A new report indicates the C8 Corvette ZR1 will feature a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, which will be good for more than 900 horsepower.
According to Motor Trend, the C8 Corvette ZR1 will feature a twin-turbocharged version of the new V8 that will power the C8 Corvette Z06. The publication’s source, which it says is “high placed” within General Motors, did not say if this engine will be a version of the dual-overhead-cam, 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V8 that powers the Corvette C8.R race car – though our own sources have previously indicated the Z06 will indeed use a version of the race car’s innovative new V8.
Motor Trend‘s source also said the range-topping C8 will shoehorn a pair of electric motors into the new mid-engine sports car’s front trunk area, making it a hybrid with AWD. This will be a performance hybrid system and likely won’t improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency in any way, with the two electric motors being used to fill in torque gaps in the rev range to boost acceleration. The two electric motors may also enable torque vectoring on the front axle, working in unison with the C8 Corvette’s existing electronic rear differential to improve handling balance.
Between the twin-turbocharged V8 and hybridized front axle, the C8 Corvette ZR1 could produce as much as 900 horsepower, Motor Trend says. While the battery, electric motors, inverters and additional wiring are sure to make the ZR1 quite a bit heavier than the forthcoming new Z06, it should more than make up for it with its ridiculously high output. If these rumors are true, the C8 Corvette ZR1 would be the most-powerful production Corvette ever and the first all-wheel-drive production Corvette as well.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that GM is plotting a high-performance hybrid variant of the C8 Corvette, though this report does lend some credence to past rumors, as Motor Trend is citing a high-level (albeit anonymous) source from within GM. We also know for a fact that GM is, at the very least, working on a new twin-turbocharged V8 for use in the C8 Corvette – with GM Authority publishing leaked CAD images of the new engine earlier this year. This engine is allegedly going to be called the LT7.
We’ll have all the details on the C8 Corvette ZR1 once they become available, but seeing as production of the standard C8 Corvette Stingray and Convertible has yet to even begin, we’d advise Corvette fans to remain patient with regards to new high-performance model variants.
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Comments
Come on GM we all know you have 1000HP in there somewhere HAHA
All kidding aside, GM has a Grand Slam with the C8.
Man do they have a complete Hit on their hands.
I’m still hopeful for a PHEV version that has an all-electric mode, even if only a small amount like 20 miles. Lay into it to activate the gas motor if you want to.
A hybrid ZR1 would use electric assist as first and foremost as a performance crutch, not fuel economy. So wish granted
A true hybrid can do both economy and performance enhancement. That is what Ford has done with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and with the 2020 Explorer Hybrid next year. You get over 400 Hp and a better MPG rating.
And better milage due to not on the road for malfunctions and repairs, you know Ford stuff….
Fixed On Recall Days…..
How could you even utter the words “Lincoln Aviator” or “Ford Explorer” in the same sentence as C8 ZR1 Corvette??????
Where is your manhood ?
400hp is NOT 900hp.
I’m sure the price will be nuts, but wow, what a car! Nice to see something like this instead of millions of CUV clones.
It has not been a secret about this version.
The car has been reported to have been tested up to 1200 hp. But GM will only put in what they can get to the ground and use. Also GM will not intro it with full power as they will add more as time goes on.
This will never be a Hell at where it will have power just for a big number. Tadge has made it clear they put in only what can be used.
Note it will be expensive but much cheaper than many cars that cost more with similar performance.
Barra claims customers aren’t interested in hybrids. What’s the story, Mary?
It is not that kind of Hybrid.
It’s the best kind of hybrid IMHO. V8 sound in a performance car with added electric power and AWD performance. The drawbacks are extra weight and cost.
LMP1.
Gotta hand it to GM. They’re jumping in you-know-what deep on the first outing of an ME Corvette.
GM can fail in extensive sectors, but referred to tech and performance, have a world class knowledge.
This Corvette will scare out more than 1 supercar……….
I think I have figured out the reasoning for this car…LMP1 class at Le Mans. That’s what the spec’s say. Imagine the C8 winning 3 classes at Le Mans…
I need to hurry up and win the lottery so I can afford one lol.
I just wish the roads we drive on the the US would allow us to use all of that power. It sucks that people still believe in speed limits!
The new ZR1 will dominate the supercar segment that matters.Not the hypercar segment that has cars costing millions of dollars.This will be affordable to some but the C8 Stingray and Z06 will sell well.Even at 900 HP the car will fly,the Stingray is at a 11.3 quarter mile@495HP,just imagine 405 more with extra grip in the front!The ZR1 will be ridiculously fast.
Also holy cow bro on the mention of Fraud& Lincoln in this forum.FORD-Keeping tow truck drivers in business for over 100 years and they still circle the problem.
These Lincoln fanboys are out of control. Nothing about Lincoln makes them the staple for performance of any kind. Wasn’t that new Aviator recalled already? What a Ford joke.