We are talking about the all-new ZR1 model, which exceeds all expectations thanks to its 5,5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine produces an astonishing 793 kW (1.079 hp) and 1.121 Nm of torque.
These are numbers for hypercars, and the ZR1 can stand alongside the Ferrari 296 GTB, 12Cilindri and SF90 Stradale in this regard. It is also more powerful than the Lamborghini Revuelto, McLaren 750S, Pagani Huayra and Mercedes-AMG One. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Chevrolet says the car has the most powerful V8 engine the American automaker has ever produced.
The engine is known as the LT7 and shares a lot in common with the LT6 engine found in the Corvette Z06. However, it has been heavily upgraded to take full advantage of the new turbochargers and increase performance.
The most important improvements include a larger combustion chamber and new head castings with unique grooves. The valve timing and lift profile have also been optimized for forced injection, the intake system and "intelligent engine calibration techniques against power loss" are also new. The engine also features unique pistons and connecting rods and a secondary fuel injection system.
Powertrain improvements extend beyond the engine bay, as the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox has been thoroughly reworked. It has wider gear profiles, stronger shafts and improved lubrication. Improvements are also aimed at handling the deluge of torque that the LT7 engine is capable of.
Because of all these changes, Corvette Chief Executive Engineer Tadge Juechter told us that the ZR1 "pulls like a freight train." While Chevrolet wasn't ready to give exact numbers, officials said the car should easily reach a top speed of over 350 km/h. They further hinted that the top speed could be much higher and confirmed that the model will not have an electronic limiter.
In terms of performance, four test drivers reached a speed of 322 km/h during their first drive with the car on the Nürburgring. At the drag strip, the ZR1 is said to be capable of running the quarter mile in less than 9,7 seconds at 241 mph. If the estimate is valid, the Corvette will be slower than the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which completed the same task in 8,91 seconds at a speed of 243 km/h.
The Corvette ZR1 will be available as a coupe and convertible, but only the former will feature the split rear window that was also seen on the Z06 GT3.R racer, and now returns to the road model for the first time in decades.
The ZTK option package promises to turn the ZR1 into a “real race car,” and the large rear wing, front fenders, and Gurney molding on the hood certainly make it look like one.
In addition to the aerodynamic design tweaks, the package also includes stiffer springs, modified dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.
Corvette ZR1s will begin production next year in Bowling Green, Kentucky. While that's still a long way off, company representatives said they had to unveil the model earlier so they could test prototypes without camouflage.
There's no word on pricing yet, but the model ranks above the Z06, which starts at $110.100 in the US.
