THE NEW 2025 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 PACKS 873 KW AND 1,123 NM - AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT!
Chevrolet has unleashed the unthinkable in the Corvette ZR1. The King of the Hill returns with the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer, mind-bending specs and iconic design to challenge the world’s best supercars in both coupe and convertible variants. The new Corvette ZR1 features a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre, flat-plane crank V8 engine dubbed the LT7 - and it generates an astounding 873 kW and 1,123 Nm of torque - and unlike other automakers claiming massive power in their latest models, this one is all ICE. There’s no electronic assist bumping the power figures. The thing is actually rather ridiculous, it’s the most powerful V8 ever produced in series production by a US automaker and it will be capable of a sub-10-second quarter mile pass with a top speed of nearly 350 km/h. The purposeful carbon fibre aero package creates over 500 kg of downforce at top speed. While this is all-new, the designers have managed to bring back an iconic Corvette feature - the split rear window. The ZR1’s powerplant, starting with the same architecture as the Z06’s LT6, is the first factory Corvette with twin turbochargers. Dubbed the “Gemini V8,” the LT7 program involved optimising every system for turbocharging rather than simply adding turbos to the LT6. Key features include unique head castings, a larger combustion chamber, and a new intake system tuned for twin turbochargers. The engine also has dual 76mm mono-scroll turbos with electronic wastegates and a CNC machined combustion chamber. Intelligent anti-lag calibration adapts to driving style. Enhancements include additional block and head machining for cooling and oiling, counterweight changes for unique pistons and connecting rods, and a secondary port fuel injection system. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded with inner and outer input shaft improvements, increased gear capacity and strength, final drive refinements, enhanced oil management, and increased control valves for higher clutch clamp load. With a four-figure horsepower output, the LT7 maintains the rev-happy character of the Gemini V8 engine family and will be hand-assembled by master builders at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.
“The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture took on another challenge: take ZR1 to the next level,” said Scott Bell, vice president, of Chevrolet. “Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation. From Stingray to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration - and challenge the best in the world.” The ZR1 brings back the iconic split window design, a beloved feature last seen on the C2-generation Corvette. Phil Zak, executive design director at Chevrolet, emphasized the thoughtful integration of this historic element, which not only enhances the car's design but also improves functionality by increasing heat extraction from the engine compartment. The split window, made of carbon fibre and available in exposed weave or body colour, works alongside other cooling features. The ZR1’s design builds on the striking eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, focusing on both aesthetics and performance, with every component optimized for cooling and aerodynamics. Additional enhancements include a carbon fibre roof to lower the centre of gravity, unique aluminium wheels in four finishes including Edge Blue and an optional new carbon-fibre wheel design that reduces unsprung mass by nearly 20 kg. The LT7 engine intake is also finished in Edge Blue. The ZR1’s interior features unique badging, a specific stitch pattern for the doors on the 3LZ trim, and a boost gauge, marking it as the first factory turbocharged Corvette. Customization options include new exterior colours such as Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange, as well as a Habanero interior, Blue Stitch option, various full-length racing stripes, brake caliper colours, seat belt colours, and more.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shoes off the latest Chevrolet Corvette, which the company claims is the most powerful and best to date. That's a silly thing to say though because every new model should be better or there's no point in creating a new model: The Unthinkable Has Arrived | Corvette ZR1 | Chevrolet
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