Chevrolet’s latest Corvette ZR1 is a veritable beast of a sports car, equipped with a purpose-built V8 making 1,080 PS (1,064 hp / 794 kW) and 1,132 Nm (835 lb-ft) of torque without any assistance from electric motors. The production will begin next year, but let’s take a closer look at it now.
Starting with the 5.5-liter engine, it is called the LT7 and is based on the naturally aspirated LT6 block of the Corvette Z06. With a pair of high-end turbos at its disposal, as well as optimized cylinder headers, new shafts, performance intake components and a lower compression ratio, it begins to output supercar levels of power and torque. Chevrolet continues using its standard eight-speed DCT, but adds reinforcements for it to cope with the added torque.
The engineering department reckons that the car will be able to reach 350 km/h (217 mph) in a straight line and run a quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. We are told that the first drivers who tested it at the Nürburgring had no trouble accelerating past 322 km/h (200 mph) on multiple stretches of the track. With a curb weight of 1,665 kilos (3,670 lbs), it’s even relatively lightweight.
A new carbon fiber body kit is arguably the biggest feature making the ZR1 stand out from the crowd. That said, there is also a split window at the back with a carbon fiber trim between the two panes. Chevrolet hasn’t made a Split Window Corvette since the late 1960s, so this actually looks interesting for a change.
All prices are pending, but those looking to drive the new ZR1 on the racetrack may opt for an option package called ZTK. It includes a large rear wing, an upsized front splitter and some drag-reducing front end trims, as well as recalibrated shocks and springs for a stiffer ride. Carbon wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes with 400-mm (15.63-inch) rotors are also on the list.
When it finally goes on sale, the new ZR1 will be available in two flavors – coupe and convertible.