The new C8 Corvette ZR1 has shattered the 1,000-horsepower barrier, boasting a claimed sub-10-second quarter-mile and a top speed exceeding 215 mph. The new “King of the Hill,” is powered by a flame-shooting, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, delivers an astounding 1,064 horsepower — a 309-horsepower leap over its C7 predecessor.

C8 Corvette ZR1

In the five years since the previous ZR1 debuted, the world has changed. Today’s most powerful cars run on batteries, and Corvette engines now live behind the driver. Yet, the ZR1 remains a supercar with old-school roots and is expected to cost at least $100,000 less than its European competitors.

Small-Block Chevy On Steroids

The heart of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is the new LT7 engine, a motherload of engineering prowess that combines displacement, revs, and turbo boost. Featuring eight forged pistons spinning around a flat-plane crankshaft, this is a high-winding powerhouse. The LT7’s 5.5 liters of displacement is on the larger side for a flat-plane-crank V8, and it achieves a peak torque of 828 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm and a maximum horsepower output of 1,064 at 7,000 rpm. The engine’s redline is an impressive 8,000 rpm, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) transfers all this grunt to the rear wheels. 

The LT7 engine is not just a boosted version of the Z06’s LT6 engine. It was developed in tandem with the LT6, sharing a block casting but featuring unique internals, cams, and cylinder heads. Additional cooling measures, and an extra oil scavenge stage, further distinguish the LT7.

King Of The Hill

The C8 Corvette ZR1 is designed to outperform both its predecessors and competitors. With a stunning 394-horsepower advantage over the naturally aspirated 670-horsepower C8 Z06, it will leave its baby brother in the dust on a racetrack. The ZR1 team benchmarked the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the Ferrari SF90 but aimed to create a car with more versatility on the road.

Every 2025 Corvette ZR1 comes from Bowling Green with Magnetic Ride 4.0 dampers that suspend a staggered set of wheels, 20-inch in front and 21-inch in the rear, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Stiffer springs and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are included with the track-focused ZTK package.

Road Hugging Aero

Ticking the ZTK box when you order adds front dive planes, underbody strakes for increased front downforce, a tall Gurney flap on the hood, and a gigantic rear wing. These aero add-ons are available separately from the ZTK setup as part of the Carbon Aero package, as well.

Chevy says these aero bits provide up to 1,200 pounds of downforce at the ZR1’s estimated top speed of over 200 mph; without the aero, Chevy estimates the ZR1’s top-end velocity can reach the aforementioned 215 mph mark.

1963 C2 Redux

The ZR1 also revives an iconic Corvette design piece: A split rear window. Available on the ZR1 coupe, it’s a feature not seen since 1963. It’s not all for show, either, as Chevy says it’s designed for maximum heat extraction.

The ZR1 sacrifices frunk storage space for engine cooling, and new ducts channel air to the rear brakes. ZR1’s performance is expected to be exceptional.

Deliveries of the new Corvette ZR1, available in coupe or convertible, are set to begin in mid-2025. Chevy has revealed the car early to allow for final testing without camouflage, ensuring that the ZR1 meets its performance and cooling targets.

Big Bank Account Needed

While the exact price is yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest a starting price of around $150,000, rising to $200,000 with all the trimmings. Even at these stratospheric prices, it will still be a bargain for a car with such impressive credentials.

Sadly, the ZR1 is the last hurrah for Tadge Juechter as he sails off into retirement. New Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder will undoubtedly have big shoes to fill.