Chevy unveils the 1,064bhp Corvette ZR1, the most powerful factory Corvette ever, boasting the highest-output American production V8 in history.
Introducing the New Corvette ZR1: A 1,064bhp Twin-Turbo Beast
Chevrolet’s mission to “take the ZR1 to the next level” has resulted in something extraordinary—the most powerful Corvette ever built, featuring the most potent American production V8 in history. The 1,064bhp Corvette ZR1 has dethroned the Dodge Demon’s 1,025bhp record with its twin-turbocharged fury.
While the ZR1 retains the ‘Small Block Gemini’ engine architecture of the Z06’s LT6, it has been significantly upgraded to create the new ‘LT7’ engine. This 5.5-liter V8 with a flat-plane crank boasts new head castings, unique ports, a larger combustion chamber, optimized valve timing, and a new intake system. It also features a pair of 76mm mono-scroll turbochargers integrated into the exhaust, ensuring rapid and aggressive air intake.
Chevy has reinforced the entire engine to handle the immense power, which peaks at 7,000rpm, delivering 828lb ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. The ZR1 has already recorded a sub-10 second quarter mile, a top speed of 200mph at the Nürburgring, and an impressive 215mph maximum speed.
Built for more than just straight-line speed, the ZR1 is designed for cornering prowess as well, with 1,200lbs of downforce at top speed. It features aerodynamic enhancements like a new front grille, carbon fiber air ducts, splitters, and an imposing rear wing. For those seeking even more track capability, the optional ‘ZTK’ track pack adds a high-downforce rear wing, dive planes, a Gurney lip on the hood, and underbody strakes, along with stiffer springs and special Michelin PS Cup 2-R tires.
Stopping power is equally impressive, with 400mm front and 390mm rear carbon ceramic discs—the largest ever fitted to a Corvette—allowing the ZR1 to decelerate from 200mph to 80mph and back to 200mph in just 24.5 seconds, 22% faster than the C7 ZR1.
The new ZR1 also features a split window, a carbon fiber roof, ZR1 badging, and a new boost gauge, all contributing to its distinct character. As chief engineer Tadge Juechter stated, “We knew we had something special with this Corvette.” Expect the ZR1 to arrive in 2025, ready to conquer roads and tracks in this galaxy.
