Unparalleled Power and Engineering
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 takes its place as the ultimate iteration of the iconic sports car. With its jaw-dropping power, track-focused engineering, and bold design, the ZR1 is set to redefine what enthusiasts can expect from the Corvette nameplate. Known as the "King of the Hill," this supercar pushes boundaries, cementing its legacy among the world’s elite performance machines. At the heart of the Corvette ZR1 lies the LT7 twin-turbocharged 5.5L DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, a masterpiece of engineering that delivers a staggering 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 1,123 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. This powerhouse is the most potent V8 ever created by an American automaker, marking a new chapter in Corvette history. With its performance figures, the ZR1 stands tall against some of the most exotic supercars in the world. Built upon the revolutionary LT6 platform introduced in the Z06, the LT7 engine has been reimagined for turbocharged applications. From redesigned head castings to a completely new intake system, every component has been optimized for maximum performance. Dual 76 mm turbochargers with electronic wastegates ensure quick response, while intelligent anti-lag calibration keeps the engine ready for action. With a seven-stage dry-sump oiling system and advanced cooling technologies, the LT7 is as robust as it is powerful, delivering reliability alongside its immense output. Supporting this incredible engine is an upgraded eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Enhanced with reinforced shafts, improved gear capacity, and advanced oil management, it seamlessly handles the ZR1’s enormous power. Whether on the road or the track, this transmission ensures smooth yet exhilarating performance, providing drivers with an unforgettable experience.
Aerodynamics and Performance
The ZR1’s aerodynamic design is as functional as it is striking. The car produces over 545 kilograms of downforce at top speeds, thanks to a meticulously designed carbon fibre aero package. Features such as a flow-through hood and strategically placed air ducts optimize cooling and airflow, while the available ZTK Performance Package takes aerodynamics to the next level. This package includes a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and underbody strakes, all crafted from lightweight carbon fibre to enhance stability and grip. Designed with speed in mind, the ZR1 delivers a GM-estimated top speed of over 346 km/h and can complete the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. Its chassis, equipped with Magnetic Ride Control dampers, balances track capability with on-road comfort. Standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres provide excellent grip, while the ZTK Performance Package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres for maximum traction during track use.
Precision Braking and Handling
The Corvette ZR1’s braking system is equally impressive. Using advanced carbon ceramic rotor technology, the system delivers improved durability and reduced heat buildup. The front rotors, measuring 400 mm in diameter, are the largest ever fitted to a Corvette, providing exceptional stopping power. In testing, the ZR1 demonstrated its superior braking performance, going from 130 km/h to 320 km/h and back to 130 km/h in just 24.5 seconds—a feat unmatched by its predecessors. The Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 system further enhances handling, allowing the suspension to adapt instantly to changing conditions. Whether carving through tight corners or cruising down the highway, the ZR1 provides unparalleled control and confidence. The Corvette ZR1 makes a bold statement with its updated design, which pays homage to the model’s storied history while incorporating modern innovations. The return of the split rear window, a beloved feature last seen on the C2-generation Corvette, highlights the car’s blend of heritage and forward-thinking design. This carbon fibre “spine” between the two rear windows not only adds a striking visual element but also aids in engine compartment cooling. Additional design enhancements include a carbon fibre roof that reduces weight and lowers the car’s centre of gravity. Unique aluminium wheels are available in four finishes, including Edge Blue, a nod to the ZR1’s signature colour. Optional carbon fibre wheels reduce unsprung mass by 19.4 kilograms, further improving performance. Inside, the ZR1 offers a cockpit that combines luxury with functionality. ZR1-specific badging adorns the interior, while a unique stitching pattern on the doors adds a touch of refinement. A new boost gauge marks the ZR1 as the first turbocharged Corvette in history, and customisation options such as Competition Yellow or Hysteria Purple exterior paint and Habanero interior accents allow buyers to make the car truly their own.
A Legacy of Speed
The ZR1 is not just the fastest Corvette ever—it is one of the most advanced. It has been tested on some of the world’s most challenging tracks, including the Nürburgring, Road Atlanta, and Virginia International Raceway, where it consistently delivered record-breaking performances. In its first development runs, the ZR1 achieved peak speeds surpassing those of the previous C7 ZR1, cementing its status as a track-ready supercar. The 2025 Corvette ZR1 will go into production at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Joining the Corvette Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray in the lineup, the ZR1 continues to elevate the Corvette family, offering enthusiasts a supercar experience unlike any other. Pricing and additional availability details will be revealed closer to production. From its record-breaking engine to its innovative design, the Corvette ZR1 represents the peak of American performance engineering. A true king of the road, this latest iteration of the Corvette is set to leave a lasting impression on the automotive world.
