Chevrolet’s mission statement for the new Corvette ZR1 was clear: “Take ZR1 to the next level.” And it seems the engineers have indeed gone above and beyond, creating a vehicle that is not just the most powerful Corvette ever, but also the holder of the title for the most powerful American production V8 in history.
The Dodge Demon’s 1,025bhp record has been surpassed by the Corvette ZR1, which boasts an astonishing 1,064bhp. This incredible power is derived from the ‘Small Block Gemini’ engine architecture, initially seen in the Z06’s LT6 engine. However, the ZR1’s engine, now called the ‘LT7’, is not just a turbocharged version of its predecessor.
The LT7 is a 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. It includes newly designed head castings, unique ports, an enlarged combustion chamber for more powerful explosions, optimized valve timing, and a new intake system. Additionally, it is equipped with a pair of 76mm mono-scroll turbochargers integrated into the exhaust system.
According to Chevrolet, these design enhancements reduce the distance the compressed air must travel, allowing it to enter the combustion chambers more quickly and combust with greater intensity. The entire engine has been fortified to handle the “dramatic increase in power,” and it certainly delivers, setting a new benchmark for American muscle cars.
Specifications for the new Corvette ZR1
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Output | 1,064bhp @ 7,000rpm |
| Torque | 828lb ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Quarter Mile Time | Sub-10 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215mph |
| Performance | 200mph flat out at the Nürburgring |
| Downforce | 1,200lbs at 215mph |
| Aerodynamics | New front grille, carbon fiber air ducts, new splitters, rockers, underwing, rear wing |
| Track Pack (ZTK) | High-downforce rear wing, dive planes, Gurney lip on the bonnet, underbody strakes |
| Suspension | Stiffer springs (with ZTK pack) |
| Wheels and Tires | 20/21in alloys, Michelin PS Cup 2-R tires |
| Brakes | 400mm front/390mm rear carbon ceramic discs |
| Braking Performance | 80-200-80mph in 24.5 seconds (22% quicker than the C7 ZR1) |
| Special Features | Return of the ‘split window’, carbon fiber roof, ZR1 badging, new boost gauge |
What’s New for 2025?
2025 Corvette ZR1 Detailed Features:
Chassis and Design:
- Built on the C8 Corvette chassis but enhanced with many new and unique components.
Engine:
- Features a powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine, distinct from other Corvette models.
Aerodynamics:
- Advanced aerodynamic design, likely including new elements to improve performance and handling.
Braking System:
- Equipped with carbon-ceramic brake rotors, which are 15.7 inches in diameter for the front brakes—the largest ever fitted to a Corvette.
- These brake rotors are produced using a new process designed to reduce operating temperatures and increase durability.
Wheel Options:
- Offers five new wheel designs:
- Four alloy wheel options.
- One carbon-fiber wheel option.
Weight Reduction:
- An available carbon-fiber roof is offered to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight.
Color Options:
- Introduces several new exterior color options, including:
- Competition Yellow
- Hysteria Purple
- Sebring Orange (a popular color reintroduced from the C7 Corvette ZR1)
Customization:
- Various full-length body stripes available.
- Options for caliper and seatbelt colors, allowing for further personalization.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features for C8 Corvettes (Including Standard and Z06 Models, and Expected for ZR1):
- Standard Driver-Assistance Features:
- Automated Emergency Braking:
- Includes pedestrian and cyclist detection for enhanced safety in various driving conditions.
- Lane-Departure Warning:
- Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
- Lane-Keeping Assist:
- Helps maintain the vehicle’s position within its lane by providing gentle steering corrections.
2. Available Features:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring:
- Detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and provides warnings to prevent potential collisions.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
- Alerts the driver to approaching traffic from the sides when reversing, helping to avoid accidents.
For more detailed information on the Corvette’s crash-test results and safety ratings, please refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.