The amazing C8 series 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has made its long-awaited global debut as the fastest and most powerful Corvette in history, producing more than 1,000 hp and reaching a top speed of more than 215 mph.
Billed as “the most powerful V8 ever made in America by an automaker,” the ZR1 features a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8—dubbed the LT7—that produces 1,064 hp (793 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft ( 1123 Nm) torque at 6000 rpm.
No 0-60 mph (97 km/h) figure has been provided, but General Motors estimates the ZR1 will cover the quarter mile in under 10 seconds (402 m) and soar past 215 mph (346 km/h). “on the race track”.
In comparison, the previous C7 ZR1, with its LT5 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 563kW and 969Nm, reaching 60mph in 2.85 seconds and reaching a top speed of 341km/h.
General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has pre-emptively ruled out the ZR1 being launched in Australia, telling car dealers that the new ZR1 is “not currently scheduled to join the line-up in Australia and New Zealand”.
However, a local spokesperson admitted that the request would be monitored and potentially re-evaluated in the future.
Regardless, there is little doubt The hottest ‘Vette in history will be in hot demand Down Under based on what we’ve already seen from Low Series Stingray and Z06 models.
The ZR1 is in another league entirely, with Chevy saying it “unfolds the unimaginable” not only with a more powerful V8, but with “impressive specifications and iconic design to challenge the world’s best supercars in both coupe and coupe variants.” in convertibles”.
An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power exclusively to the 21-inch rear wheels, which are shod with large-profile 345/25 ultra-high-performance tires, complementing the 20-inch 275/30ZR20 front tire .
Carbon fiber wheels made by Australia’s Carbon Revolution are available as an option, reducing the ZR1’s rolling and unsprung mass by 19.4kg.
Suspension duties are handled front and rear by twin-wishbone setups and Magnetic Ride adaptive dampers, while braking is provided by a carbon-ceramic package consisting of six-piston front calipers operating on 400mm discs and four-piston calipers on 390 rotors. mm.
GM claims the Corvette ZR1 generates more than 540 kg of downforce at top speed when equipped with the optional ZTK or Carbon Aero Packsthanks to their large carbon rear wing, carbon splitter and front canards.
The ZTK package also adds stiffer springs and semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (replacing the Pilot Sport 4 S) for even sharper track performance.
In standard form, the coupe weighs 1,665 kg (dry), while the cabriolet tips the scales at 1,705 kg.
“The Corvette ZR1 is all about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation,” said Chevrolet vice president Scott Bell.
“From the Stingray to the Z06, E-Ray and now the ZR1, the Corvette family continues to rise with each new iteration — and challenge the best in the world.”
Fans will be able to tell the standard version apart by its unique front and rear platforms, vented hood, exclusive aluminum wheels, large brake package, lipped rear spoiler and, perhaps most notably, the glass split back.
Inside, you’ll find a similar dual display layout of visa in Z06however the interior finish has been elevated with a number of exclusive touches such as a ZR1-specific stitching pattern, a smorgasbord of ZR1 badges and a boost gauge for the digital instrument cluster.