- Chevrolet has unveiled the all-new rear-wheel drive Corvette ZR1.
- It features a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque.
- When the model is launched next year, it will have a top speed in excess of 215 mph.
The Bugatti Veyron burst onto the scene nearly 20 years ago with a W16 engine producing 987 hp (736 kW / 1,001 PS). That was an unthinkable number for a comfortable, production car but today it’s being surpassed by a Corvette.
We’re talking about the all-new ZR1, which defies expectations thanks to a twin-turbo 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine. It produces a staggering 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque that drive the rear wheels.
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Those are hypercar numbers and the ZR1 can laugh in the face of the Ferrari 296 GTB, 12Cilindri, and SF90 Stradale. It also packs a more powerful punch than the Lamborghini Revuelto, McLaren 750S, Pagani Huayra, and Mercedes-AMG One. That shouldn’t be surprising as Chevrolet noted the car has the most powerful V8 engine ever produced in America by an automotive manufacturer.
The engine is known as the LT7 and it has a lot in common with the LT6 that resides in the Corvette Z06. However, it’s been extensively upgraded to handle the new turbochargers and added performance.
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Highlights include a larger combustion chamber and new head castings with unique ports. The valve timing and lift profile has also been optimized for forced induction, while there’s a new intake and “intelligent anti-lag engine calibration techniques.” The mill also sports unique pistons and connecting rods as well as a secondary fuel injection system.
The powertrain improvements extend beyond the engine compartment as the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been thoroughly revised. It features wider profile gears, stronger shafts, and improved lubrication. There are also improvements to “handle the massive torque of the LT7.”
Thanks to all these changes, Corvette executive chief engineer Tadge Juechter told us the ZR1 “pulls like a freight train.” While Chevrolet wasn’t ready to give hard numbers, officials said the car should be able to hit a top speed “comfortably” above 215 mph (346 km/h). They went on to suggest the top speed could be significantly higher than that and confirmed the model won’t be electronically limited.
Sticking with the performance theme, four test drivers hit 200 mph (322 km/h) on the Nürburgring during their first outing with the car. On the drag strip, the ZR1 should be able to run the quarter mile in less than 9.7 seconds at 150 mph (241 km/h). If that estimate pans out, the Corvette would be slower than the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 which accomplished the same task in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph (243 km/h).
While the Demon is a quarter mile bruiser, the times are a little surprising considering the ZR1 is significantly lighter. In particular, the coupe weighs 3,670 lbs (1,665 kg) dry, while the convertible comes in at 3,758 lbs (1,705 kg).
Regardless, when it comes time to stop, owners will be thankful for a unique carbon ceramic braking system that has discs measuring 15.7 inches (400 mm) front and 15.4 inches (390 mm) rear. They enable the ZR1 to go from 80-200-80 mph (129-322-129 km/h) in a mere 24.5 seconds, which is 22% quicker than the C7 Corvette ZR1 and 53% faster than the C6 Corvette ZR1.
A Sporty, But Functional Design
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Despite having 404 hp (301 kW / 410 PS) more than a Ford GT, the Corvette ZR1 is surprisingly restrained. However, there are a handful of clues this isn’t your run-of-the-mill model.
One of the most obvious is the flow-through hood. It sees air enter the front grille, flow through an intercooler, and exit the hood to aid cooling while also increasing front downforce.
Buyers will also find a carbon fiber roof and a small spoiler with adjustable wickers. They’re joined by 20- and 21-inch carbon fiber or aluminum wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The model also has an assortment of other carbon fiber components including the front splitter, rocker moldings, side intakes, and front underwing. Other highlights include brake cooling ducts and 15 heat exchangers.
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The ZR1 will be offered in coupe and convertible guise, but only the former will have a split rear window. It quietly returned on the Z06 GT3.R race car and now it’s coming back to a road-going model for the first time in decades.
However, this is no old school throwback as the window has two panels that are separated by a carbon fiber ‘spine.’ The latter incorporates functional vents to improve heat extraction from the engine compartment.
The optional ZTK performance package promises to turn the ZR1 into a “true track weapon” and it certainly looks the part thanks to a massive rear wing, front dive planes, and a hood-mounted Gurney lip. The changes continue underneath the car as the front underwing is replaced by underbody strakes to increase downforce. Besides the aerodynamic styling tweaks, the package includes stiffer springs, revised dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.
If the latter items don’t appeal to you, the Carbon Aero package might be right up your alley. It includes all the aerodynamic styling changes from the ZTK performance package, but nothing else. They enable the car to generate over 1,200 lbs (544 kg) of downforce at top speed.
Speaking of speed, that’s what separates the standard model from the ZTK. As designers and engineers explained at a media briefing last month, the standard ZR1 is the “top speed king” thanks to its sleeker styling and reduced drag. The ZTK, on the other hand, is a “track king” that hugs the road.
A Familiar Interior With A Handful Of Special Touches
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If you’ve been in a C8 Corvette, the interior will feel instantly recognizable as not much has changed. However, buyers will find ZR1 badging on the steering wheel, sill plates, and interior plaque. Besides that, there’s a boost gauge as well as unique door panel stitching on the 3LZ variant.
We can expect to learn full equipment details closer to launch, but the model should come equipped with a familiar 12-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Google built-in. They’re joined by supportive seats and plenty of carbon fiber trim.
Arrives Next Year
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The Corvette ZR1 will go into production next year and be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky. While that’s a ways off, officials told us they had to introduce the model early in order to test prototypes without camouflage. The disguise impacts the car’s performance, so it had to go to finish up testing.
There’s no word on pricing, but the model will slot above the Z06 which begins at $110,100.
