The King of the Hill Returns: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

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Chevrolet has unleashed the unthinkable with the 2025 Corvette ZR1, a hypercar that redefines performance and power. With a 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, known as the LT7, this vehicle produces an astounding 1064 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm, making it the most powerful factory Corvette and V8 engine ever produced in America​

The Corvette ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 215 mph (346 kph) and completes the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. This performance is complemented by a carbon fiber aero package that generates over 1200 pounds (544 kg) of downforce at top speed, ensuring stability and control on the racetrack​



Innovative Engine Design

The LT7 engine is a marvel of engineering, building on the architecture of the Z06's LT6. The introduction of twin turbochargers to this platform marks a first for factory Corvettes. The engine features unique head castings, a new intake system, dual ported shroud ball bearing turbochargers, and intelligent anti-lag calibration techniques, all designed to maximize power and responsiveness​

Specific engine details include:

  • Bore & Stroke: 4.104 x 3.150 in. (104.25 x 80 mm)
  • Block Material: A319 cast aluminum with cast-in iron cylinder liners and four-bolt main bearing caps
  • Oiling System: Seven-stage dry sump (8-qt. capacity) with oil-spray piston cooling
  • Combustion Chamber Volume: 59.92cc
  • Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
  • Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts (four valves per cylinder) with mechanical finger-follower valvetrain and dual-coil valve springs; dual-independent camshaft phasing
  • Fuel Delivery: PDI (DI - Max pressure: 5076 psi / 350 bar) & Port Fuel Injection
  • Firing Order: 1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2
  • Throttle Body: Twin 65mm single bore (electronic)
  • Charging: Twin 76 mm mono-scroll ported shroud ball bearing turbos (67 mm MAR compressor) with electronic wastegates
  • Charge Cooling: Dual engine-mounted water-to-air charge coolers
  • ECU: GM E68 (32-bit processing)

To handle the increased power, the Corvette ZR1's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been significantly upgraded with reinforced gears, enhanced oil management, and improved control valves to support the higher clutch clamp load​

Advanced Aerodynamics and Performance

The Corvette ZR1's aerodynamics are meticulously engineered to provide unprecedented downforce and cooling. The car features a flow-through hood, carbon fiber side profile air ducts, and unique fresh air intake ducts. The optional ZTK performance package adds a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and additional underbody strakes for enhanced track performance​

Additional aerodynamic features include:

  • Flow-through hood: Air enters through the front grille, flows through the intercooler heat exchanger, and exits the hood to increase front downforce and cool charged air temperatures.
  • Carbon fiber side profile air ducts: These ducts, integrated into the wishbone bezel behind the cabin doors, cool the rear brakes.
  • Unique fresh air intake ducts: Carbon fiber inlets on the coupe rear hatch cool the turbo compressor inlet air temperatures.

The braking system is equally impressive, with carbon ceramic rotors that measure 15.7 inches in diameter at the front, the largest ever equipped on a Corvette. This system ensures the ZR1 can go from 80-200 mph and back to 80 mph in just 24.5 seconds, significantly faster than its predecessors​

Brake system specifications:

  • Brake Type: eBoost-assisted carbon ceramic discs with six-piston/monobloc front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers
  • Brake Rotor Size: Front: 15.7 x 1.5 in. (400 x 38 mm), Rear: 15.4 x 1.3 in. (390 x 34 mm)

Iconic Design with Modern Enhancements

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 reintroduces the split rear window, a design element last seen on the C2-generation Corvette. This feature, along with a carbon fiber roof and unique aluminum wheels, enhances the car's aesthetic and performance. The LT7 engine's intake is finished in Edge Blue, paying homage to the ZR1's signature color cue​

Design and performance enhancements include:

  • Carbon Fiber Roof: Reduces mass and lowers the center of gravity for both coupe and convertible models.
  • Unique Aluminum Wheels: Available in four finishes, including Edge Blue.
  • Optional Carbon-Fiber Wheels: Exclusive to ZR1, these wheels further reduce mass.
  • LT7 Engine Intake: Finished in Edge Blue for a striking appearance.

Inside, the ZR1 offers a driver-focused cockpit with unique badging, a new stitch pattern, and a boost gauge. The car is available with various customization options, including new exterior colors, full-length racing stripes, and a Blue Stitch interior option​

Interior Dimensions:

  • Headroom: 37.9 in. (963 mm)
  • Legroom: 42.8 in. (1087 mm)
  • Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. (1382 mm)
  • Hip Room: 52 in. (1321 mm)

Exterior Dimensions:

  • Wheelbase: 107 in. (2723 mm)
  • Overall Length: 185.9 in. (4722 mm)
  • Overall Width (without mirrors): 79.7 in. (2025 mm)
  • Overall Height: 48.6 in. (1234 mm)
  • Track (Front/Rear): 66.3/66.1 in. (1685/1678 mm)

Weights and Capacities:

  • Dry Weight: 3670 lb (1665 kg) for coupe, 3758 lb (1705 kg) for convertible
  • Cargo Volume: 9.1 cu. ft. (258 L)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal (70 liters)

Production and Availability

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 will be built at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, joining the Corvette Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray in Chevrolet's lineup. Production is set to begin in 2025, with pricing and additional details to be announced closer to the production date​

Chevrolet continues to push the boundaries of performance with the 2025 Corvette ZR1, solidifying its position as a leader in the world of supercars.

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