Unveiled back in 2021, the Z06 pushed the C8 to truly unexplored territory. It didn’t just match the performance of its European rivals at a lower price point; thanks to its naturally aspirated high-revving LT6 V8, it set itself apart by offering a powertrain experience that’s quickly becoming a rarity. However, with the arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the American carmaker advanced the C8 platform to deliver performance levels previously reserved for hypercars.
Its stats certainly support this. Utilizing the Z06’s LT6 as its base, the ZR1 adds two turbochargers to the most powerful production V8 engine ever (670 HP), creating the LT7. Introducing forced induction has required some serious upgrades, including updated head castings, valve train optimizations, a new intake system, and a CNC-machined combustion chamber. Additional improvements, such as block and head machining to ensure proper cooling and oiling, will help support the LT7’s added performance.
The result is a staggering output of 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet torque. For context, that’s 309-hp more than the previous C7 ZR1 and 48 more than a Ferrari SF90. While its 0-60 time has yet to be announced, GM claims the ZR1 will max out at speeds of over 215 mph while running a sub-ten-second quarter-mile time. These figures are particularly impressive when you learn that despite its massive output, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sends power exclusively to its rear wheels.
However, not every version of the ZR1 will be able to achieve these stats. As with the Z06, GM plans to offer its new range-topper in high- and low-downforce configurations. The latter comes standard, which, coupled with softer suspension, prioritizes on-road comfort. Still, it comes standard with 20 and 21-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and carbon fiber aero elements. Its rear wickers, which peek out from the corners of its rear decklid, are manually adjustable to add or reduce drag.
Regardless of its configuration, however, all ZR1s have a new flow-through hood that allows air from the front grille to flow up and out over the car. This effect increases downforce while cooling the air as it passes through. These pair with updated air ducts positioned just behind the doors and new inlets embedded in the rear hatch. A carbon roof comes standard for all trims. Setting performance aside momentarily, the ZR1 reincorporates the split-window design last seen in the road-going C2. However, they’re now separated by a carbon fiber heat extractor, making its integration mainly functional.
For those looking for the most track-oriented version of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a new optional ZTK package will be necessary. Seen in the Competition Yellow car photographed above adds an upsized rear wing, front dive planes, and a Gurney lip on the front hood, all made of carbon fiber. Alongside stiffer springs, the ZTK-equipped ZR1 also wears track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2-R rubber. As with the Z06 and the E-Ray, the ZR1 comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes, with 15.7-in rotors up front and 15.4-in rotors out back.
Chevy unveiled both coupe and convertible variants of the ZR1 simultaneously. The former sports a dry weight of 3,670 lb, and the latter a 3,758 lb figure. Opting for the one with the folding roof results in a weight delta of just 88 pounds.
Inside, the ZR1’s updates are far subtler. The most significant changes are new badging, unique stitch patterns, and an interior plaque, while a boost gauge joins the cabin for the first time. Following the trend set by the Z06, GM continues expanding its customization options, including adding a new Habanero interior finish and a separate blue stitching option, joining the C8’s increasingly lengthy list of extras.
As mentioned above, there’s still plenty we don’t know about the new ZR1, including its 0-60 time and, crucially, its cost. For context, the 2024 Z06 starts at $112,700, while a 2024 E-Ray costs $104,900.
