Chevrolet has unveiled the all-new Corvette ZR1, a supercar designed to challenge the best in the world. This latest iteration of the iconic "King of the Hill" features the most powerful V8 ever produced by an American automaker. The ZR1’s 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, named the LT7, generates a staggering 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft (1,123 Nm) of torque at 6,000 rpm, making it the most potent factory Corvette ever.
The Corvette ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 215 mph (346 km/h) on the racetrack and can complete a quarter-mile run in under 10 seconds. Its carbon fiber aero package produces over 1,200 pounds (544 kg) of downforce at top speed. A nod to its heritage, the ZR1 revives the iconic split rear window design, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
The LT7 engine is a marvel of engineering, starting with the same architecture as the Z06’s LT6 and elevating it with twin turbochargers. Unique features of the LT7 include head castings with unique ports, a larger combustion chamber, CNC machined combustion chambers, exhaust and intake ports, and dual 76 mm turbochargers integrated with the exhaust manifold. The engine also features intelligent anti-lag calibration and a secondary port fuel injection system to support its massive output.
To handle this power, the Corvette ZR1's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded with inner and outer input shaft enhancements, increased gear capacity, and refined oil management. The ZR1’s chassis is designed for both track and road, featuring Magnetic Ride dampers, a carbon-fiber front splitter, rocker moldings, side intake with integrated brake cooling, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
The optional ZTK performance package transforms the ZR1 into a true track weapon, adding a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. This package includes stiffer springs and underbody strakes to increase downforce further. The ZR1's brake system features carbon ceramic rotors, with front rotors measuring 15.7 inches (400 mm) in diameter, the largest ever on a Corvette.
The Corvette ZR1’s interior offers unique badging, a boost gauge, and a new stitch pattern on the doors. Customization options include new exterior colors like Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange, along with various interior color choices and racing stripes. The ZR1 is set to enter production in 2025 at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, joining the Corvette Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray in Chevrolet’s performance lineup.
