Detroit Unleashes the Ultimate American Supercar
DETROIT – Chevrolet has redefined automotive excellence with the unveiling of the 2025 Corvette ZR1. Heralded as the “King of the Hill,” this iteration sets new benchmarks with its record-breaking power and advanced engineering, firmly positioning itself as a contender against the world’s elite supercars.
The Heart of the Beast: LT7 Engine
The ZR1 boasts a 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, known as the LT7. This powerhouse produces a staggering 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. It’s the most powerful factory Corvette engine ever made and the mightiest V8 ever produced in America by an auto manufacturer. With a GM-estimated top speed of over 215 mph and a quarter-mile time under 10 seconds, the ZR1 is built for unparalleled performance.
Advanced Aerodynamics and Iconic Design
The ZR1’s design merges form with function, featuring a purposeful carbon fiber aero package that generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Notably, it revives the split rear window, an iconic element from Corvette’s history, blending nostalgic design with modern efficiency.
Engineering Marvel: The LT7 Twin-Turbo V8
Building upon the architecture of the Z06’s LT6 engine, the LT7 introduces twin turbochargers, marking a first for a factory Corvette. Engineers optimized every system to handle the increased demands of forced induction, resulting in a meticulously crafted engine. Key features include:
- Unique head castings and larger combustion chambers
- Optimized valve train timing and lift profiles
- A new intake system tuned for twin turbochargers
- CNC machined combustion chamber and ports
- Dual, ported shroud, ball-bearing turbochargers with electronic wastegates
Enhanced Transmission and Drivetrain
The Corvette ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded to support the LT7’s immense power. Enhancements include stronger input shafts, increased gear capacity, and improved oil management, ensuring seamless performance.
Aerodynamics and Handling Precision
Purposeful aerodynamics play a crucial role, providing the ZR1 with the most downforce ever achieved by a Corvette. Two setups are available: a standard chassis for a balance of comfort and capability, and an optional ZTK performance package that transforms the ZR1 into a track-dominating machine with additional aero elements and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Cutting-Edge Braking System
A new brake system, featuring carbon ceramic rotors with advanced manufacturing technology, ensures superior durability and reduced temperatures. The front rotors, the largest ever on a Corvette, measure 15.7 inches in diameter, enabling the ZR1 to achieve remarkable deceleration.
A Nod to History: Split Rear Window
The return of the split rear window is more than a design statement; it enhances functionality by improving heat extraction from the engine compartment. This element, last seen on the C2-generation Corvette, adds to the ZR1’s unique aesthetic and performance.
Customization and Interior Upgrades
The ZR1 offers extensive customization options, including new exterior colors like Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange. Inside, a new Habanero interior and Blue Stitch option are available, along with a range of racing stripes and brake caliper colors.
Production and Availability
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 will be produced at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, joining the Corvette Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray models. Production details and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
Performance Highlights
- Faster peak speed than the production C7 ZR1 on its first lap at Milford Proving Ground
- Sub-10-second quarter-mile time on the first launch
- Over 200 mph peak speed on initial Nürburgring laps
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a testament to American engineering and innovation, setting a new standard for supercar performance and design.
ENGINE SPECS
| Type: | LT7 Twin-Turbocharged 5.5L DOHC VVT DI |
| Bore & stroke (in. / mm): | 4.104 x 3.150 / 104.25 x 80 |
| Block Material: | A319 cast aluminum with cast-in iron cylinder liners and four-bolt main bearing caps |
| Oiling System: | Seven-stage dry sump (8-qt. capacity) with oil-spray piston cooling |
| Oil Type: | Dexos R 5W50 synthetic |
| Cylinder Head Material: | A356 T6 cast aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber Volume: | 59.92cc |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Valvetrain: | Dual overhead camshafts (four valves per cylinder) with mechanical finger-follower valvetrain and dual-coil valve springs; dual-independent camshaft phasing |
| Valve Size (in. / mm): | 1.77 / 45 titanium (intake) & 1.37 / 35 sodium filled Nimonic (exhaust) |
| Fuel Delivery: | PDI (DI – Max pressure: 5,076 psi (35 Mpa / 350 bar) & Port Fuel Injection) |
| Firing Order: | 1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2 |
| Throttle Body: | Twin 65mm single bore (electronic) |
| Charging: | Twin 76 mono-scroll ported shroud ball bearing turbos (67mm MAR compressor), E-Waste gates |
| Charge Cooling: | Dual engine-mounted water to air charge coolers |
| ECU: | GM E68 (32-bit processing) |
| Horsepower (hp / kW): | 1,064 / 873 @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): | 828 / 1123 @ 6,000 rpm |
TRANSMISSION & AXLE
| Type: | M1K 8-speed dual clutch (DCT) |
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
| Front Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers; Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0. Specific calibration with available ZTK package. Adjustable front lift with memory is available |
| Rear Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers; Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0. Specific calibration with available ZTK package |
| Steering Type: | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops |
| Steering ratio: | 15.7:1 |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m): | 38 / 11.1 |
| Brake Type: | Front and rear eBoost-assisted carbon ceramic discs with six-piston/monobloc front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers |
| Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm): | Front: 15.7 x 1.5 / 400 x 38 Rear: 15.4 x 1.3 / 390 x 34 |
| Wheel Size: | Front: 20-inch x 10-inch (w/5 x 120mm bolt pattern) Rear: 21-inch x 13-inch (w/5 x 130mm bolt pattern) |
| Tire Size: | Front: 275/30ZR20 Rear: 345/25ZR21 |
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase (in. / mm): | 107 / 2723 |
| Overall Length (in. / mm): | 185.9 / 4722 |
| Overall Width without mirrors (in. / mm): | 79.7 / 2025 |
| Overall Height (in. / mm): | 48.6 / 1234 |
| Track (in. / mm): | Front: 66.3 / 1685 Rear: 66.1 / 1678 |
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Headroom (in. / mm): | 37.9 / 963 |
| Legroom (in. / mm): | 42.8 / 1087 |
| Shoulder Room (in. / mm): | 54.4 / 1382 |
| Hip Room (in. / mm): | 52 / 1321 |
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
| Dry Weight (lb. / kg): | 3670 / 1665 (coupe) 3758 / 1705 (convertible) |
| Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L)1: | 9.1 / 258 |
1Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)
| 18.5 gal. / 70 liters |
