While anticipation is building for the official debut of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 next month, GM has one more card to play in the mighty mid-engine C8 lineup. Set to sit at the top of the range will be the upcoming C8 Corvette Zora, which will slot in as the uncontested flagship of the eighth-gen Chevy Corvette family with even more performance, a boosted hybrid powertrain, and highly aggressive styling. Now, the new Corvette Zora has been spotted testing as a camouflaged prototype alongside the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
The prototype Corvette Zora units were spied near the GM Milford Proving Ground as they returned from testing on the nearby public roads. The test group also included the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which likely served as a benchmark for the new Zora. Like the Zora, the SF90 Stradale features a twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 engine, with the Italian stallion boasting 986 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
By comparison, the Zora is expected to cradle the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7, the same power plant set to power the upcoming Corvette ZR1. However, in the Zora, the LT7 will combine with a hybrid electric drive unit, the latter of which will power the front wheels to yield all-wheel-drive grip. Peak output is expected to eclipse the 1,000-horsepower mark.
Looking over the pictures, we see two of the Corvette prototypes equipped with the same unique radiator configuration as the hybrid Corvette E-Ray, which accommodates the electrification components. This differs from the C8 Z06 and Z06-based C8 ZR1, which feature outer frontal air intakes that are completely filled with singular radiator panels. Meanwhile, the driver’s-side front intake on the E-Ray incorporates a two-piece radiator design, with a slim vertical section to provide cooling to the front electric drive unit. This exact setup is visible on two of these prototypes, leading us to believe that these are prototypes for the upcoming Corvette Zora. One of the prototypes incorporates the Z06-style radiator setup, suggesting that it is a prototype for the new Corvette ZR1.
As a reminder, all C8 Corvette variants ride on the GM Y2 platform, with production taking place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
I was thinking Zora when it was testing vs a TT V8 electric drive 900 hp Ferrari.
The ZR1 just made no sense.
Sweet jesus.
Just got back from IMSA at Watkins Glen and the GTP cars have roughly 800 HP, and “race” at a hair over 200. While I’m a car guy, I have to ask… ” Who needs 1000 HP?”. It’s kinda silly at this point…
Need and want are 2 totally different things…
One must always strive to attain the next higher
level in life if we are to succeed. The day 1000 horsepower isn’t needed or less power is deemed acceptable is the day I quit lusting after Man’s most amazing desires…More Power and More Speed! Gimme all ‘ya got Scotty! 😉🇺🇸
I understand this is a Zora prototype, but I expected more variations in the body design. It seems like an E-Ray enhanced with substantial upgrades, likely to carry a price tag of over $200,000. I anticipate it will be a high-performance beast. We’ll have to wait for the final production model to see the full extent of the changes.
Have Respect for the Corvette and the company Chevrolet since you don’t have to spend $250,000 to go fast and look sporty, even the basic Vettes hurt many feelings. Make as many as you want to, don’t knock the hustle. #BOWTIE
With speed cameras being installed everywhere you will have to trailer your car to a track to drive it. maybe time to go back to a 2 horse power buggy STILL I THINK THE CAR IS FANTASTIC
Not in Texas, they got removed.
This will be a great car unfortunately like the Z 06 Mary will not allow enough cars to be built. Guys like me who have been driving corvetttes for 45 years will never be able to buy after dealers send them to the secondary market. I am still 1641 on the Ciocca Z 06 MSRP list
Bill, it’s unfortunate you have and are still waiting to take delivery of a C8 Z06. I would suggest trying a reputable small dealer next time. As a small Chevy dealer, I have delivered four Z06 models at MSRP. Also, I’m confident the CEO of General Motors is not controlling C8 Z06 output. Good luck moving up the list soon.
TB
Why are you waiting 1,641. Contact Rick Conte. He recently had a Z06 sitting on the lot looking for a buyer.
And I’ll jump in on Mary having anything to do with Corvette production numbers. Absolutely not. Doubt she even has a clue as to where productions at as long as they are cranking them out. So if that other dealer has told you this, don’t buy it.
I can’t imagine my first day with a Zora at a track day. Baby steps for sure.
Will the Zora be absolutely ridiculous? Yes. Will it be very expensive? Yes. Even if you can’t afford one, just be happy that GM has the testicular fortitude to build these insane machines (ZR1 and Zora). Any way you cut it, you can buy a Vette and hang with or beat European cars that cost 2, 3, even 4 times as much.
When the C7 GS came out in ’17, I had to have one. I looked at approximately 10 of them before finding a 7-speed manual. The 8-speed auto (slush box) is bad enough, let alone in a car built for the track. Well, when ’19 rolled around, I contemplated buying a ZR1, but ultimately just decided to stick with the GS because I had already built it the way that I wanted (both in performance and aesthetics). Looking back, I should have pulled the trigger on a Z. They were going for $115-120k new, and they are pulling big numbers now. I often see them sell for over $200k. If somebody has the coin to drop on one of these elusive machines, don’t wait around. I look back and think to myself, I could’ve had a new ’19 ZR1 at the age of 38 with title in hand. Oh well, life goes on.
My son and I were at Lime Rock park IMSA race 2019 he has an 11 ZR 1 and me a 15 Z 51 at the track . I guy pulled in with a 19 ZR 1 he drove straight from the dealer in OHIO he paid $119,000. He said the dealer was glad to get rid of it. Who knew.
And there’s all these guys that think they only will get a car in New Jersey. Crazy!