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2019 C7 Corvette ZR1: Meet The Most Powerful Production Corvette Ever

The horsepower wars heated up today as Chevrolet debuted the 2019 Corvette ZR1 with a whopping 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. Those figures fall short of the Dodge Challenger Demon’s 840 hp, but the ZR1 is a different kind of beast.

Highlighting its track-focused weaponry is the return of a familiar engine designation: LT5. The 2019 Corvette ZR1 boasts a 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 engine, which distinguishes itself from the 6.2L LT4 V8 in the Corvette Z06 with a more-efficient intercooled supercharger system—with 52 percent greater displacement over the LT4 supercharger—and GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system; the system employs direct injection as a primary and port injection as a supplementary method.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 exterior 003

Supplementing the major power outputs are two aerodynamic packages. The standard Corvette ZR1 receives a low-wing spoiler to generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the Corvette Z06’s base aero package. Also standard are a new front fascia to channel large amounts of air for cooling, a front underwing, a special carbon-fiber “halo” hood to provide the clearance needed for the massive supercharger, and four new radiators to bring the heat-exchanger total to 13.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 exterior 001

Stepping up to the ZTK performance packages nets the massive two-way adjustable rear wing for maximum downforce. Chevrolet says it provides 60 percent more downforce than the Z06’s Z07 package. The package also includes the front splitter, specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 exterior 007

Finally, the Corvette ZR1 also rolls out a new Sebring Orange design package, which, obviously, includes a new color: Sebring Orange Tintcoat. The design package also includes orange brake calipers, orange rocker and splitter accent stripes, orange seat belts, orange interior stitching and unique, bronze aluminum interior trim. Although the Corvette ZR1 is pretty darn well-equipped, additional creature comforts such as heated and ventilated seats, competition sport seats, Chevrolet Performance Data Recorder and more are available.

If the media’s collective insights are true, the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1 will likely be the front-engined Corvette’s swan song as the next-generation Corvette prepares to introduce a mid-engine layout. Swans are delicate, soft creatures. We’d call the ZR1 a brutish creature poised to scare the world’s finest. The Corvette ZR1 goes on sale in spring 2018.

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Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. “The standard Corvette ZR1 receives a low-wing spoiler to generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the Corvette Z06’s base aero package”.

    Meh, so I guess it will be just a lil faster than the z06 in the straight. Cause more downforce will kill the hp difference between them.
    This is bad cause even the standard Z06 is pretty slow on high speed. I thought this would be a straight line beast like the previous ZR1, but they made another track car… Too bad they think the parachute in the car is a good idea… I’ll wait for the C8.

    Reply
    1. Reports are “the wing offers 10 degrees of adjustability”, 2019 ZR1 is “capable of 60 mph in less than three seconds, running a quarter mile in under 11 seconds, along with a 210 mph top end”.

      Reply
    2. The z06 didn’t have the top end if the old zr1 because if the undersized overdriven blower. This blower is much larger (sounds like 2.6L) and will not have that issue. The old zr1, for comparison, has a 2.3l and the z06 is a 1.7l. Larger blowers favor the higher rpms power, all things being equal.

      Reply
  2. I agree with Mike, I waited for an active rear spoiler like Lambo Ferrari or McLaren, which hides in the design when it accelerates and gets up when braking.

    I think the C8 promises to be spectacular

    Reply
    1. You and Mike obviously aren’t up on industry news much because you would have known there was no active wing in development for the ZR1. Pretty obvious since they backend was never designed to accommodate one.

      The ZR1 still blows away anything near its price range and those much higher. Nothing comes close for the price. But you are right, the mid-engined C8 will blow the competition’s doors off completely. Poor Ferrari California, poor Porsche, poor just about everyone under $400,000…

      Reply
  3. The complaints above me are exactly why I say Corvette should be it’s own brand and not a model from Chevrolet. You guys want an active spoiler and such, c’mon guys, this is Chevrolet. They don’t to build the Corvette ZR1 to be priced outside of their usual customers. However, when you set up a division specifically for that clientele, pricy features are a non-issue. I know the 8th generation Corvette will finally break some barriers so don’t reply using that excuse. Such a shame, Corvette has earned the right to be it’s own brand.

    Reply
    1. I would rather doubt the car would be any different if it were it’s own brand.

      The key to the Corvette has always been to give as good or better performance vs the exotics at a better price, it is a formula you do not want to tamper with.

