2025 Corvette ZR1 Convertible Photos, engines & full specs

Chevrolet was reluctant to create open-top versions of the Corvette ZR1, but customers asked for one, so in 2024, the American automaker offered them a cabriolet version of the most powerful Corvette that left GM assembly lines.

The history of the ZR1 started in the early ‘70s when the third generation of the Corvette received this package that included a unique LT-1 engine option, which developed over 400 ponies, although many considered that GM downplayed it. The ZR1, like its ZR2 sibling, was made for racing, so most features and amenities were stripped from them. Furthermore, the open-top version was considered out of the question. However, there were rumors that the automaker still made two convertible versions of it. Fast forward to the ‘90s when the C4 Corvette ZR1 appeared and breached into the supercar territory with its performance. GM didn’t make it as a convertible but as an open-top (Targa-style) vehicle. However, the first true cabriolet version of the ZR1 was introduced in 2018 at the New York International Auto Show. It was a successful vehicle, and the bow-tie brand considered creating a new version of it based on the C8 ‘Vette, which it introduced in the summer of 2024 for the 2025 model year.

The team that developed the high-performance supercar bearing the Corvette nameplate took many already-developed parts from the Z06 version of the supercar. As a result, the bumper at the front looked almost identical, but it had carbon fiber inserts instead of body-colored ones. In addition, the automaker included several heat exchangers behind it, which had to release the hot air from somewhere. As a result, the frunk was deleted, and its lid was cut to create a large vent. In front of it, the automaker added a lip spoiler that added downforce on the car’s nose and also helped to extract the warm air behind it.

Like its coupe sibling, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible carried over some body panels from its stablemates. However, a few details made a difference between it and the rest of the open-top versions of the C8. For instance, the automaker added unique forged alloy wheels for the car. In addition, as an option, Chevrolet offered a set of carbon fiber wheels, which were lighter. Furthermore, the car manufacturer added Y-shaped carbon fiber trims that adorned the doors and the rear quarter panels. These concealed the door handle and integrated an intake that channeled air to cool the rear brakes. To open or close the cabin, the driver had to use the same method as in the rest of the C8 Convertible range. As a result, the car’s roof could disappear in seconds behind the cockpit. At the same time, between the engine and the rear fascia, there was a trunk that could hold a golf bag.

Inside, the automaker filled the cockpit with enough features and amenities for the car’s fans. The center stack housed the HVAC control unit and the infotainment system. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster that housed an LCD for the instrument panel, like the rest of its stablemates. Unlike them, though, Chevrolet added a turbocharger boost gauge. Between the high-bolstered seats, the narrow console housed the regular buttons and controls as on the rest of the Corvette C8 range.

However, the real magic happened under the car’s skin. The 2025 Corvette ZR1 Convertible was developed as a supercar killer. The twin-turbo LT7 behind the cabin was twin-turbocharged and produced 1,064 hp (1,079 PS). It was tuned to the max, and the engineering team that developed it drew their inspiration from the Corvette race cars. Furthermore, they adorned it with blue covers, suggesting a blueprint powerplant, even though it was factory-built. The eight-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission was re-engineered to withstand the massive 828 lb-ft (1,123 Nm) of torque. All that oomph was sent to the rear wheels only.