2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brings A 1,064-HP Nuke To A Knife Fight

Say hello to the most powerful Corvette ever: the 2025 Corvette ZR1. As predicted, the ZR1 arrives as either coupe or convertible with the LT6 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8 that powers the Corvette Z06 and two 76mm turbochargers that sound as big on paper as they do in video. This new twin-turbo plant is dubbed LT7 and produces a dizzying 1,064 hp at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm.

It’s a very technical claim, but this makes the LT7 the “most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer.” That means it’s not as powerful as the heavily modified 1,817-hp Fury V8 that Hennessey outsources for the Venom F5, but it does outperform the Dodge Challenger Demon 170, which requires E85 to reach its full 1,025-hp potential.

• 	2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Coupe	2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible
  Base Trim Engine	5.5L Twin-Turbo V8, Gas	5.5L Twin-Turbo V8, Gas
  Base Trim Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
  Base Trim Transmission	8-Speed DCT Automatic	8-Speed DCT Automatic
  Base Trim Horsepower	1,064 hp	1,064 hp
  Base Trim Torque	828 lb-ft	828 lb-ft
  Base Trim Curb Weight	3,670 lbs	3,758 lbs
  0-60 MPH	Unknown	Unknown
  Top Speed	>215 mph	>215 mph

Welcome To The Sub-10-Second Quarter Mile Club

The Corvette ZR1 has long traded on the ability to provide supercar-beating performance in a relatively affordable American package, and the new ZR1 looks no different with a top speed of over 215 mph and a sub-10-second quarter-mile estimate. By contrast, the Z06 tops out at 196 mph and takes 10.6 seconds to cover 1,320 feet from rest, meaning it takes an extra 394 hp to drop into single digits over the quarter mile.

LT7-Specific Engine Upgrades:

• Head castings with unique ports and a larger combustion chamber
• Valve train timing and lift profile optimized for forced induction with higher exhaust temperature-enabling exhaust valves
• Completely new intake system tuned for twin turbochargers
• CNC machined combustion chamber, exhaust, and intake ports specific to the LT7
• Dual, ported shroud, ball bearing, mono-scroll (76 mm) turbochargers integrated with the exhaust manifold to reduce the volume and distance from the exhaust valve to the turbine wheel for quick response with electronic wastegates
• Intelligent anti-lag engine calibration techniques specifically for ZR1 that adapt and react to driving style

A beefier engine needs a sturdier transmission, so Chevy fitted inner and outer input shaft upgrades to the eight-speed dual-clutch ‘box, strengthened the gears themselves, adjusted the final drive, increased bite on the clutches, and improved lateral and longitudinal oil supply management.

Two Variants For Two Personalities

Low-drag and high-downforce variants are offered, with the standard ZR1 featuring a small spoiler with adjustable short and tall wickers and carbon fiber front splitter, rocker molding, side intakes, and front underwing elements. This is complemented by a vented hood that works like an S-duct, entering through the front of the grille and exiting through the hood to increase front axle downforce while cooling radiators and other components. Unique intake ducts feed the turbos, and side intakes help feed the rear brakes. Want something more aggressive?

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ZTK Performance Package For Maximum Downforce

The optional ZTK performance package adds more carbon fiber with a massive high-downforce rear wing, dive planes on the front fascia, and a tall Gurney lip on the hood spoiler. Underbody aero is also important, and the standard underwing stall Gurney deflectors get swapped for unique strakes that add more downforce. In total, the kit produces over 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed. You also get stiffer springs for the standard Magnetic Ride dampers and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber is swapped for Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.

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If you’d rather do without the stickier tires and stiffer springs, all the aero upgrades mentioned here can be added to the regular ZR1. Either way, you get carbon-ceramic brakes with 15.7-inch front (the largest ever fitted to a Corvette) and 15.4-inch rear discs, bringing the car from 80-200-80 mph 22% quicker than its C7 predecessor. Basically, the C8 ZR1’s powertrain and brakes are optimally tuned for the demands of the track.

The Split-Window Design Is Back

The existence of a turbocharger may mark a progressive step forward, but Chevrolet has allowed itself a look back at the past with the resurrection of the iconic split window from the C2-generation Corvette, a design characteristic that only ever appeared on the gorgeous 1963 model. That’s not strictly true, though, as the GT3.R racecar also subtly revived this look, but regardless, it’s made a comeback for 2025. It can be configured either with an exposed carbon fiber spine or as a body-colored element between the two rear windows, doubling as a heat extractor for the raucous engine. Another upgrade is a carbon fiber roof for both coupe and convertible variants, and you can option ZR1-exclusive carbon fiber wheels to reduce unsprung mass.

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Alternatively, you can stick with aluminum wheels, again in a unique design but this time in four finishes, including Edge Blue, which reappears on the engine intake. In the cabin, you get unique sill plates, an interior plaque, and a steering wheel bearing the ZR1 logo. There’s also a new stitch pattern available on the 3LZ trim and the addition of a boost gauge. In terms of colors for the 2025 Corvette, the body can be had in Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple (which actually looks like a dark blue), and Sebring Orange. Inside, Habanero is a new interior option, as is blue stitching. Racing stripe, brake caliper, and seatbelt options will be revealed at a later date. Pricing is yet to be announced, but GM will finalize those details closer to the start of production in 2025.