      What other 2 seat sports car has sold as long as the Corvette with only one platform? Most MFZg would love to get away with this.

      Ferrari and Porsche both have tried the low end mass production and struggled.

      GM needs to remain as they are with a couple additional special high priced versions.

      Just watch Ford. The GT will lead a short and limited production life for the third time and never turn a profit.

      Reply
      1. Aside from your first sentence, you’re actually agreeing with me on what I said about the price point. Those brands you named are prestige brands and you should never go below a certain price point. People buy them because they are expensive and special, you pay for the exclusivity.

        You are correct about the Ford GT being a limited production vehicle, especially considering they outsource production to an outside Canadian company. However, the carbon fiber monocoque platform that spawned the Ford GT is here to stay for a while according to Ford officials. To will be used for future projects.

        I think you personally don’t want GM to set up a Corvette division.

        Reply
        1. Not really.

          To move it out as a brand would only increase cost and would at some point bring an end to the line.

          Again they hold a formula that world don’t out smart yourself and mess it up.

          Again what model 2 seater has lasted as long. Even most 2 seat brands have been traded and sold many times.

          The only reason we have a Corvette now is Chevy fought for it in the lean times even then the have disobeyed GM and kept it alive. One time in the 90’s it was killed and because GM was ignored it cost the manager his job but sales rebounded and the car was saved.

          You make it a brand you at some point will kill the car and the relationship that kept it alive.

          The Chevy people also killed the Fiero and other 2 seat projects at GM over the years to protect the model.

          GM designer John Shinella told me first hand that Chevy gets more say because Chevy sells more cars.

          Reply
          1. The exotic brands have survived down turns. Corvette would be able to as well so long as it respects it’s heritage and customer’s preference.

            Everything else aside, we have two differing opinions.

            Reply
      2. I wish Scott3 was the main news writer for this site…Would be a great, informative site once again.

        Reply
  4. Damn nice pics. Far superior to what I’ve seen so far. I still think the front is ugly (and the rear still makes me sick to look at) but it’s a heck of a sendoff for the C7.

    On a side note, there’s a not-so-young lady not far from me with an orange ZR1 now. She’s never gotten on it when I’ve been near, but I always crack my windows to listen to it (as I do for a select few machines, including electrics). If I only had more money…

    Reply
    1. Maybe because when you are older and more established, you actually have the money to own one.

      Unlike the BMW-leasing generation who still have to use daddy’s money and credit to obtain one.

      Reply
  5. every corvette is the most powerful production corvette in my heart <3

    Reply
  6. It’s not a swan song. It’s the roar of a peregrine falcon.

    Reply
  7. What a waste… you could buy 10 Mitsubishi Mirages for the price of this thing and still pay less for gas. And what’s the point of such a fast and obnoxious car? To get more tickets? 55 in the left lane is just fine. *

    In all seriousness, I can’t wait to see this in person in Daytona. The looks alone make it better than the Z06. Most sports cars and supercars have a long torque curve with little peak torque, but Chevy knows that torque matters. The list of standard performance features is amazing considering that carbon ceramics cost five digits on most competitors and almost nothing comes with 355 wide Super sports. The MRC suspension is an interesting choice considering that a DSSV setup is worth a second and a half around Milford. All in all, the Performance you get for how much this will cost is mind blowing and it’ll break necks every day.

    *Disclaimer: this is just a joke, calm down.

    Reply
  8. If on the lot this beast looks as good as the publicity photos (fat chance) I’m hooked. Unfortunately, out of my price range. ☹️

    Reply
    1. Every single piece of carbon fibre in these shots will be an optional add-on. I reckon these ‘publicity ready’ Vettes are $120-150K models.

      Reply
  9. Blechhh, why didn’t they put the GM/Ford 10 speed in this with flappy paddles? I’m supposing it can’t handle the extra hp/torques.

    Quite a good send off for the C7 model.

    Reply
    1. There are rumors packaging issues conspired to keep the new 10-speed automatic off the content list, but that remains unconfirmed.

      Reply
      1. Bit of a shame really considering what the 10er does in the ZL1. It would have ‘conspired’ to give the outgoing C7 some additional collectibility values. But I guess they’ve done that with the first-new-gen LT5 and upgraded supercharger.

        Reply
        1. I agree a 10 speed is what I want and will wait. My m7 Z06 is race proven. No auto 8 for me ever again. Auto 6 was better.

          Reply
    2. It was stated by GM that the transmission doesn’t fit the C7 chassis.

