The most powerful regular-production vehicle from a US automaker is listed by Chevrolet as coming sometime in 2025. As for precisely when, only the Detroit-based colossus actually knows.
GM Authority heard from sources familiar with the matter that ordering for the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be go in February of next year. If said information turns out to be on point, fingers crossed that quality issues won't force GM to delay the start of production.
Many things could go wrong from now to February 2025, especially if you remember the monster of an engine hiding under the hood of the fifth ZR1 since the C3-generation model. Closer to the opening of the order books, General Motors will also reveal the starting price of the 1,064-horsepower midship that puts bona fide hypercars to shame with its lack of electrification and 233-mph top speed.
Revealed with much pomp on July 26, the newest iteration of the appropriately nicknamed King of the Hill features the largest snails ever fitted to a passenger vehicle. Supplied by the folks at BorgWarner, the no-nonsense turbos incorporate 76-mm compressor wheels and 67-mm turbine wheels. They're mono-scroll turbos with equal-length runners for the integrated exhaust manifold.
Based on the Y2 platform of every other C8-generation Corvette, this fellow is equipped with the largest front brake rotors ever fitted to a road-going 'Vette from the factory. The fronts measure 15.7 inches or 400 millimeters in metric talk, with the rear brake rotors coming in at 15.4 inches or 390 millimeters.
Photo: Chevrolet
Derived from the naturally aspirated LT6 flat-plane V8 of the Z06, the ZR1-specific LT7 needs 7,000 revolutions per minute to generate maximum power. Peak torque, on the other hand, is available at 6,000 revolutions per minute. GM's Chevrolet brand quotes a heavy-duty turbo diesel truck-shaming 828 pound-feet (1,123 Nm) of tire-shredding torque.
Rear drive only, the ZR1 is surely going to cost a bit more than its predecessor. The C7 was a one-year offering for model year 2019, with Chevrolet asking $118,900 plus $1,095 destination charge for the 1ZR Coupe. In stark contrast to its front-engined forerunner, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be offered in two well-equipped grades instead of three.
1LZ is the gateway trim, yet it's not spartan. Highlights include carbon-fiber goodies, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, eight-way power GT1 or Competition Sport seats, and the Coupe Engine Appearance Package. Upgrading to the 3LZ gets you 14 speakers from the Bose Performance Series, heated and ventilated GT2 or Competition Sport seats with Nappa leather and more adjustability, carbon-fiber trim for the steering wheel, carbon-fiber shift paddles, more leather throughout the cabin, and sueded microfiber.
Speaking to GM Authority, the Golden Bowtie's Corvette and Camaro product marketing manager let it slip that ZR1 production will be somewhat limited. "It will be limited by the components and the supply that we have," said Harlan Charles, who started his GM career in 1988 as a concepts engineer.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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