2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 revealed as fastest, most powerful ever

The stunning C8-series 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has made its long-awaited global debut as the fastest and most powerful Corvette in history, packing in more than 1000hp and reaching a top speed of more than 215mph.

Billed as the “the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer”, the ZR1 features a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre cross-plane V8 – dubbed LT7 – that produces 1064hp (793kW) at 7000rpm and 828 lb-ft (1123Nm) of torque at 6000rpm.

No 0-60mph (97km/h) figure has been offered, but General Motors estimates the ZR1 will lay down a sub-10-second quarter mile (402m) and fly past 215mph (346km/h) “on the racetrack”.

In comparison, the previous C7 ZR1, with its LT5 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 563kW and 969Nm, hitting 60mph in 2.85sec and reaching a top speed of 341km/h.

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has tentatively ruled out the ZR1 for launch in Australia, telling carsales the new ZR1 is “not currently planned to join the line-up in Australia and New Zealand”.

However, a local spokesperson did concede that demand would be monitored and potentially reassessed going forward.

Regardless, there’s little doubt the hottest ’Vette in history will be in hot demand Down Under based on what we’ve already seen from the lower-series Stingray and Z06 models.

The ZR1 is in another league altogether, with Chevy saying it’s “unleashed the unthinkable” with not only the most powerful V8 but “mind-bending specs and iconic design to challenge the world’s best supercars in both coupe and convertible variants”.

An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power exclusively to the 21-inch rear wheels, which are fitted with enormous 345/25-profile, ultra-high-performance tyres, complementing the 20-inch 275/30ZR20 front rubber.

Carbon-fibre wheels produced by Australia’s Carbon Revolution are available as an option, reducing the ZR1’s rotating, unsprung mass by 19.4kg.

Suspension duties are handled front and rear by double-wishbone set-ups and Magnetic Ride adaptive dampers while braking is provided by a carbon-ceramic package comprising six-piston front callipers acting on 400mm discs and four-piston grippers on 390mm rotors.

GM claims the Corvette ZR1 generates more than 540kg of downforce at top speed when fitted with the optional ZTK or Carbon Aero packages, thanks to their huge carbon rear wing, carbon splitter and front canards.

The ZTK pack also adds stiffer springs and semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres (replacing Pilot Sport 4 S) for even sharper track performance.

In standard form, the coupe weighs 1665kg (dry), while the convertible tips the scales at 1705kg.

“Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation,” said Chevrolet vice-president Scott Bell.

“From Stingray to Z06, E-Ray and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration — and challenge the best in the world.”

Fans will be able to spot the standard version by its unique front and rear aprons, ventilated bonnet, exclusive aluminium wheels, big brake package, signature lip rear spoiler and, perhaps most tellingly, its split rear window.

Inside, you’ll find a similar dual-screen dash layout to the Z06, however the interior finish has been elevated with a bunch of exclusive touches like a ZR1-specific stitching pattern, a smorgasbord of ZR1 badging and a boost gauge for the digital instrument cluster.