Corvette ZR1 (C8)

 

The ZR1 has returned as the top-of-the-line, best-performing Corvette model. The latest ZR1 was added to the Corvette C8 range for the 2025 model year and is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo LT7 V8 producing 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.2-2.5 seconds and can accomplish a top speed of 233 mph. Exterior styling cues that distinguish all versions of the ZR1 from lesser C8 Corvettes include a massive air intake on the hood that Chevy refers to as the flow-through hood and side air inlets. While the example featured here is of the roadster, C8 ZR1 Corvette Coupes feature air intakes above the rear fenders next to the engine bay along with a split rear window that pays homage to the 1963 Corvette Stingray. A popular option available on the new Corvette ZR1 is the Carbon Fiber Aero Package, which adds more visible carbon fiber trim inside and out, a giant rear wing, dive planes, underbody strakes, and a tall hood spoiler. These add-ons from the Carbon Fiber Aero Package work together to generate over 1,200 pounds of downforce. Also available on the new ZR1 is the ZTK Performance Package, which adds upgraded brakes and tires along with a suspension tune. Inside, the ZR1's cabin is similar to those of other versions of the C8 Corvette. Most notably, a three-screen display is standard, consisting of a 12.7-inch center screen, a 14-inch driver info and instrument display, and a 6.6-inch configurable display located to the left of the steering wheel, and the center-console wall of buttons from earlier C8 Corvette models has been relocated to below the center touchscreen display. 

Pricing for the new Corvette ZR1 starts in the low $180,000s and can climb up to around $230,000 depending on the body style, specific trim level, options, and dealer markup. Also new to the Corvette ZR1 is an even more powerful and insane version known as the ZR1X, which increases its total output to 1,250 horsepower thanks to an electric motor driving the front wheels. In addition, the newest flagship Corvette currently holds the lap record for the fastest American car around the famed Nurburgring with a time of 6:50.763. More recently, Chevy unveiled the Stars and Steel limited edition of the ZR1 and select other models to honor the U.S.' 250th birthday. The Corvette C8 ZR1 has been one of the top cars I have been wanting to see in person for a while, and I finally had the chance to do so after finding out through a random search that one of my local Chevy dealers had one in stock. More specifically, it was a yellow roadster in a 3LZ trim with the Carbon Fiber Aero Package. It may not be an ideal-spec ZR1 for me due to the paint color, but I am grateful to have now seen a new C8 Corvette ZR1 up close and taken advantage of this opportunity before the dealer potentially sells it. The new ZR1 is also one of the rarest hot commodities among Corvettes right now, making this showroom visit and photoshoot absolutely worth it. Overall, the new ZR1 is certainly one of the coolest, most insane, and most amazing Corvettes and American cars ever built, and I hope to see more examples of it in person as soon as next year. 

Vehicle Specification Sources: Car and Driver, Chevrolet 

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