The upcoming Corvette C8 ZR1 is currently being tested at the Nürburgring in Germany. This next version of the C8 will take its performance to another level, as it has previously done with the C6 and C8 generations. The ZR1 version has always represented the most powerful and fastest version in the Corvette lineup, although, for the C8, we expect it will be topped by the highly anticipated “Zora” variant. The power output for the C8 ZR1 is expected to top 800 HP, but the method of achieving this is currently open to conjecture.
The long-held belief is that the C8 ZR1 will use the same basic flat plane crank engine as the Z06, but with the addition of twin turbos. This would be in line with the previous two generations which have both utilised forced induction engines. Both these previous ZR1s have been fitted with superchargers, rather than turbochargers, but the expectation this time is that twin turbochargers will be used. We do know that the engine fitted to the ZR1 will be known as the LT7 DOHC.
The ZR1s, now running the minimal camo, feature the widebody design as per the Z06. Immediately obvious on the test cars is a ZR1 specific, enormous rear wing, which may feature active aero. There was also a car with a Z06 rear wing, which reflects two different performance levels. The big wing would reflect the ZTK Track Performance Package as per the C7 ZR1. Also new to the car is an air extractor on the front hood in order to draw more air through the front cooling radiator. Air scoops also feature on the top of the rear fenders which could be positioned to pass air over the turbochargers. There are also secondary air intakes on the sides of the large primary side intakes for even more cooling performance.
The other line of thought sees the ZR1 fitted with the Z06 engine without turbos, but with the addition of electric drive to the front wheels as per the C8 E-Ray. The early speculation was along these lines, but the current thinking is more aligned to the twin turbo configuration. This is reinforced by the cars being tested at the Nürburgring devoid of the decals required on hybrid cars with batteries. Emergency crews need to identify cars with battery power so they can employ the correct incident procedures in case of an accident. While the E-Rays were fitted with these decals at the Nurburgring, they do not appear on the ZR1s currently being tested.
The ZR1 is expected to be a 2025 model year car, meaning it should be released in about one year’s time in 2024. US journalists are tipping its price will start at around US$150k, but add a lot more if you tick all the options. As for the potential price in Australia, you would have to expect the car will be around the A$500k price – on road. This would be a big ask here and I expect the number built in RHD for Australia will be very limited. Release of the ZR1 in Australia may depend on the sales success of the Z06.
3 Responses
I’m more interested in seeing an Australian team run a Corvette GT3 at the Bathurst 12 hour
Never really been a fan of Corvette being at tje “Ring”. It is incredibly dangerous not to mention using non-professional drivers defeats the P.R. purpose of being there in the first place. My guess is, it serves as an internal yardstick indicating model-change improvements.
My heart sweats of passion knowingly the far reach this American motor car has instore for the world and that tampering with all its physical unique in one vehicle is absolutely astounding.