- Ford and Chevrolet are gearing up to launch high-performance sports cars with more than 800 hp.
- The Corvette ZR1 is the more powerful of the two as it’s slated to have 1,064 hp.
- The ZR1 could also be significantly cheaper as the GTD is slated to cost around $325,000.
The GTD moniker on the latest Mustang makes it sound diesel-powered and that’s fitting in light of yesterday’s unveiling of the Corvette ZR1. With a $325,000 price tag, the model already seemed like a questionable value and it’s even more so now.
As you’re undoubtedly aware, the Corvette ZR1 has a twin-turbo 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 that produces 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an upgraded eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels. Chevrolet officials told us this should enable the car to hit a top speed “comfortably” above 215 mph (346 km/h) and run the quarter mile in less than 9.7 seconds at 150 mph (241 km/h).
More: 2025 Corvette ZR1 Is A 1,064 HP Hypercar With 215+ MPH Top Speed
Over in Dearborn, things are far less impressive as the Mustang GTD has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with over 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS). Ford hasn’t said much else about performance specs, but we’re looking at a difference of around 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS).
While it’s pretty clear the pony car could use some extra horses, performance is more than just a big engine. The GTD features lightweight carbon fiber body panels, a host of aerodynamic styling tweaks, and a trick rear suspension with its own window.
Unfortunately, Ford has said a lot without saying much of anything. That lack of substance isn’t reassuring, but the company recently revealed the car’s performance package will add dive planes and a larger front splitter as well as underbody flaps and a drag reduction system for the rear wing. The Performance Pack also includes the Lightweight package, which eliminates some sound-deadening material while also adding 20-inch magnesium wheels.
One of the few specifications that Ford has revealed is a targeted top speed in excess of 190 mph (306 km/h). That’s nothing to sneeze at, but the Vette should be able to hit a top speed “comfortably” above 215 mph (346 km/h).
Furthermore, Chevrolet has revealed the ZR1 will be able to generate over 1,200 lbs (544 kg) of downforce at top speed. There will be multiple versions of the car that serve slightly different purposes. As officials explained at a media briefing last month, the standard ZR1 is the “top speed king” while the ZTK variant is a “track king” that hugs the road thanks to its aggressive aero package. The latter includes a massive rear wing, front dive planes, and a hood-mounted Gurney lip. They’re joined by underbody strakes as well as stiffer springs, revised dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.
Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
Needless to say, the Mustang isn’t looking too special these days. However, it has a slightly more modern interior with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment system. The latter makes the Corvette’s 8-inch display feel downright tiny. Of course, the Vette’s interior doesn’t look like it was plucked straight out of a $32,000 coupe.
With all that being said, are you team Corvette or team Mustang?