The first turbocharged Vette is by far the most powerful production version ever built—and the “wow” stats don’t stop there.
The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 features a 1064-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8, making it the most powerful Vette ever produced. This ZR1’s LT7 engine also marks it as the first turbocharged Corvette, with numerous upgrades setting it apart from the Z06’s naturally aspirated LT6.
With an estimated top speed of over 215 mph, an available aero kit providing up to 1200 pounds of downforce, and other exotic features, the C8 ZR1 is designed to dominate supercars.
Unleashing Unprecedented Power
The engineers behind the new C8 Corvette ZR1 recognized early on that they were working with something extraordinary. In its first drag-strip run, the mid-engined beast completed the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. During its initial lap at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, it outperformed the previous-gen ZR1 in top speed. At Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack, all four Corvette test drivers surpassed 200 mph on their first laps. Notably, the 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is also the first production Vette to break the 1000-horsepower barrier, delivering 1064 hp.
Powerful Performance Metrics
Beyond its four-digit horsepower, the ZR1 boasts 828 pound-feet of torque, with the first 800 available at 3000 rpm. To preserve the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, torque is limited in the first two gears. This transmission, though similar to the one in the C8 Z06, includes wider gears, stronger shafts, and an improved oiling system.
The new LT7 engine, while related to the LT6 in the Z06, has enough differences to warrant its unique engine code. Along with its twin turbochargers producing 20.0 psi of boost, it features exclusive components such as an Edge Blue-painted intake system, both port and direct fuel injection, stronger connecting rods, new pistons, and head castings. It also includes an anti-lag system for better responsiveness.
Supercar Slayer
The Corvette has consistently proven it can compete with more expensive exotic sports cars, and the switch to a mid-engine format in the C8 generation enhanced its supercar status. The C8 Z06 demonstrated its prowess by nearly a second on Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course compared to the C7 ZR1, ranking sixth on our all-time Lightning Lap results, ahead of multiple McLarens and Porsche 911s. With its immense power and advanced track hardware, the new ZR1 is poised to take on the world’s best supercars.
Advanced Aerodynamics and Cooling
Unlike other C8 Corvettes, the ZR1 sacrifices the front trunk for a flow-through hood, enhancing downforce and directing air through a heat exchanger. Additional cooling features include ducts in the side air intakes for the rear brakes and more engine cooling ducts on the coupe’s rear hatch. While a convertible version is available, the coupe stands out with a modern take on the split rear window, inspired by the Z06 GT3.R race car.
Every Corvette ZR1 comes standard with Magnetic Ride 4.0 dampers supporting 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The track-focused ZTK package includes stiffer springs, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, front dive planes, underbody strakes, a Gurney flap, and a large rear wing, contributing to up to 1200 pounds of downforce at the ZR1’s top speed. Without the aero kit, Chevy estimates a maximum velocity exceeding 215 mph.
Robust Braking System
To handle such high speeds, the ZR1 is equipped with a specialized braking system featuring carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 15.7 inches up front and 15.4 inches in the rear—the largest ever factory-fitted. These brakes, made from a material designed for longevity and heat management, are a step above the Z06’s optional carbon-fiber brakes. The ZR1 also includes a carbon-fiber roof to lower its center of gravity, and optional carbon-fiber wheels reduce unsprung mass by about 40 pounds compared to standard aluminum wheels.
Interior Features
Inside, the ZR1 maintains the familiar Corvette layout, with a driver-focused design and the same digital displays: a 12.0-inch instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Despite the performance upgrades, the rear cargo area retains enough space for two golf bags. Unique interior badges, plaques, and a boost gauge differentiate the ZR1, and the higher-spec 3LZ trim adds distinctive stitching and a Habanero color scheme option with blue stitching.
Production and Pricing
The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 will enter production next year alongside the Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky factory. Pricing details will be released closer to production, but the ZR1 will exceed the hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray, which starts around £81,000. A fully equipped ZR1 with the ZTK package could approach or exceed £153,000.
