The new C8 Corvette ZR1 may be the fastest and most powerful production vehicle to ever fly the Crossed Flags badge, but it won’t hold that title forever. Indeed, there’s a new C8 on the horizon, namely the upcoming Corvette Zora, which will add to the C8 ZR1’s impressive spec list with an extra dose of hybrid go-faster goodness. Now, the new Corvette Zora has been spotted undergoing testing at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany.
Seen charging hard on the ‘Ring itself, as well as rolling through nearby roads, these Corvette Zora test units are covered in the usual mottled black-and-white camo treatment expected of a GM prototype. A total of four prototype units were spotted, all of which included a yellow sticker on the left rear window indicating a hybrid powertrain. Further evidence of electrified go-faster components can be found in the driver’s side front air intake where a vertically oriented radiator is mounted, a feature previously seen on the hybrid C8 E-Ray as a means of cooling the front-mounted electric motor.
Other features include the same massive rear wing as is equipped by C8 ZR1 models specced with the ZTK Performance package, plus a set of dive planes around the front bumper. We also spot the ZR1’s front air extraction hood, which helps with front-end downforce and grip, while also providing enhanced cooling.
Around back, we notice that the prototypes do not include a split window treatment which made its debut on the C8 ZR1 Coupe. Lower in the bumper, we see a set of four downturned exhaust pipes, likely as a means to modulate the volume of the exhaust on the tester.
As for what’s at the other end of the pipes, the C8 Corvette Zora will cradle the same twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 gasoline engine as the C8 ZR1, but with a hybrid system on board for even more performance. The hybrid system is expected to drive the front wheels with additional electric power, blessing the C8 Corvette Zora all-wheel grip and additional output compared to the 1,064-horsepower C8 ZR1.
As a reminder, all C8 variants ride on the GM Y2 platform, and all units are produced at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky. Look for the new C8 Zora to launch next year.
Comments
This idea just came to me, but what if gm does what they did with the camaro and ends up making this just an extreme track package like the 1LE?
Agree. I think this is the path they are going since they said that the ZR1 would be the “range topping” car at the press release.
My thoughts too. I’m thinking its a Z06 eRay front motor, and then all the hardcore ZTK aero and the bodywork from the ZR1.
I think this is a de contented ZR1 that will add the front drive and be targeted as a track car.
Tadge has said the ZR1 will be the most expensive car. So the Zora will have to leave out things.
This will lighten up the car and the addition of the front drive will add more performance. I expect the price to be similar yo the ZR but more performance.
Zora was a racer so what better car to wear the name.
The most expensive car he “they” will produce. He retired, so that’s how he made that statement. The Zora was always planned to be the top end car in the lineup. Look at the pricing difference between a C8 and a C8 E-Ray, nothing’s free.
C8 has a great lineup of product. Too bad the average American can no longer afford it.
If ONLY there was an affordable performance vehicle that GM has in their back pocket that they recently gave up on.
the vehicle no one was able to get ordered from 2020-2024.
I actually think pricing is one of Corvette’s strong points. A base model Corvette, for someone to have a fun toy, is $10k less than my Silverado 1500 was.
Who gives a crap about this thing?
GM is just losing money with those things.
Get us a full sized van.
If they take the ZR1 at 1064 and add AWD with a 150HP motor..anybody got a adding machine..Damn
Another variation of the basic C8! think it should be radical styling,different body to make it stand out as Zoe’s did in 1963.This will be just another add on and Zora deserves more 😢
Why take a car thats primary market is the USA to a German test track for testing.
New Zora will come with power more than 1,350HP & 1,061FT-LBs.
What frustrates me is that they’re already talking about the Zora, yet they still haven’t released the pricing or configurator for the ZR1. Plus, there’s no information on how many they plan to produce or when we can expect to place an order.