Many long-time Corvette enthusiasts and buyers were sceptical of the Chevrolet’s decision to switch to a mid-engined layout for the C8-generation Corvette in 2020, but it soon proved itself as a worthy rival to many of Europe’s much more expensive mid-engined exotics. Now, Chevrolet has once again thrown away the rule-book, opting to fit its 2025 Corvette ZR1 with a pair of turbochargers – a first for a factory-fresh model. The result is the most powerful production Corvette ever built, with a power output of 1064bhp.
Chevrolet has significantly moved the goalposts, and the biggest change is of course the new twin-turbo LT7 engine. Based on the outgoing model’s naturally-aspirated 670bhp LT6, the new engine gets new cylinder heads, all-new intake system, lightened pistons, re-balanced crank and stronger conrods. All these modifications are of course designed to make the most of the two charge-cooled 76mm mono-scroll turbochargers, which are integrated into the new exhaust manifolds for optimal performance.
Supporting changes to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission include upgraded inner and outer shafts, Increased gear capacity with strength increased via shot peening for all gears as well as final drive refinements.
The results speak for themselves – a maximum of 1064bhp is delivered at 7000rpm, and with 828lb ft of torque at a surprisingly heady 6000rpm. A full set of performance figures hasn’t been released yet, but top speed is quoted at 215mph, with Chevrolet hinting at a sub ten-second quarter-mile time.
Visually the standard car’s changes look minor – the split rear window is a nice throwback – but the various tweaks help to make the ZR1 considerably more slippery than its predecessor. There’s a small adjustable rear spoiler and carbon fibre front splitter, as well as a side intake with integrated brake cooling ducts. The optional ZTK performance package takes thinks up several notches, offering an aggressive, high-downforce carbon fibre rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip. Stiffer suspension springs and a set of Michelin Cup 2 R tyres – in place of Pilot Sport 4S on the standard cars – complete the car’s transformation.
‘We went into the ZR1 program with lofty goals, but even our first development tests on-track showed the teams were already exceeding them,’ said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. ‘As we worked to develop this car, we continued to leap past expectations, and we knew we had a special Corvette on our hands.’
