, a purposeful carbon fiber aero package generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at maximum velocity. The ZR1 pays homage to Corvette history by reintroducing the iconic split rear window design.
Scott Bell, Chevrolet's vice president, said, "The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture embraced a new challenge: elevating ZR1 to unparalleled heights. Corvette ZR1 embodies pushing boundaries with raw power and innovative technology. From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette lineage continues to evolve with each iteration, daring to compete with the world's best."
The Engine
The 5.5L LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC V8 engine in the ZR1 builds upon the architecture of the Z06’s LT6, which held the title of the most potent naturally aspirated production V8 engine. By adding twin turbochargers for the first time in a factory Corvette, this new engine, known as the “Gemini V8” architecture, represents a significant leap forward in power and performance.
Engineers embarked on a dual-path journey with the LT6 program, aiming to create immense power, capability, and character from both naturally aspirated and turbocharged flat-plane crankshaft twin engines. Rather than simply turbocharging the LT6, every system was meticulously optimized for boosted performance, resulting in the creation of the LT7 engine found in the Corvette ZR1.
The 5.5L LT7 twin-turbo V8 engine boasts several unique features, including specialized head castings, a revised valve train, and a new intake system tailored for twin turbochargers. Additionally, the engine incorporates intelligent anti-lag engine calibration techniques designed specifically for the ZR1 to adapt and respond to varied driving styles.
Further enhancements to the LT7 engine include block and head machining for improved turbo cooling and oiling, counterweight adjustments to accommodate unique components, and the integration of a secondary port fuel injection system to support the engine's remarkable output.
To complement the increased power output, engineers made extensive revisions to the Corvette ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, reinforcing key components and refining gear capacities, final drive ratios, and oil management systems to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Hand-assembled by expert engine builders at the Performance Build Center within the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, the LT7 engine stands as a testament to uncompromising performance and the relentless pursuit of excellence within the Gemini V8 engine family.
All About Speed
The Corvette ZR1 achieves unparalleled downforce, surpassing all previous Corvettes with over 1,200 pounds at maximum speed, thanks to meticulously designed aerodynamics.
Offering unprecedented speed capabilities, the Corvette ZR1 excels on the track like never before. Two distinct setups, complemented by Magnetic Ride dampers, cater to different driving preferences. The standard ZR1 chassis features a streamlined body with enhanced aerodynamics, including a customer-adjustable spoiler with short and tall wickers, a carbon-fiber front splitter, rocker moldings, side intake with brake cooling, and a front underwing with stall gurney deflectors. Equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, this configuration strikes a balance between on-road comfort and track performance.
In addition to the formidable power of the 5.5L LT7 engine, the Corvette ZR1 dominates challenging tracks worldwide due to specific aerodynamic enhancements and cooling modifications integrated throughout the vehicle. These enhancements include a flow-through hood that optimizes front downforce and cools charged air temperatures, carbon fiber side profile air ducts for efficient rear brake cooling, and unique fresh air intake ducts designed to cool the turbo compressor inlet air temperatures.
For those seeking a track-focused experience, the optional ZTK performance package transforms the ZR1 into a formidable track weapon. This package introduces an aggressive high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip—all crafted from woven carbon fiber. Furthermore, underbody strakes replace the standard front underwing stall Gurney, enhancing front downforce. The ZTK package also includes stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires for enhanced performance on the track.
Tadge Juechter, the executive chief engineer of Corvette, expressed, "We set ambitious goals for the ZR1 program, and our initial on-track tests already demonstrated that we were surpassing them. Throughout the development process, we continued to exceed expectations, realizing that we had created a truly exceptional Corvette."
To manage the ZR1's exceptional performance, a new brake system has been implemented, incorporating revolutionary carbon ceramic rotor technology to enhance durability and reduce brake component temperatures. With front rotors measuring 15.7 inches (400mm) in diameter and rear rotors at 15.4 inches (390mm), the ZR1 achieves remarkable acceleration, going from 80-200 mph and back to 80 mph in just 24.5 seconds—22% faster than the C7 Corvette ZR1 and 53% quicker than the C6 Corvette ZR1.
The Exterior
Function and form seamlessly intertwined to birth an instant icon in the ZR1—an icon deserving of the historic split window's revival.
Phil Zak, Chevrolet's executive design director, emphasized the significance of reintroducing this beloved element from Corvette's past, stating, "We didn’t take this decision lightly, understanding its cherished status in Corvette history. Beyond its functional aspect, we infused passionate design into the form, paying homage to Corvette's heritage. The timing felt right with ZR1 to bring back the split-window."
Having last graced the C2-generation Corvette and teased on the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car, the split-window design amplifies the visual impact of the Corvette ZR1. Serving as a distinctive feature, the carbon fiber "spine" between the rear windows, available in exposed weave or body color, enhances heat extraction from the engine compartment while complementing various other cooling elements integrated throughout the ZR1.
The design teams sought to enhance the bold aesthetic introduced with the eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, emphasizing lines that convey the car's dynamic essence. Every aspect of the Corvette ZR1 underwent meticulous scrutiny to uphold cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring that each alteration contributed to the car's performance-driven mission.
Noteworthy updates include a carbon fiber roof for reduced weight and a lowered center of gravity on both coupe and convertible versions, as well as a unique aluminum wheel design offered in four finishes, including the signature Edge Blue. An optional new carbon-fiber wheel design exclusive to the ZR1 further reduces mass, while the LT7 engine intake finished in Edge Blue not only enhances aesthetics but also mirrors the engine's exceptional performance capabilities.
Inside the Corvette ZR1's cockpit, meticulous attention to detail shines through, with distinctive ZR1 badging adorning interior plaques, sill plates, and the steering wheel. The 3LZ trim boasts a new finishing stitch pattern for the doors unique to the ZR1, alongside the inclusion of a boost gauge—a nod to the nameplate's first factory turbocharged iteration.
To offer customers more personalization options, the Corvette ZR1 presents an array of choices spanning exterior and interior colors. Alongside the 2025 Corvette lineup, new hues like Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange headline the updates, with the latter recalling a fan-favorite shade from the previous C7-generation Corvette ZR1.
Moreover, the ZR1 introduces a new Habanero interior option and a Blue Stitch choice, while various customization offerings such as full-length racing stripes, brake caliper colors (including an exclusive blue option), and seat belt colors further enhance the bespoke experience for Corvette enthusiasts.
Corvette ZR1 will enter production in 2025 and will be built at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. It joins Corvette Stingray, Corvette Z06 and Corvette E-Ray to continue elevating the Corvette family. Further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production.