Spy shots of a mysterious C7 Corvette have recently flooded the internet and left nearly every publication (including us) pointing to a new C7 Corvette ZR1. We’ve heard rumors, reports and more that a C7 Corvette ZR1 would be a finale for the front-engined Corvette as we know it before a rumored mid-engined Corvette becomes reality as a C8 Corvette.
But, what better publication to speculate on what this mystery Corvette could be than Corvette Blogger? It brings up 10 reasons why this Corvette we’re seeing isn’t a ZR1 at all. In fact, it could be a Z06X, factory prepped track car.
And it begins to make some sense, too. General Motors recently filed to uphold its L88 trademark, pointing to Corvette racers of yore. Enthusiasts will recall the L88 badge signifying factory-built Corvettes ready for the track during the 1960s. It could be a historic play to bring a beast back to life.
There’s also the fact Corvette product manager, Harlan Charles, wants a track-ready Corvette. As he told Car and Driver in 2014, he’d love to see a C7 Z06X make it to production, much like the C6 Z06X track car.
“The idea was a non-street-legal, factory-built track car, and that is something that we are considering would be a great thing to apply to the new Corvette Z06,” Charles said. “I mean that’s something we could see in the future. We’ve got a lot of ideas, but nothing to show today, unfortunately.”
Regarding liveability, that massive rear wing is a major red flag, too. The previous Corvette ZR1s were not just top-speed machines, but also ready for daily driving. A rear wing like that isn’t exactly part of a daily-driving recipe.
It would also give Corvette enthusiasts the track-purpose machine they have clamored for, and provide an excellent piece for the Michelin Corvette Challenge Series.
Those are only a few reasons why we may not be looking at a Corvette ZR1 at all. Is a Corvette ZR1 coming? Probably. But this might not be it.
Comments
Name is subject to change but it is for sure a track prepped car in the mold of the GT3Rs 911 and The VIper ACS.
It will see massive down force and much faster lap times. I also expect power to creep up to 725-750 HP.
This will be like the Z/28 where it will be track focused but still street legal. Also look for lighter or the same weight even with
the added body parts.
If you have seen the comparisons to the 911 and Viper track cars the Z06 would lose out on grip. The car just did not have enough grip to use all the power and could get wicked on the computer and un drive able off. The new aero will fix this.
Then why the blue calipers, if not the ZR1? I think were seeing zo6 being tested with these new cooling system, and ZR1.
It could be because they like the color?
It still could be a ZR1 my point is that this will be a track focused car as that is what we have seen with the car and with the Camaro as well with some competitors.
More down force/grip is the only way to make it faster per lap.
What would be great to see is for Chevrolet to invite designers to design limited production variants of the C7 Corvette with unique cosmetic body panels as well as using whatever bits and pieces that is available in the General Motors corporate parts bin.
That is what Calaway, Lingenfelter, Pratt and Miller, Hennessey and other tuners already do an it cost GM nothing to do so.
There would be little profit for GM to do it but smaller tuners can make some money doing so. The Callaway was good for the dealers because a few made money with them. The only thing GM really got was a turbo program they could not afford to do in house. Little money was made by the corporation.
The money for GM is to support the aftermarket to promote the sales.
What would be nice is a aftermarket Carbon body kit to replace the factory that is offered as a dealer installed option. GM offered body kits in the past like this on their GTO race car.
Hmm, could it be the writing on the side? Z06X? This is certainly not the ZR1. I do believe that the ZR1 is simply going to be a monster that it’s namesake has previously shown. It had comfort items that would not be found on a race car. This is simply a picture of a new track ready car that GM will offer as a GT3 killer. The new ZR1 will be a statement of the best that GM can produce for the Corvette faithful. Mid- engined? No. That will not be a Corvette unless they go to a C8 design. Think GT40 competitor. I think GM took notice of the popularity and value of the GT40. The Mid-engined car will have a badge that recalls one of the best from the past tied to Corvette, but will not be a Corvette. Yes, it It’s possible that ZR1, L88, etc. is the name, but my money is as I stated previously, Z06X- track ready Corvette. ZR1- the ultimate Corvette, road and track blend. The mid-engine? New badge altogether with strong Corvette ties from the past. It will show the blue oval folks how good Americans can produce a mid-engine car. Think Daytona Proto-type. I can live with that.