The C8 Corvette ZR1 is a marvel of modern engineering, boasting over 1,000 horsepower and a design that’s as aggressive as it is functional. However, some Corvette enthusiasts have noted a curious detail – not all ZR1 models are equipped with the new air intakes seen on top of the rear fenders. This discrepancy has sparked questions among GM Authority readers, several of which have asked us about it via our contact page. Now, GM Authority is revealing the reason behind the discrepancy.
Corvette ZR1 Coupe with air intakes on top of the rear fenders
To clarify why some C8 Corvette ZR1 models have these additional intakes and others do not, GM Authority spoke with Tadge Juechter, the recently retired Corvette executive chief engineer. According to Juechter, the rear intakes serve to channel cool air to the twin-turbocharged V8 engine mounted just behind the cabin. However, while these intakes are standard on the Coupe variant, they are notably absent on the Convertible.
Corvette ZR1 Convertible without air intakes on top of the rear fenders
The reason for this, Juechter explains, is a compromise necessitated by the Convertible’s design.
“We would have loved to have it on the Convertible, but we couldn’t do it because the folding hard top is there, so we had to make a compromise,” Juechter told GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft in a recent interview.
For those wondering whether the lack of these intakes affects performance, Juechter reassures us that the difference is minimal outside of extreme conditions
“We don’t need the intakes to get the 1,064 horsepower, you get it either way,” Juechter told GM Authority. “But if you’re running on the track, you’ll continuously feel cooler air in there.”
Ultimately, the Coupe body style remains the top choice for those seeking every last bit of performance. Beyond the lack of the additional rear intakes, the Convertible is also slightly heavier.
“Most people who are hardcore track drivers will get the Coupe. The Convertible will make up around half of the sales, and you can still track it, but if you care about that last two percent, then you get the Coupe… since the Convertible is 60 kg heavier than the coupe,” Juechter said.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette ZR1 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 engine, delivering a staggering 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque. Output is channeled through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enabling the ZR1 to sprint through the quarter mile in under 10 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 mph. Each C8 ZR1 is built on the GM Y2 platform and produced at the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
I understand that there is minimal difference on the intakes. Something that is strange and hard to understand is the previous 2019 ZR 1 top speed is 212 a
Nd you have in your articles a top speed of 215 on the new ZR1 and my question how can this be the new ZR has 309 more horsepower and how can it only get 3 miles faster than its previous ZR?
215 is not the top speed, that is just what has been seen on camera so far, 220 is more what is being speculated… As far as why only “x” faster? 1200lbs of downforce is why.
They could build cars that go a lot faster. It’s all about what there like on a track. Like C8HIGHLTR said it’s about the aero package and downforce.
The ZR1 is going to be amazing. All comes down to the price and what constraints there are at the time you order it. Would want it loaded.