When it comes to high-performance Corvette models, the Corvette ZR1 stands as the pinnacle of the Vette lineup. Available across several generations spanning five decades, we’re taking a look back at all the Corvettes that wore the iconic ZR1 badge.
Quick Facts
| C3 ZR1 | C4 ZR-1 | C6 ZR1 | C7 ZR1 | C8 ZR1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Series 194 or Series Z | Y-Body | Y-Body | Y-Body | Y2 |
| Model Year(s) | 1970-1972 | 1990-1995 | 2009-2013 | 2019 | 2025-2030 |
| Engines | Atmospheric 5.7L V8 LT-1 | Atmospheric 5.7L V8 LT5 | Supercharged 6.2L V8 LS9 | Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5 | Twin-Turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 |
| Transmissions | 4-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual | 7-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Auto | 8-Speed Auto Dual Clutch |
| Production | GM St. Louis Plant, Missouri, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
Corvette C3 ZR1
1972 Corvette ZR1
The first Corvette to bear the ZR1 designation was the C3. Available during the 1970 to 1972 model years, the Corvette C3 ZR1 featured a variety of performance goodies, including the solid-lifter 5.7L V8 LT-1 gasoline engine (rated at 370 horsepower), heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission, power brakes, aluminum radiator, and a reworked suspension setup with special springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, and spindle-strut shafts.
Interestingly, the first-ever ZR1 was unable to be optioned with power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, or a radio.
1972 Corvette ZR1
It’s worth noting that there was also a Corvette C3 ZR2 on offer. This performance package was only available for the 1971 model year, and featured all the same equipment as the C3 ZR1 with the addition of the 454 cubic-inch LS6 engine. Output was rated at 425 horsepower.
Corvette C4 ZR-1
1990 Corvette ZR-1
Following a near-15-year hiatus, the ZR1 badge returned with the Corvette C4. Stylized as the ZR-1, the range-topping Vette boasted a unique rear fascia that featured four square taillights, upgraded braking and steering systems, an FX3 suspension setup, and a special engine co-developed with Group Lotus that General Motors eventually dubbed the LT5.
Not to be confused with the LT5 found in the 2019 Corvette ZR1, the naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 LT5 gasoline engine was a first for America’s Sports Car on many fronts, most notable of which was the DOHC valvetrain setup. For the first time, a production-spec Corvette model didn’t house a pushrod engine under the hood, as the C4 ZR-1’s LT5 featured four overhead cams and 32 valves, as well as an all-aluminum engine block. This combination was good for 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque, yet was bumped up to 405 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque for 1993 and beyond following various updates to the valvetrain.
1990 Corvette ZR-1
While the C4 ZR-1 was co-developed between General Motors and Group Lotus to become the fastest production car in the world at the time, its powertrain was more memorable for its endurance and held numerous world records for its hardiness.
Corvette C6 ZR1
2009 Corvette ZR1
After skipping the Corvette C5 generation, the ZR1 returned for the Corvette C6 generation following several years of rumors and whisperings. Code named “Blue Devil” during development, the Corvette C6 ZR1 upped the ante on the track-focused Corvette C6 Z06 through the addition of various performance goodies, including the supercharged 6.2L V8 LS9 gasoline engine that pushed the range-topping Vette to speeds in excess of 190 mph.
Thanks in large part to an Eaton supercharger, the C6 ZR1 produced 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque and delivered said output to the rear wheels via a specially-tuned Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. Additional features included carbon ceramic brakes and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
2009 Corvette ZR1
Other bits that separate the C6 ZR1 from the rest of the Corvette lineup included a carbon fiber roof, hood, fenders, front splitter, and rocker moldings, blue-painted brake calipers and trimmings, and a polycarbonate window in the center of the hood designed to show off the engine.
Production of the Corvette C6 ZR1 lasted from the 2009 to 2013 model years.
Corvette C7 ZR1
2019 Corvette ZR1
Offered exclusively for the final model year of the Corvette C7, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 followed in the C6 ZR1’s footsteps and featured considerable upgrades over the Corvette C7 Z06, most notable of which being the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5 gasoline engine. With a 2.6L Eaton supercharger strapped on top and fed by a dual-injection fuel system, the C7 ZR1 developed 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque, making for the most powerful production-spec front-engined Corvette ever. Improvements to the engine cooling helped to support this monstrous power rating.
2019 Corvette ZR1
The C7 ZR1 was also notable for its aero packages. Two packages were offered, including the standard Pratt & Miller-developed setup that included a chassis-mounted rear wing, a front splitter, and a front underbody spoiler. Meanwhile, the optional ZTK Performance Package added Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, specific chassis and magnetic ride control settings, a higher fixed rear wing, and carbon fiber front splitter end caps. All these changes enabled the C7 ZR1 to produce up to 950 pounds of downforce when properly equipped.
Corvette C8 ZR1
2025 Corvette ZR1 Prototype
While the Corvette C8 ZR1 has yet to be officially revealed, General Motors has confirmed that the high-performance mid-engined Vette will be unveiled in Summer 2024. Expected to launch for the 2025 model year, the C8 ZR1 will likely be powered by a twin-turbocharged variant of the 5.5L V8 LT6 found in the Corvette C8 Z06, called the LT7. Of course, exact power figures have yet to be detailed, however, it’s possible that the V8 LT7 will deliver somewhere in the ballpark of 850 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque.
It’s worth noting that the LT7 will utilize a cross-plane crank in lieu of the LT6’s flat-plane crank.
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Comments
I hope the C8 LT7 engine turns out to be as described here. I read a Motor Trend article as recently as 4/24/24 that claimed that in addition to the turbos, the C8 ZR1 will also have two electric motors up front. A twin turbo 5.5L cross-plane crankshaft engine delivering 800+ hp is fine for me – and will help keep the car light. Save the added hybrid electric jazz for the another new variant… maybe the Zora.
Bob – the C8 ZR1 will be all ICE. The hybridized Corvette ZR1 will indeed be the Zora. We’ve been reporting this since 2020:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/corvette/chevrolet-corvette-c8/chevrolet-corvette-c8-zora/
Thanks for the clarification which I think is good news Alex. I don’t know why Motor Trend would get this wrong at this late date. Perhaps I mis-interpreted it, but I read it several times. The Zora will be a good combo, but I would be happy with the ZR1 “straight up” ICE.
After saying the C3 ZR1 couldn’t be ordered with a radio, or air conditioning, and came with a heavy duty 4 speed manual trany, your interior picture shows a vette with air conditioning, automatic transmission and a radio? Also appears to be a 1971 dash with the seat belt reset button not a 1972 as the picture is labeled.
I am so glad that the C8 ZR1 will have a cross-plane crankshaft instead of a flat-plane that makes it sound like a European wannabe. We need to hear those cammed idle chops, and that deep grunt when driving on low rpms. The best part about it is that the car’s overall torque figures will be bumped up significantly with a cross-plane crankshaft, and not compromised when slapped with a flat-plane. I’m hoping this car will destroy the Ford GT.