The Corvette team might as well have second homes in Germany with how often the 2018 C7 Corvette ZR1 is caught testing at the Nürburgring.
This time, though, we can decidedly tell the prototype is shifting via an automatic gearbox and the supercharger whine is distinct. We haven’t speculated about the transmission much, but it could be that GM’s 10-speed automatic finds a home here, seeing the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was the first application. As for engines, it seems more and more likely we’re dealing with a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine.
That’s despite leaked documents stating a 6.2-liter LT5 DOHC V8 was coming for the 2018 model year of Corvette. We suppose anything is possible, though.
We do expect the C7 Corvette ZR1 to benefit from an active aerodynamic system, detailed in trademarked images weeks prior, which show sketches similar to the ZR1 prototype. For as much as we know about the C7 Corvette ZR1, we’re also in the dark.
When will we see the light? That’s unclear, too. New reports once again state an August debut at an IMSA race event, but we won’t know for sure until someone wants us to know.
Comments
Three things:
1. Eaton has a new 2650cc supercharger and that hood bulge isn’t there for looks.
2. Go to the National Corvette Museum website and look at the NCM Bash agenda. You’ll find a presentation titled “From four speed manual to ten speed automatic” and, on this upcoming Friday, an unveiling of all 2018 Model year corvettes.
3. There’s no way it uses active aero being that we didn’t see it on any of the prototypes in any picture or video.
There’s no link?
Why don’t they just build an 8 cylinder horizontally opposed engine?? Look what Porsche gets out of a 4 cylinder boxer.
Size would be enormous, reliability wouldn’t be as good. 90 degree OHV V8 is a solid formula that has proven itself for decades on the street as well as the track.
Why do some shots show it with the ridiculous tail pipe extensions and others do not?
The tail pipe extension – as explained on other sites – was a quick fix to curtail the exhaust decibels while going around the ‘Ring.
The only good part of Germany left…And probably the safest.
Active Aero will launch on the mid-engined Corvette, not the ZR1 although their might be some small air dams open and close.
Supercharger which us just fine with me.
Poor “exotic car” manufacturers going to be fuming as this blows the door of most of their vehicles for a fraction of the cost. Wait until the mid-engine model completely obliterates them.
C8 ME corvette in 2019 or 2020.