Chevrolet has unveiled the 2025 Corvette ZR1, which features the most powerful V8 engine produced by an American automaker.
According to the announcement, the LT7 engine is a 5.5L, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine. This produces 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. GM estimates that the Corvette ZR1 will have a top speed of over 215 mph and a quarter-mile time of under 10 seconds.
To make these numbers possible, the engineers changed and optimized nearly all of the engine systems while building upon the Z06 architecture. The list of changes includes:
- Completely new intake system tuned for twin turbochargers
- Head castings with unique ports and a larger combustion chamber
- 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
- Added block and head machining to support turbo cooling and oiling
- A secondary port fuel injection system added to deliver the needed additional fuel to support the engine's massive output
- Counterweight changes to account for a unique piston, and unique connecting rod for the crank train
Chevrolet also made numerous changes to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to support the increase in power.
Photo credit: Chevrolet
"The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture took on another challenge: take ZR1 to the next level," said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet, in a statement. "Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation.
"From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration -- and challenge the best in the world."
The 2025 ZR1 includes two aero packages -- one standard and one optional -- that deliver over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. This is the most-ever for a Corvette.
The standard package on the ZR1 includes "a sleeker body with lower drag and a small spoiler with customer-adjustable short and tall wickers." The standard package also features a carbon-fiber front splitter, rocker moldings, side intake with integrated brake cooling, and front underwing with stall gurney deflectors.
The standard package has Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Corvette has 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch wheels in the rear.
Photo credit: Chevrolet
The optional package is the ZTK. It includes "an aggressive, high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip." These pieces are all made from woven carbon fiber. Underbody strakes replace the standard front underwing stall Gurney while increasing downforce at the front of the car.
The ZTK package also adds stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
The power is not the only selling point for long-time Corvette enthusiasts. Chevrolet also brought back a feature last seen on the C2 Corvette -- the rear split window. However, there is another reason for this move other than simply looking back on the car brand's history.
According to Chevrolet, the split window is due to a carbon fiber spine between the two rear windows. This spine, available in exposed weave or body color, helps provide increased heat extraction from the engine compartment.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will enter production in 2025. Manufacturing will take place at the GM General Assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Chevrolet will provide pricing and availability information at a later date.