      Reply
  10. Nice send off for the car. Makes on ponder how far the C8 versions will take it to the next level.

    The things missing here are for the most part for several reasons.

    This is a one to two year model. There is a new car coming so you don’t show all your cards.

    Packaging can be an issue that leads to more crash test , emissions testing and more cost. Money better put into putting a 10 speed in the next car.

    Remember this is a car that will be quickly forgotten when the C8 arrives. This is more of a special edition that got a little more than som3 paint and decals for once.

    Enjoy this and watch for more to come. This is just the first course of what is to come.

    Reply
  11. Two issues which C7 Corvette Z06 owners had complained about was the engine overheating and rear down force; the ZR1’s new rear spoiler will most likely correct not having enough down force and hopefully, the new hoodscoop was designed to keep the new 750 horsepower engine as cool as possible and will prevent overheating with the possibility of the new hoodscoop design being shared with the Z06.

    Reply
    1. The new car has more heat exchanger than a Bugatti Chiron.

      Enough said.

      Reply
  12. I say right now:

    Time of the ZR-1 on the Ring will be around 6:48-6:56

    Cornering grip around 1,32-1,60G

    0 to 60: 2,89 Seconds

    Quarter Mile: 10,6 seconds

    Reply
  13. Z06 Ring lap time was 7:13.9 with some rain.

    I will say the ZR will see 7:08 approx. 6 min lap time will come with the C8.

    Reply
  14. C8 is going to kill the exotics…Cant wait.

    Reply
    1. Actually it won’t.

      The exotics have oodles of prestige and other brand qualities the Vette simply lacks.

      But there is a market for both….until EVs completely take over and ICE vehicles are consigned to the scrap heap of history.

      Reply
  15. Bigger wing and bigger supercharger. Hey, remember when the Z06 lost to an old Nissan GT-R? Or how the AMG GT-R uses the same tires as the vette with less power and the same transaxle design, but still crushes every other car ever, including the mclaren 720s?

    Can we get the C8 now?

    Reply
    1. Reply
    2. “the AMG GT-R….crushes…the McLaren 720s…”

      Where did you get that info? From some bovine by-product??

      Try Drag Times youtube and watch a stock 720s absolutely toast an Aventador pulling a legit 10.1s quarter. I also saw a recent vid where a Huracan Performante got smoked by a 720s 4 times on rolling starts.

      http://fastestlaps.com/models/mercedes-benz-amg-gt-r quotes the Quarter at 11.0s flat.

      Research my friend, research. And, do not underestimate just how good a 720s is. It should be for a $300K supercar. I eagerly await it’s Green Hell times.

      Reply
      1. Check the times in the R&T link fastyle posted above. gtr beats 720s at the track by 1.5s for half the price.

        Would you like some fries with your words?

        Reply
        1. The 720s has only ever gone round that track driven by a journalist nobody not a manufacturer team. It was like a 7.14s, if memory serves me correctly.

          Put a proper race car driver in it and an allocated race slot and watch that time fall.

          Apples with apples please, not fries.

          Reply
          1. Ok, well here is the current info: Nurburgring times: 720s hit 7:14s. GT R hit 7:11 (rounding up).

            I still contend that the R&T track times are a legitimate means of comparison. And the GT R comes out on top. WIth ~150 less hp and more weight. And the engine in the “wrong” place.

            This debate is exactly my point. By all objective measures, the Z06 dominated the nissan GT-R, but on the track, it was pwned.
            https://youtu.be/F5F18o8xayA?t=15m6s

            Reply
            1. From what I’ve read McLaren has never even specced out a proper tire for the 720S, if that true it could have something to do with the cars lap times.

              Not to be making excuses for a $300k car or anything.
              But I have a hard time believing a car with 133 more HP would be slower around a race track with equal drivers if not the same driver. Even though different tracks lend themselves to different car and drivers techniques.

              Reply
  16. Reply
  17. Walter Rohrl, rally ace and general Porsche legend says modern supercars are getting too fast for the Nurburgring.

    He goes on to say that the current production car record holder. The 911 GT2 produces up to 416kg of downforce, way more than most supercars. That’s 917.123 lbs.

    The C7 ZR1 is said to produce about 950 lbs. of downforce, This is starting to sound interesting.

    https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/porsche-ace-says-modern-cars-are-too-fast-for-the-nurburgring-116310.html?trackLink=articleResults1News

    Reply

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