The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is a 1,064-horsepower supercar with a top speed of more than 215 mph

The Bugatti Veyron made its debut nearly 20 years ago with a W16 engine that produced 987 hp (736 kW / 1,001 PS). This was an incredible number for a comfortable production car, but it has now been surpassed by the Corvette.

We’re talking about the all-new ZR1, which exceeds expectations with its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine that produces an astonishing 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque.

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Those are supercar numbers, putting the ZR1 on par with the Ferrari 296 GTB, 12Cilindri and SF90 Stradale. It’s also more powerful than the Lamborghini Revuelto, McLaren 750S, Pagani Huayra and Mercedes-AMG One. That’s not surprising, since Chevrolet points out that the car has the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker.

The engine is called the LT7, and it shares a lot in common with the LT6 found in the Corvette Z06. However, it has been extensively upgraded to accommodate new turbochargers and increased performance.

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Highlights include larger combustion chambers and new head castings with unique ports. Valve timing and lift curves have also been optimized for forced induction, along with a new intake system and “intelligent anti-lag engine calibration technology.” The engine also features unique pistons and connecting rods and a secondary fuel injection system.

The powertrain improvements aren’t limited to the engine bay, either. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has also been thoroughly revised. It features wider tooth profiles, stronger shafts, and improved lubrication. Additionally, modifications have been made to “handle the LT7’s massive torque.”

Thanks to these improvements, Corvette executive chief engineer Tadge Juechter told us the ZR1 “can tow like a freight train.” While Chevrolet isn’t ready to release exact numbers, officials said the car should be able to “easily” reach a top speed of more than 215 mph (346 kph). They also said the top speed will likely be well above that number and confirmed the model won’t be electronically limited.

Continuing with the performance theme, four test drivers hit 200 mph (322 km/h) on the Nürburgring during their first drive of the car. On the drag strip, the ZR1 should be able to run the quarter mile in 9.7 seconds at 150 mph (241 km/h). If that estimate is true, the Corvette would be slower than the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which did the same thing in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph (243 km/h).

While the Demon is a three-quarter-mile beast, that result is a bit surprising considering the ZR1 is significantly lighter. Specifically, the coupe has a dry weight of 3,670 pounds (1,665 kilograms), while the convertible weighs 3,758 pounds (1,705 kilograms).

Regardless, when it comes time to stop, owners will be thankful for the unique carbon-ceramic brake system, which features 15.7-inch (400 mm) front discs and 15.4-inch (390 mm) rear discs. They enable the ZR1 to accelerate from 80-200-80 mph (129-322-129 km/h) in just 24.5 seconds, 22 percent faster than the C7 Corvette ZR1 and 53 percent faster than the C6 Corvette ZR1.

Sporty and functional design

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Despite having 404 hp (301 kW / 410 PS) more power than the Ford GT, the Corvette ZR1’s performance is surprisingly restrained. There are signs, though, that this is no ordinary car.

The most obvious design is the flow-through hood, which draws air in through the front grille, through the intercooler, and out the hood to aid cooling while also increasing front downforce.

Buyers will also find a carbon fiber roof and a small spoiler with adjustable blades. They are joined by 20-inch and 21-inch carbon fiber or aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The model also features various other carbon fiber parts, including the front splitter, rocker moldings, side air intakes and front lower wing. Other highlights include brake cooling ducts and 15 heat exchangers.

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The ZR1 will be available in coupe and convertible body styles, but only the former will have a split rear window. The Z06 GT3.R race car, now returning as a road-going model for the first time in decades.

This is no old-school retro styling, however, as the windows consist of two panels separated by a carbon-fiber “spine.” The latter houses functional vents to improve cooling from the engine bay.

The optional ZTK performance package promises to turn the ZR1 into a “true track weapon,” and it certainly looks like one, thanks to a massive rear wing, front dive wings, and a Gurney lip mounted on the hood. The changes continue underneath the car, as the front lower wing is replaced by underbody slats to increase downforce. In addition to the aerodynamic styling tweaks, the package also includes stiffer springs, revised shock absorbers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.

If the latter doesn’t appeal to you, the Carbon Aero package might be just the ticket. It includes all the aerodynamic styling changes in the ZTK performance package, but nothing else. They enable the car to generate more than 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of downforce at top speed.

Speaking of speed, that’s the difference between the standard and ZTK. As designers and engineers explained at a media briefing last month, the standard ZR1 is the “top speed king” with its sleeker styling and lower drag. The ZTK is the “track king” that sticks to the road.

Familiar interior with some special touches

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If you’ve ever been in a C8 Corvette, you’ll recognize the interior immediately, as not much has changed. However, buyers will find ZR1 badges on the steering wheel, door sills, and interior trim. In addition to this, the 3LZ model also features a boost gauge and unique door panel stitching.

We’ll hopefully learn full equipment details closer to launch, but the model should come with the familiar 12-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Google built in. They’ll also feature supportive seats and plenty of carbon fiber trim.

Available next year

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The Corvette ZR1 will go into production next year at the plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. While that’s still a while away, officials told us they had to get the model out early so they could test the prototypes without camouflage, which would have affected the car’s performance, so the testing was necessary.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but the model will cost more than the Z06, which starts at $110,100.