2025 Corvette C8 ZR1
Running With The Big Dogs
While everyone was expecting new performance standards with the introduction of the 2025 ZR1, what we ended up getting - 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 RPM - exceeded all expectations. Not only is it the most powerful Corvette ever, it is the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer.
The 2025 ZR1 represents Corvettes entry into a new class of automobile: The Hypercar. Thats a recent nomenclature that represents cars that have gone beyond the Supercar class. An example is the Bugatti Veyron which features 987 horsepower and a price tag well north of $1,000,000. So the Corvette beats one of the best in its class by 77 horsepower and while ZR1 pricing hasn't been announced, it's a safe bet the ZR1 wins that contest also.
The significance of that achievement cannot be overstated. Corvette has always been the "Bang for the Buck" champion. But now the gap is even greater.
The ZR1 features a split rear window design which is a tribute to the iconic 1963 Corvette split window coupe.
The 1963 Corvette split window coupe. The split window was a one year only feature. Tradition means a lot in the Corvette world so nobody is surprised to see the styling element show up 62 years later in the 2025 ZR1 coupe.
While the Corvette may have had a history of faking air intakes as styling elements, GM designers have long ago outgrown that habit. The 2025 ZR1 featured engine compartment heat extractors. The carbon fiber inlets located on top of the coupe rear hatch ingest air to cool the turbocharger compressor inlet air temperatures.
Below: You'll see similar heat extractors on the 2023 Corvette Z06 GT.3R race car. Much of the 2025 ZR1 was developed on the GT.3R.
Inside, a new Habanero interior is available, as is a Blue Stitch option.
No More Frunk
Since the C8 Corvette no longer had the engine in the front, that space was freed up for storage in an area fondly known as "the frunk", short for front trunk. The ZR1 engineers had a different idea and set aside the area for two large heat exchangers which accomodate turbocharger cooling and engine cooling.
The front heat exchangers exit air through a distinctive - it is not found on the other Corvette models - hood exit with the extra benefit of providing aerodynamic downforce at the front.
As with the Z06 and the E-Ray, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 got the wider body and the wishbone styling element on the side. With the ZR1 however, the wishbone did double duty as a rear brake cooling duct. Below right is ducting to channel cool air for the turbochargers inlet air.
ZR1 carbon fiber roof, part of the coupe and convertible. Carbon fiber is used extensively in the ZR1. it does more than look good; it also reduces mass and lowers the center of gravity.
ZTK Again
Both the 2019 C7 ZR1 (above) and the 2025 ZR1 (below) offer the ZTK package which consists of a high wing and other aerodynamic aids including front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip – all constructed from woven carbon fiber. The high wing, with its phenomenal downforce (1,200 pounds at top speed) is useful for road racing applications. For high speed runs, it is a disadvantage as the drag only slows the ZR1 down.
The endplates on the ZTK high wing are quite large and impressive. Like the other aerodynamic details, the details in the carbon fiber work are superb.
The non-ZTK optioned rear spoiler is what is needed for top speed runs on the ZR1.
Tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S sourced. Front: 275/30 ZR with 20 inch (10 inch wide) wheels, Rears: 345/25 ZR 21 with 21 inch wheels (13 inch wide), the same as featured on the Z06.
Left: ZR1 front brakes measure 15.7 inches (400mm) in diameter and are the largest ever on a Corvette. Right: Optional new carbon-fiber wheels, exclusive to the ZR1, reduce unsprung weight by 42.8 pounds.