Chevrolet brings back the Corvette ZR1, now more powerful than ever.
Long rumored and even longer waited, GM has finally taken the wraps off the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette. As the ultimate Corvette model, the ZR1 is offered in limited quantities and isn’t available every model year. When the ZR1 returns in 2025, it’ll have the distinction as the fastest Corvette ever, an all-gas model in an increasingly electrified market.
25 Key Points about the All-New 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available in hardtop coupe and convertible configurations. The current-generation Corvette, known as the C8, debuted in 2020 and marked a significant shift for the iconic American sports car by adopting a mid-engine layout for the first time. This change aimed to enhance performance and handling, bringing the Corvette closer to its high-end European competitors.
The C8 lineup includes the Stingray, the high-performance Z06, and the upcoming track-focused ZR1 models. The Stingray features a 6.2-liter V8 engine, while the Z06 boasts a more powerful 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8. The following offers 25 highlights of the 2025 ZR1.
1. Engine: 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 (Code name: LT7).
2. Power: 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.
3. Torque: 828 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm.
4. Top Speed: GM-estimated over 215 mph.
5. Acceleration: GM-estimated sub-10-second quarter-mile time.
6. Aerodynamics: Carbon fiber aero package with over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.
7. Design Revival: Iconic split rear window design. Offered only for one year, 1963, this layout makes a welcome return.
8. Turbocharging: First factory Corvette with twin turbochargers. The Corvette has offered supercharging on select models for years or as part of an aftermarket package.
9. Head Castings: Unique ports and larger combustion chamber.
10. Valve Train: Optimized for forced induction.
11. Intake System: New system tuned for twin turbochargers.
12. Turbochargers: Dual, ported shroud, ball bearing, mono-scroll (76 mm) with electronic wastegates.
13. Anti-Lag: Intelligent engine calibration techniques for driving style adaptation.
14. Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch with upgraded input shafts and increased gear capacity.
15. Brake System: Carbon ceramic rotors with increased durability and reduced temperatures.
16. Rotor Size: Front rotors 15.7 inches, rear rotors 15.4 inches.
17. Chassis: Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 with two distinct setups.
18. Tires: Standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R.
19. Cooling: Flow-through hood and carbon fiber side profile air ducts.
20. ZTK Performance Package: High-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and tall hood Gurney lip.
21. Production: Begins in 2025 at Bowling Green Assembly Plant, Kentucky.
22. Interior Customization: New colors including Habanero and Blue Stitch, with various customization options.
23. Exterior Customization: New colors like Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange.
24. Testing Achievements: Faster peak speed at Milford Proving Ground’s MRC test track than C7 ZR1.
25. Lap Records: Over 200 mph on first Nürburgring laps by all test drivers. Expect more testing result from independent
Corvette ZR1: On the Way
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 combines advanced engineering and iconic design, making it the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever, with unparalleled performance and customization options. We don’t have pricing yet, but Car and Driver estimates it will start around $180,000.
See Also — Chevrolet Introduces Its Hybrid AWD Corvette E-Ray
All photos courtesy of GM Corp.
