mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Chevy Corvette ZR1 LT7 Engine To Feature Active Fuel Management: Exclusive

General Motors has been quite busy developing the C8 Corvette platform even after the debut of the 2020 Corvette Stingray. Since the first-ever mid-engined Corvette was revealed, the 2023 Corvette Z06 and 2024 Corvette E-Ray have followed, with further variants like the 2025 Corvette ZR1 yet to come. Now, GM Authority has exclusively learned an interesting detail regarding the upcoming ZR1’s powertrain.

Sources close to the matter have exclusively told GM Authority that the ZR1’s 5.5L V8 LT7 engine will feature AFM, or Active Fuel Management. Notably, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine used in the C8 Stingray and C8 E-Ray also features this technology, while the high-revving 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine used in the C8 Z06 does not have AFM.

This is an interesting development considering that the upcoming LT7 engine is largely based off the LT6 engine. While new details regarding the C8 ZR1 are still forthcoming, the LT7 will boast a set of turbochargers that take the mid-engined Vette’s performance chops to another level.

Front-three-quarter photo of 2025 Corvette ZR1 prototype.

In other recent 2025 Corvette ZR1 developments, GM Authority spy photographers recently captured a glimpse of the upcoming twin-turbo monster. Although this unit is covered in extensive camouflage, there are still quite a few key characteristics that can be spotted. Starting up front, there appears to be a giant front splitter, along with what looks to be a large central ridge running vertically down the center of the front air intake.

Out back, this C8 ZR1 prototype features a rear fascia similar to that of the C8 Z06, complete with the center-mounted exhaust tips and the Z07’s sculpted wing. Speaking of which, active aero is expected to be optional for the new upcoming ZR1.

Of course, this 2025 Corvette ZR1 prototype was caught testing with a C8 Z06 and C8 E-Ray, along with a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

For more Corvette-related content, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

[nggallery id=1290]

As a typical Florida Man, Trey is a certified GM nutjob who's obsessed with anything and everything Corvette-related.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Just another on of those I have one and you don’t. Can’t produce the C8’s wanted by people but always another model coming.

    Reply
  2. Why ??????
    AFM and 6.2 have problem on pickup trucks !!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  3. Yeah no it’s not going to. Stop using the RPO’s in the parts catalog it said the LT6 was going to as well LOL How exactly do you think AFM would work on a DOHC engine with no hydraulic lifters LOL

    Reply
    1. Well actually the OHC 2.7 4-cyl has it, countless OHC V6s from many manufactures, not to mention the current 5.0 Coyote. It seems to actually work better in OHC engines than it does in OHV. IDK the exact means but I believe the cam lobes are able to be moved back and forth over the valves.

      I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest this might be a hint into what the next gen small block may be???

      Reply
      1. There appears to be a few different routes to carry out the OHC AFM. It seems like the most common is “disconnecting” the rocker pivot point. When activated a pin is hydraulically pulled away and the rocker is able to follow the cam lobe without opening the valve.

        Reply
  4. The auto industry is heading for second+ meanings for some of their future ALPHA designations describing “systems”.
    The new owner’s manuals will include a Rolodex!

    Reply
  5. Currently, you have the C8 and Z06 being produced on the same production line. In September they are adding the 2024 E-Ray and next year they will add the 2025 ZR1 and most likely will announce the Zora in 2026. Four models for sure and possibly a 5th all running on the same production line. They can’t meet the demand now and adding additional models will only make it worse. I have been on the waiting list for a Z06 for over two years. They originally told me I would be able to place the order in 2024, but last week they told me now it looks like 2025. I put a deposit on a Z06 and have to wait 4 + years before I can actually order. Needless to say, I canceled and asked for my deposit back. That said, I have been also on a waitlist for a year at another dealership for the E-Ray. I was 90th on the list. They think I may be able to order early next year and get it by November of next year. Bottom line with such a demand for the Corvette you would think GM would invest in building another factory. Very disappointing.

    Reply
    1. You don’t stop development until the capacity is ready to produce. You keep engineering going full steam ahead and work on increasing production capacity. They cannot get the parts to keep the line moving now. A second factory would sit idle just as the current plant does due to a parts shortage.
      A third shift would be the most immediate solution. But, again, this could only happen when the parts availability issues are resolved. The situation is better than it was a year ago.

      Separate comment – If at all possible, include the Corvette Museum delivery program as part of your purchase. On the VIP factory tour will see firsthand the incredibly complex assembly line. We were also impressed with the attitude of the workers who clearly enjoy working on building these amazing cars. It’s a great way to take delivery and drive it home. Our drive across the country to California was an epic road trip and a great memory.

      Reply
    2. Can the person that gave me a thumbs down explain why? Do you feel the factory running on three shifts could run all models on the same line and meet the customer demand? Do you feel waiting 4 years to place an order is the way to run a business? Just curious.

      Reply
  6. 100% correct. Mary & the crew will Bankrupt GM again over the EV’s and this time GM will be gone forever!!!!!

    Reply
    1. Mary not the sharpest tool in the designers drawer.

      Reply
    2. You don’t stop development until the capacity is ready to produce. You keep engineering going full steam ahead and work on increasing production capacity. They cannot get the parts to keep the line moving now. A second factory would sit idle just as the current plant does due to a parts shortage.
      A third shift would be the most immediate solution. But, again, this could only happen when the parts availability issues are resolved. The situation is better than it was a year ago.

      Separate comment – If at all possible, include the Corvette Museum delivery program as part of your purchase. On the VIP factory tour will see firsthand the incredibly complex assembly line. We were also impressed with the attitude of the workers who enjoy working on building these amazing cars. It’s a great way to take delivery and drive it home. Our drive across the country to California was an epic road trip and a great memory.

      Reply
  7. And your net worth is what Galen?

    Reply
  8. Prioritize building the current orders to keep the loyal Corvette buyers happy
    This delayed wait for an order is beginning to turn us off and looking for other manufacturers of super cars to purchase
    As usual the customer is the last consideration by GM…and only getting worse..we need a “car ‘ PERSON AT THE HELM to give consideration the the buyers!

    Reply
  9. A “CAR PERSON OR CAR PEOPLE” IS THE ANSWERE!!!!!!!!!!!! Could no agree more.

    Reply
  10. Hopefully it has a upgraded transmission 🤞

    Reply
  11. They used to produce the Corvette until demand dies off. It used to be where it took 2 or 3 years seeing for demand to start to taper. By that time they are gearing up to release the next variant. Now it seems like they want to release a new variant every year.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel