2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: The greatest car ever?

One thousand sixty-four horsepower. Remember this number. This is the result of the 2025 Corvette ZR1.

The ZR1 badge has been preserved for the most powerful Corvettes ever since the original 1990 version rolled off the brand’s assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

At the time, the ZR1’s custom 5.7-liter DOHC V-8 engine produced 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque.

By the time the third-generation ZR1 arrived in 2019, output had risen to 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque.

The latest ZR1 is by far the best ever. While the previous engine was supercharged (belt-driven compressor), the new one is twin-turbocharged (exhaust-driven compressors). The 5.5-liter V-8 engine located behind the cabin is a detuned version of the Z06 Corvette’s engine, making 670 horsepower without a turbocharger.

The ZR1 will be available in convertible and coupe body styles. The latter features a carbon fiber roof and split rear window, paying homage to the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, which had a similar split window.

The ZR1 engine received several upgrades, including unique pistons and connecting rods, larger combustion chambers, and a special fuel injection system.

The twin-turbocharged V-8 engine—the first such powerplant installed in any Corvette—is the most powerful engine ever built by the automaker in North America, Chevrolet said. The ZR1 also claims a top speed of over 200 mph and the ability to cover the quarter mile in under 10 seconds.

Note that there is no electric power assist like there is in the Corvette E-Ray Hybrid. The ZR-1 has an internal combustion engine, but why turbochargers? They are easier to package than a supercharger, their weight can be reduced, and they have no parasitic power loss. This means more power for the same boost level. The fact that the ZR1 can make 1,064 horsepower on gasoline rather than race gas or E85 is astounding.

Compare that to the 740-horsepower McLaren 750S and the 819-horsepower Ferrari 296 GTB, both of which cost around $400,000. But we all know that power is just one number, and the rest of the ZR1 needs to perform, too.

Power is sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters in automatic mode. Other Corvette models have this, but the hand-built ZR1 version has been beefed up to handle the engine’s 828 lb-ft of torque.

Braking is the job of special carbon ceramic rotors designed to keep component temperatures under control. Chevrolet says they play a role in the ZR1’s ability to accelerate from 130 km/h to 200 mph and back to 130 in 24.5 seconds. There’s honestly no standard or benchmark for this, but it seems fast. As expected, the ZR1 has a continuously variable suspension.

The ZR1 body has special features and features. One of the most unique is the additional air duct in the side air intakes located behind the doors. They direct air to the rear brakes for cooling.

The available ZTK Performance Package includes a carbon fiber front spoiler (splitter) and a massive, curved rear wing. Combined, they create up to 1,200 lb (545 kg) of downforce, which will improve the ZR1’s cornering speed on the race track. Additional equipment on the ZTK includes stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires designed for better road grip. Carbon fiber wheels are optional and weigh about 20 kilograms less than a set of four aluminum wheels.

Chevrolet tested the ZR1’s capabilities at a variety of race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway and the demanding 13-mile Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

The interior is very similar to any other Corvette, but with premium trim and ZR1 graphics.

A starting price for the Corvette ZR1 has not been announced, but given the Z06 tamer’s entry fee of $159,500, the most likely price will be in the $250,000 range, depending on content. Production will begin next year.

It’s not exactly a small thing, but the ZR1 and its exotic-car performance will exist in the company of cars that cost significantly more. In this regard, it should be considered a transaction.

Let’s start comparisons with Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren.