The King of the Hill Corvette ZR1 will be returning to Chevrolet dealerships in 2025, and it will be the fastest, most powerful Corvette ever! This C8 Corvette is so much more than expected, we now understand why GM used the term “unthinkable” in all the teasers leading up to the reveal.

The new 2025 Corvette ZR1 is powered by a 5.5L twin-turbo DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine called the LT7. It’s the most powerful V8 engine ever produced in America with 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,00 RPM per SAE guidelines.
GM test drivers easily surpassed 200 MPH in testing on the Nürburgring, and it clocked a faster time around the Milford Proving Ground’s MRC test track than the C7 ZR1. With a new redline set at 8,000 RPM, the new ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 215 MPH and it’s estimated to have a sub-10 second 0-60 MPH launch time.

The Corvette ZR1’s engine is much more than simply an LT6 with twin turbos.
As the LT6 was being developed, Chevy’s small block engineers created a dual path in development with the goal to “create massive power, capability, and character from naturally aspirated and turbocharged flat-plane crank engines.
For the LT7, engineers changed and optimized virtually every system for the twin-turbo engine to provide the power and reliability that owners expect from a supercar.

The twin turbochargers on the ZR1 are massive at 76 mm and, according to Chevy engineers, they were integrated into the exhaust manifold to reduce the volume and distance from the exhaust valve to the turbine wheel. Engineers also worked on what they call “intelligent anti-lag engine calibrations” specifically designed for the ZR1 which adapts and reacts to your driving style.

GM also needed to make numerous changes to the ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to handle the dramatic increase in power, that includes better oil management and increased control valves to accommodate the higher required clutch clamp load for the LT7.

We’ve all been amazed by the ZR1’s large wing, which has been seen on the ZR1 pre-production prototypes. There are two chassis designs for the new ZR1 that include the base ZR1 and the ZTK Performance Package.

Standard Chassis:

Offers a sleeker body with lower drag and a small spoiler for customer-adjustable short and tall wickers. Essentially, the same set-up as we’ve seen on the base Z06. It also includes a standard carbon fiber front splitter, side rockers, and a new side intake design which sends air to the rear brakes, and it features a front underwing with stall gurney deflectors. The base ZR1 offers Micheline Pilot Sport 4S Tires in a staggered 20/21-inch set up.

ZTK Performance Package:

Like it’s C7 predecessor, the 2025 Corvette ZR1’s optional ZTK Performance Package unlocks the car to create a true track weapon with over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. The ZTK adds the ‘Really High Wing’ as well as front dive planes, and a tall-hood Gurney lip created from woven carbon fiber. Underbody strakes replace the standard underwing stall Gurney to increase downforce.
The ZTK has its own suspension with stiffer springs and buyers will get the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.

The Carbon Aero package, featuring all the aero bits from the ZTK package are available on the standard chassis as well.

To ensure that the ZR1 is ready for the world’s toughest tracks, engineers added even more cooling improvements that includes a flow-through hood with air entering the front grille and passing through a radiator before exiting the hood to increase front downforce and to cool charged air temperatures. There is also a new side intake profile with a new opening to directly cool the rear brakes.
For the Coupe, there are two new fresh air intake ducts inn the top of the Coupe’s rear hatch to provide cooler air for the turbo compressor inlet air temperatures.

“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.”

As for stopping power, the Corvette ZR1 will employ the largest carbon ceramic brakes ever equipped on a Corvette, with the front rotors measuring 15.7 inches (400mm) and rears are 15.4 inches (390mm). In the press release, GM says that the Corvette ZR1 goes from 80-200 MPH and back to 80 MPH in just 24.5 seconds. That’s 22% quicker than the C7 Corvette ZR1 and 53% quicker than the C8 Corvette ZR1!

The Return of the Split Window

As the ZR1 prototypes were testing in Colorado last year, we made the comment about their rear engine camouflage appearing to show a split window design, and that turned out to be the correct assessment. We can imagine the discussions that went on about bringing back the iconic design element that only appeared on the 1963 Corvette. But that is exactly what we go, albeit in a more modern design.

This new split window ZR1 features a carbon fiber spine between the two rear windows, and it's available either in body color or visible carbon fiber. It’s very functional unlike the original with vents that provide increased heat extraction from the engine compartment.

“We didn’t approach this decision lightly, we know this is a beloved element from Corvette’s history,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Chevrolet. “Not only does this element provide function, but we were able to integrate passionate design into the form and do it in a way that paid homage to Corvette’s history. ZR1 felt like the right time to bring the split-window back.”

Additional Corvette ZR1 design changes include:

• A carbon fiber roof to reduce mass and lower the center of gravity for both coupe and convertible.
• Unique aluminum wheel design available in four finishes, including Edge Blue, an homage to ZR1’s signature color cue.
• Optional new carbon-fiber wheel design, exclusive to ZR1, to further reduce mass.
• LT7 engine intake finished in Edge Blue, delivering an engine that looks as good as it performs.

Inside the cockpit of the ZR1 are several ZR1 badges found on the steering wheel, plaque, and sill plates.
A boost gauge has also been added to the first factory turbocharged Corvette.

Three new colors for the 2025 model year, & Chevy was gracious to share the first photos of the Corvette ZR1 Coupe & Convertible wearing the new exteriors of Competition Yellow and Hysteria Purple Metallic. In addition, there is a new Habanero (orange) interior, as well as a Blue Stitch option.
Exclusives to the ZR1 will include Blue brake calipers, seat belt colors, and expect even more surprises.