Significant features
– The Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1 will enter production in 2025, but there are no current plans to offer the model in Australia.
– Gone is the previous ZR1’s ‘LT5’ 6.2-litre supercharged V8, in its place is the Z06’s 5.5-litre V8 fitted with two turbochargers. The engine is known as the LT7 and has dual overhead camshafts and a flat-plane crank design.
– Upgrades to the ZR1’s new ‘LT7’ engine over the Z06’s ‘LT6’ unit include a revised intake, tweaked valve lift profile, upgraded oil systems, strengthened gears and clutch, and an anti-lag system said to adapt to the driver’s style.
– There is also additional block and head machining to support turbo cooling and oiling, changes to the engine’s counterweights, and a secondary port fuel injection system.
– US models develop 793kW at 7000rpm – or 1064 horsepower – with a torque rating of 1123Nm at 6000rpm, all sent to the rear wheels through a strengthened eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
– Top speed of more than 346km/h and a theoretical sub-10-second quarter mile time.
– C8 ZR1 weight is 1665kg in coupe guise and 1705kg as a convertible.
– New carbon-ceramic brake discs are fitted, which measure 400mm up front and 390mm at the rear. These are clamped by six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers.
– As with the Z06, optional on the ZR1 are 20-inch front and 21-inch rear carbon-fibre wheels, expected to be produced by Carbon Revolution in Victoria.
– The front storage area is deleted – and a new front bonnet fitted, with vents allowing air to pass through from the main front intakes – as well as a carbon-fibre roof fitted.
– Additional air intakes behind the main side ducts cool the rear brakes, while vents on top of the rear wheel arches are said to lower turbo compressor inlet air temperatures.
– There are new exterior and interior colours specific to the ZR1. Other interior differences include a plaque on the console, unique front door stitching, and a boost gauge.
– The car revives the iconic ‘split window’ look from the 1963 C2 Corvette, with two narrow panes of glass split by a bank of vents to provide extra cooling to the engine.
– Tick the box for the ZTK option package, and the ZR1 gains an even larger rear wing than top-of-the-range Z06s, an aggressive front splitter, and an additional lip on the bonnet vent – all made from carbon-fibre. It also fits stiffer springs for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension – also available on regular ZR1s, which are fitted with smaller carbon-fibre aero parts – and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres replacing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.
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