07/25/2024
2025 Corvette ZR1 has 1,064 hp twin-turbo.
The official unveil is tonight, but photos have already leaked.
Press Release:
"When the bow-tie automaker unveiled its first-ever mid-engine Corvette Stingray for the 2020 model year, it was already expected that a very diverse lineup would be on the horizon. The quintessential American sports car would therefore be offered in a few distinct versions to attract a wider customer base. In fact, to date, consumers can already get their hands on the Corvette Stingray, the Corvette Z06 and the Corvette E-Ray with hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
But, from 2025, we can now talk about the Corvette ZR1, the first in history to surpass the 1,000 horsepower mark and also the first to fit a pair of turbochargers on top of a V8 engine from the "Small Block" series. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox remains in place.
Two turbos and lots of horsepower
This new block, dubbed LT7 for the occasion, with a displacement of 5.5 liters, develops the trifle of 1,064 horsepower at a speed of 7,000 rpm and a torque of 828 lb-ft at a speed of 6,000 rpm. It should be noted that the LT7 is born from an LT6 block already in service on board the very high-end Z06. The block therefore retains its double overhead camshaft and its flat crankshaft, cast cylinder heads with unique ports and an enlarged combustion chamber. The intake has also been revised to adapt to the turbochargers, while the distribution and the valve lift profile are optimized for forced induction. In addition, the anti-lag engine calibration has been developed for this model to react to the driving style.
Other improvements include increased gear capacity through shot peening for all gears, oil management to support increased longitudinal and lateral capacity, and increased control valves to accommodate higher clutch clamp load, to name a few.
To curb the beast's ardor, the engineers integrated a new carbon-ceramic braking system with 15.7-inch discs at the front and 15.4-inch at the rear with six and four pistons per caliper respectively. This is unsurprisingly the most imposing and biting braking system in the history of the model.
A look all her own
The Corvette ZR1 isn't just about pumping up the mechanics. To better slice through the air—or lean more—at high speeds, the Corvette ZR1 can be ordered with an optional aerodynamic package made entirely of carbon fiber. It should be noted that the Corvette ZR1 already comes equipped with a carbon fiber exterior aerodynamic package with a rear spoiler and a front wing, side skirts, and side air intakes. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are the stock tires.
However, the ZTK package comes with a larger trunk spoiler, a front wing, and that Gurney-style hood scoop, a ploy to improve the car's aerodynamics and increase downforce. It also helps cool the front-mounted intercooler. The Magnetic Ride suspension (also available on the base ZR1) has also been tweaked with this package, which comes with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2-R tires.
Split Window
The highlight, however, is at the back, as the designers have brought back the famous "Split Window" over the V8 engine, the central panel that serves to ventilate the engine compartment. Also noteworthy is the addition of a carbon fiber roof, unique wheels and even a set (of wheels) in carbon fiber.
New exterior and interior colors have also been added to the catalog of the most desirable Corvette. Now it remains to be seen how much this true exotic will sell for, the manufacturer who will reveal this information later."
