The 2020 Corvette C8 hasn’t even gone into production yet, but new details are starting to emerge about the next-generation ZR1.
Citing a “senior official at GM,” Motor Trend is reporting the upcoming model will be the most powerful and extreme Corvette ever created.
The ZR1 is known for huge horsepower ratings and the outgoing car has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that develops 755 hp (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft (968 Nm) of torque. The next ZR1 will build on those numbers, but it will reportedly adopt a smaller displacement engine sourced from the Corvette Z06. The publication isn’t sure it will have the same 5.5-liter displacement as the engine used in the C8.R race car, but they say the mill will be equipped with twin-turbochargers.
Also Read: 2020 Corvette C8 Is America’s Mid-Engine Sports Car For The Masses
That’s not the end of the story either as the magazine says the model will also be electrified. How extensive the hybridization is remains unclear, but the publication mentioned two possible scenarios. The first would be the most basic and see an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The second scenario is more interesting as it would involve the installation of two front-mounted electric motors that will give the Corvette all-wheel drive as well as a serious boost in performance.
If the latter happens, the car would likely adopt a small battery pack and be setup to maximize performance rather than efficiency. As a result, the front motors might only activate to deliver maximum acceleration.
If everything pans out, the next Corvette ZR1 would have 900 hp (671 kW / 912 PS). That’s less than the 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) that was previously rumored, but it’s still 145 hp (108 kW / 147 PS) more than outgoing ZR1.
