The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is here, reminding us that the American supercar still exists — and it's alive and well. The new model also arrives as the fastest Corvette ever made.
Unveiled with a mind-blowing 793kW, this beast of a car presents a direct challenge to the world's most revered supercars as it approaches hypercar-level territory.
The heart of the beast
Powering the all-new Corvette ZR1 is an all-new, twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine, christened the LT7. This flat-plane crank powerhouse churns out a colossal 1121 Nm of torque.
Chevrolet claims this is the most potent V8 ever produced by an American automaker, and the numbers certainly back it up. Sharing DNA with the LT6 found in the Corvette Z06, the LT7 boasts a larger combustion chamber, unique head castings and optimised valve timing specifically designed for forced induction. It even includes a secondary fuel injection system for maximum performance.
To handle this immense power, the ZR1's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been significantly reinforced with wider gears, stronger shafts and improved lubrication. Corvette's executive chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, describes the acceleration as feeling like "a freight train," hinting at the car's remarkable performance potential.
While Chevrolet remains tight-lipped about specific figures, it confidently projects a top speed "comfortably" above 346 km/h. This could potentially place the ZR1 among the fastest production cars in the world.
Early tests have already seen it reach 322 km/h on the Nürburgring, and it's expected to cover a quarter mile in under 9.7 seconds at 241km/h.
You can also bolster the ZR1's track capabilities with the optional ZTK performance package. This adds a prominent rear wing, front dive planes and underbody strakes for increased downforce. The package includes stiffer suspension and grippier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres.
Alternatively, the Carbon Aero package offers all the aerodynamic benefits of the ZTK package without the additional performance upgrades, making it ideal for those prioritising top speed.
Lightweight fighter
The Corvette ZR1 achieves its level of performance while maintaining a relatively lightweight design. The hypercoupe weighs in at just 1665 kg dry, while the convertible tips the scales at 1705 kg.
To ensure stopping power matches the go, Chevrolet has equipped the ZR1 with a unique carbon ceramic braking system capable of incredible deceleration.
And despite its incredible power, the ZR1's design is surprisingly understated. However, keen eyes will notice the tell-tale signs of its hypercar pedigree, including a flow-through hood for improved cooling and downforce, a carbon fibre roof, adjustable spoiler wickers and various other carbon fibre elements for weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the ZR1 retains the familiar C8 Corvette interior but adds unique ZR1 badging, a boost gauge and distinctive stitching on the 3LZ variant.
Production and availability
The new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is scheduled to enter production sometime in 2025. While pricing remains a mystery, it will undoubtedly sit above the Z06, positioning it squarely at the more premium side of the hypercar market. There's no word yet on a righ-hand drive release for New Zealand, but stay tuned for any new developments.
With its groundbreaking performance and all-American heritage, the ZR1 presents an intriguing proposition at a time when all-electric power is rivalling even the highest-performance combustion vehicles out there.
