of Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 not only is it the most powerful version of General Motors’ flagship sports car, but it also features the most powerful V8 ever produced by an American automaker.
New ZR1 Coupe and Convertible Package a twin turbo 5.5-liter twin-overhead flat-clutch V8 engine called the LT7, which GM says is based on the LT6 in the Corvette Z06 – itself the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 ever.
Chevrolet engineers installed twin turbochargers, a first for a factory Corvette, boosting power to 783 kW (1064 hp) with power at 7000 rpm and 1123 Nm torque at 6000 rpm.
That’s 318kW and 528Nm more than in the Z06, giving it a top speed of more than 346km/h and a theoretical sub-10 second quarter-mile time.
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ZR1 with ZTK performance package
Chevrolet hasn’t published a 0-100km/h time, but based on these numbers this should be a sub-3 second car.
The ZR1 will go into production in 2025, although Australia is not in line to get it.
“The Corvette ZR1 is not currently scheduled to join the lineup in Australia and New Zealand, but we will monitor demand and evaluate further over time,” a GM Specialty Vehicles spokesperson said.
However, Chevrolet didn’t just use a pair of turbochargers, with the company looking to make a number of modifications to the V8 engine.
The hand-built engine has a larger combustion chamber, a new intake system and head castings with unique ports, and a secondary port fuel injection system, among other improvements.
The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has received internal and external input shaft upgrades, increased control valves and final drive upgrades to handle the significant increase in power.
For the first time in 60 years, a production Corvette has a split rear window.
The ZR1 looks a bit different from a C2 Corvette, though, and not just because the engine is behind the rear window instead of in front of the windshield.
Between the two rear windows is a carbon fiber ‘back’, available in either body color or with exposed stitching, which aims to increase heat extraction from the engine compartment.
There are plenty of other performance-enhancing and aesthetic-enhancing changes to the Corvette, including additional air ducts, a carbon fiber roof, and available carbon fiber wheels.
The optional ZTK Performance Package adds a larger rear wing, front dive jets and a long Gurney hood – all made from carbon fiber.
Below, lower body bars replace the standard Gurney lower front strut to increase frontal strength.
The carbon fiber aero package creates over 544kg of downforce at top speed.
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ZR1 convertible in Hysteria Purple
ZTK-equipped models also get stiffer springs and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
The standard ZR1, by contrast, rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, with unique 20-inch wheels up front and 21-inch wheels in the rear.
Behind them is a new brake system with carbon ceramic rotors. These are 400mm in diameter at the front and 390mm at the rear, with the front ones being the largest ever fitted to a Corvette.
The ZR1 features GM’s Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 system with magnetorheological dampers.
All up, dry weight is 1665kg in coupe form and 1705kg as a convertible.
Inside, there’s a unique badging found on an inner plate, sill plates and steering wheel.
Of course, there is also a growth meter.
There is a new Habanero interior color as well as a Blue Stitch option.
The ZR1 will once again be at the top of the Corvette tree… at least for now.
A report from GM authority in 2020, who accurately predicted all members of the C8 Corvette range revealed to date, said there will be a new flagship called the Zora.
Named for the man considered the father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov, this flagship will also reportedly use a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, but combined with all-wheel drive and a hybrid system like the Corvette E-Ray .
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette