Earlier last week, GM Authority published a fresh set of spy photos that show a prototype of the upcoming C8 Corvette ZR1 putting in some hot laps during a test session at the infamous Nurburgring race track. The photos reveal a variety of interesting bits and pieces, including some wild new aero components, chief among which is a positively massive rear wing. Now, we’re taking a closer look at this wing to provide some perspective on what it means for the new Corvette ZR1.
From the off, this new wing is truly gargantuan – in fact, it’s even bigger than the optional rear wing offered by the C8 Corvette Z06 via the Z07 performance package, which GM Authority was the first to report on.
Beyond the size, the shape and design of the wing is also noteworthy. The wing is mounted via to mounts fixed to the body in a GT-style layout, with large end plates that incorporate outward-curving upper lips. The wing is laid out in a curving, crescent-shaped arrangement around the rear end of the vehicle, hanging off the rear bumper by a considerable margin. The wing mounts also appear to be composed of multiple pieces, and it’s possible that the wing will offer some degree of adjustability for either more downforce or reduced drag, as the situation may warrant.
Clearly, the C8 Corvette ZR1 is shaping up to be a truly beastly track monster, with copious downforce on offer to smash the ultra-sticky rubber down into the pavement. But it’s also worth taking a look back at some of the other aero on offer from previous high-performance Corvette variants to get some perspective on the matter, starting with the C8 Corvette Z06 and Z07 package already mentioned.
With the full optional aero installed, the Z07-upgraded C8 Corvette Z06 can generate 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any production Corvette that’s come before it. In addition to the aero bits, the package also includes specific chassis tuning, a unique suspension calibration, Michelin Cup 2R ZP tires, and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, not to mention optional carbon fiber wheels.
Then we have the C7-generation Corvette ZR1, which offered a two-way adjustable High Wing as part of the optional ZTK Track Performance Package ($2,995). The package also included a front splitter with carbon fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires, and unique chassis and suspension tuning.
With all that in mind, it seems likely that the C8 Corvette ZR1 will produce even more downforce than the 734 pounds generated by the Z07-equipped C8 Corvette Z06, although the exact amount of downforce is currently unknown. It also seems likely that the massive rear wing will make loading anything into the rear trunk quite difficult. But hey, if you’re buying a C8 Corvette ZR1 for the cargo room, you’re probably not doing it right.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette ZR1 will feature a forced-induction variant of the 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine dubbed the LT7, and will ride on the GM Y2 platform. Production will take place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The 911 GT3 RS makes 1,895 lbs of downforce at over 170 mph. I’m just saying.
This car is going to be a beast!
Yawn , back in 2016 the acr-e wing generated over 1700 pounds of downforce . That car was a beast with a manual transmission and its ring time to this day for a manual is still crazy ridiculous, just saying . Can’t wait for zr1 or zora and see those 300’plus grand dealer mark ups , laughable at best .
GM Arlington Plant in Kentucky????? Wherever it is made I want one!!!
It’s not just how big the wing is, but how it’s hung behind the bumper. It’s over a low pressure area, and it will help the diffuser work better too. I wouldn’t be surprised to see over 2000lb of downforce. The Opus AMG GTR ran 6’45” with 880 hp…
When will GM grow a pair and offer the Vette with an active rear wing?
Bowling Green plant is where the Corvette is produced .
Growing apair has nothing to do with an active wing. Straight from Tadges mouth it is about cost weight and space. Besides when is the last time you saw active aero on arace car?
GMA has already reported that GM has patented an active aero system for the C8
German DTM introduced active aero a few years ago and F1 currently has active aero.
Not a follower of F1 but isn’t active aero tentative for 2026? The impetus for F1 active aero is not for the performance of the car but the following car.
From what I’ve read, it’s a goal. I’m afraid tho that if it’s not DRS, it’ll be something else such as push to pass like what we have in Indycar and Japanese Super Formula. We’ll see.