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2025 Corvette ZR1: Everything We Know And Expect

For those readers who may have been stuck under a rock for the last several months, GM is about to unveil a new track-oriented variant of the mid-engine Corvette C8. Taking the name ZR1, the new go-faster Vette will present even more aggression, speed, and performance than the current C8 lineup. Now, we’re rounding up everything we know and expect from the 2025 Corvette ZR1 prior to the big debut this evening.

A prototype of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 testing on the Nurburgring.

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 will be the fifth iteration of the ZR1 nameplate and is expected to debut a host of eye-widening specs. The most important of these will be the engine spec, with the C8 ZR1 introducing the new twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7. Offered as a boosted variant of the 5.5L V8 LT6 that powers the C8 Z06, the LT7 is expected to throw down with roughly 850 horsepower and 750 to 850 pound-feet of torque, making the ZR1 the new top-dog performer of the C8 lineup (at least until the C8 Zora arrives).

Power will be sent exclusively to the rear wheels by way of the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (codeveloped with Tremec) equipped by the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06. A manual transmission option will not be available.

Under the skin, the C8 ZR1 will ride on the GM Y2 platform, with a uniquely tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension on board to control the power, as well as larger, more-capable brakes. There will also likely be a high-dollar brake option made from some kind of “exotic material.”

The exterior will feature a wide body design and potentially active aero elements. GM Authority previously captured a prototype variant of the C8 ZR1 lapping the Nurburgring, revealing a massive rear wing, additional side intakes, and other aero add-ons. Both a two-door coupe and hard-top convertible are expected. The interior will be more or less in line with the rest of the C8 Corvette lineup in terms of design, although “exclusive” new seating and insert materials may be offered, as will a massage seat function.

The GM Y2 platform will provide the underpinnings, while production will take place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky, just like the rest of the C8 lineup.

The new 2025 Corvette ZR1 debuts this evening at 7:30 EST, so keep it locked to GM Authority for all the latest, and make sure to subscribe for more Corvette ZR1 news, mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. 1064 Horsepower.

    Reply
    1. I see some sites are retracting this “leak” claim already. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t.

      Reply
    2. Course, we’ve already had 1000, 1500, 2000 HP vettes, real question is what they’ll do to keep those ponies on the ground 😉

      Reply
    3. Maybe for the Zora with the front electric front drive unit

      Reply
    4. Boosted LT6 probably won’t get that much hp. Add front elect motor(s) to the front for the Zora for 4 digit rating.

      Reply
      1. @kevin
        a junkyard 5.3 with a ebay turbo can make 1k rwhp, so why cant gm with bigger cubes and twins

        Reply
        1. Emissions/reliability. The naturally aspirated R07 engine makes 850-900 HP no turbo required, but does it with race fuel and being rebuilt every 500 miles. To keep an engine that can last 200K, decent mileage, California legal and doesn’t have 4-6 seconds turbo lag takes some extra engineering.

          Also, most GT class races now have size limits on the motor, so you cants just take a 8,9,10L big block and whipple it either 😞. When the C7.R came out, Ferrari/Porsche cried foul when they destroked the LT1 to 5.5L. Ferrari was upset about the weight advantage of a pushrod engine. A lot of engineering went into the LT6 to keep it the same weight.

          Reply
        2. @ Nick
          Didn’t say it couldn’t be done, just not likely. Every car GM makes comes with a warranty. GM might get some 5.3s from junkyards, put ebay turbos on them, stick them in C8s and offer a warranty, I just don’t think it’s likely.

          Reply
      2. Maybe they’ll add an Eturbo for a larger/more responsive turbo. You can get much higher HP with a larger turbo as it allows for more airflow (air=power) problem with big snails is they take forever to speed up and build boost. An e-turbo will eliminate the lag.

        Reply
    5. all of you doubters can go cry in the corner now.

      Reply
  2. I want to know if they will be doing a live stream like they did in 2019 for the Stingray and in 2022 for the Z06. Anyone know? I’d need a link or website too, if you could.

    Reply
  3. So essentially you know nothing… other than the obvious.

    Reply
    1. The only thing I can confirm is that it will have better track times than the C8 Z06 and the C7 ZR1

      Reply
  4. Wonder what the dealer “market adjustment “ will be?

    Reply
    1. Market adjustment will = The rest of the retirement fund for the 75 year old who just has to have it.

      Reply
  5. Kamalot Bull Butter

    Reply

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