2025 Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1 revealed: 1000hp barrier smashed by twin-turbo V8 supercar
07/25/2024 08:01 PM
Meet the most powerful car General Motors has ever produced, and the first factory-built Corvette with turbo power. But it’s not coming to Australia – for now.
The most powerful series-production Corvette ever to roll off the assembly line has broken cover – the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
But despite featuring Australian ingredients, it is not currently earmarked for local showrooms.
The 2025 ZR1 is based on the Z06, but adds even more extreme aerodynamics – and bolts two turbochargers to its 5.5-litre V8 engine, making for the first Corvette to roll off the Bowling Green production line with a turbo, let alone two.
While prior iterations of the latest mid-engined Corvette are sold locally, Chevrolet says there are no current plans to offer the ZR1 in Australia.
Gone is the previous ZR1’s 6.2-litre supercharged V8, in its place the Z06’s 5.5-litre V8 fitted with two turbochargers.
In the US models, the power output is a staggering 793kW at 7000rpm – or 1064 horsepower – with a torque rating of 1123Nm at 6000rpm, all sent to the rear wheels through a strengthened eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Unlike the old-school pushrod V8s of prior Corvettes, the ZR1 keeps the Z06’s more advanced dual overhead camshafts – and, contrary to rumours prior to launch, its flat-plane crank design.
A 0-100km/h time has not been quoted, however Chevrolet says the ZR1 can complete the quarter-mile (402m) drag-strip run in less than 10 seconds, and hit a 346km/h top speed – compared to 10.6sec, and 313km/h for the Z06.
Upgrades to the ZR1’s ‘LT7’ engine over the Z06’s ‘LT6’ unit include a revised intake, tweaked valve lift profile, upgraded oil systems, strengthened gears and clutch, and an anti-lag system said to adapt to the driver’s style.
There is also additional “block and head machining to support turbo cooling and oiling,” changes to the engine’s counterweights, and a secondary port fuel injection system.
The C8 Corvette ZR1 revives the iconic ‘split window’ look from the 1963 C2 Corvette, with two narrow panes of glass split by a bank of vents to provide extra cooling to the engine.
As with the Z06, optional on the ZR1 are 20-inch front and 21-inch carbon-fibre wheels expected to be produced by Carbon Revolution in Victoria, which has also manufactured wheels from the same material for the Ford GT supercar, and various Ferraris.
The wheels wear a unique design, and sit under the same widened bodywork as the Z06 – but Chevrolet has dialled the aerodynamic package up to 11.
The front storage area is deleted – and a new front bonnet fitted, with vents allowing air to pass through from the main front intakes – as well as a carbon-fibre roof fitted.
Additional air intakes behind the main side ducts cool the rear brakes, while vents on top of the rear wheel arches are said to lower turbo compressor inlet air temperatures.
Tick the box for the ZTK option package, and the ZR1 gains an even larger rear wing than top-of-the-range Z06s, an aggressive front splitter, and an additional lip on the bonnet vent – all made from carbon-fibre.
It also fits stiffer springs for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension – also available on regular ZR1s, which are fitted with smaller carbon-fibre aero parts – and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres replacing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.
New carbon-ceramic brake discs are fitted, which measure 400mm up front and 390mm at the rear like the Z06, but use new “manufacturing technology to yield increased durability and reduced brake component temperatures,” Chevrolet says.
Clamped by six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, Chevrolet claims the new ZR1 can accelerate from 129km/h to 322km/h (80-200mph) and brake back to 129km/h in 24.5 seconds – 22 per cent quicker than the C7 Corvette ZR1, and 53 per cent quicker than the C6 Corvette ZR1.
There are new exterior and interior colours specific to the ZR1. Other interior differences include a plaque on the console, unique front door stitching, and a boost gauge.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is due in US showrooms next year.
“The Corvette ZR1 is an exciting addition to the Corvette range in the North America. Locally, Corvette is offered to customers in Australia and New Zealand in three trims; Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray,” a spokesperson for General Motors Specialty Vehicles in Australia told Drive.
“The Corvette ZR1 is not currently planned to join the line-up in Australia and New Zealand, but we will monitor demand and assess further over time.”
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