GM just announced official pricing information for the 2025 Corvette ZR1, revealing an MSRP figure of $174,995 (including destination freight charge) for the ZR1 1LZ Coupe. While pricey, the new C8 ZR1 is actually quite affordable when compared to the high-dollar alternatives from rival automakers. The question is – how does the new C8 ZR1 compare to the preceding C7 ZR1?
Ever since the first Corvette ZR1 was introduced for the 1970 model year, the nameplate has stood for high performance and impressive track capabilities, and the latest C8 ZR1 is no exception. For those readers who may be unaware, the new 2025 Corvette ZR1 is the fifth Chevy Corvette generation to carry the ZR1 badge, with Chevrolet previously offering ZR1 variants for the C3, C4, C6, and C7 generations.
So, how does the C8 ZR1 stack up against the C7 ZR1? Let’s start with the engine. Mounted under the long nose of the C7 ZR1, you’ll find the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5 gasoline engine, which is topped by a 2.6L Eaton blower and features a 16-valve OHV valvetrain and 10.0:1 compression ratio. Output is rated at 755 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 715 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, all of which is sent rearwards through either the GM seven-speed manual, or the GM eight-speed automatic.
Meanwhile, the C8 ZR1 cradles the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7, which is mounted behind the cabin, rather than up front like in the C7 ZR1. The LT7 boasts a DOHC valvetrain with 32 valves and a 9.8:1 compression ratio. Maximum output is set at 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm, making the C8 ZR1 the most powerful production Corvette ever made. All that go is sent rearwards by way of the Tremec-developed eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Check out the table below for a more thorough breakdown of the mechanical specs between these two powerhouses:
C7 Corvette ZR1 | C8 Corvette ZR1 | |
---|---|---|
Type | Supercharged 6.2L V8 | Twin-Turbo 5.5L V8 |
Engine Code | LT5 | LT7 |
Bore and Stroke (in. / mm) | 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 | 4.104 x 3.150 / 104.25 x 80 |
Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
Valvetrain | OHV, 16-valve | DOHC 32-valve |
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm) | 755 / 563 @ 6,400 | 1,064 / 873 @ 7,000 |
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm) | 715 / 969 @ 3,600 | 828 / 1,123 @ 6,000 |
Transmission Type | 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
Front Suspension | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring | Double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers (specific calibration with available ZTK package) |
Rear Suspension | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring | Double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers (specific calibration with available ZTK package) |
Magnetic Ride Control | Standard | Standard |
Steering Type | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops |
Turning Circle (ft. / m) | 37.7 / 11.5 | 38 / 11.6 |
Brake Type | Four-wheel disc with carbon-ceramic rotors; six-piston aluminum front calipers and four-piston aluminum rear calipers | eBoost-assisted carbon ceramic discs with six-piston/monobloc front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers |
Front Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm) | 15.5 / 394 | 15.7 / 398 |
Rear Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm) | 15.3 / 388 | 15.4 / 391 |
Front Wheel Size | 19-inch x 10-inch | 20-inch x 10-inch |
Rear Wheel Size | 20-inch x 12-inch | 21-inch x 13-inch |
Front Tire Size | P285/30ZR19 | 275/30ZR20 |
Rear Tire Size | P335/25ZR20 | 345/25ZR21 |
Coupe Dry Weight (lbs. / kg) | 3,560 / 1,615 | 3,670 / 1,665 |
Convertible Dry Weight (lbs. / kg) | 3,618 / 1,641 | 3,758 / 1,705 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal. / L) | 18.5 / 70 | 18.5 / 70 |
Beyond the greasy bits, how do the C7 ZR1 and C8 ZR1 stack up in terms of price? Well, when it comes to MSRP, the ZR1 has a higher price tag overall, ranging between $174,995 and $195,995, depending on the trim and configuration, as compared to a range of $121,995 to $136,495 for the C7 ZR1. It’s also worth noting that the C8 ZR1 is expected to enjoy a longer production run than the C7 ZR1, the latter of which was produced for only a single model year (2019).
Check out the table below for more information on pricing for these two ZR1 generations:
C7 Corvette ZR1 | C8 Corvette ZR1 | |
---|---|---|
1ZR/1LZ Coupe | $121,995 | $174,995 |
1ZR/1LZ Convertible | $126,495 | $184,995 |
3ZR/3LZ Coupe | $131,995 | $185,995 |
3ZR/3LZ Convertible | $136,495 | $195,995 |
With all that covered – which of these two machines would you prefer to see in your driveway? Let us know by voting in the poll below!
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View Comments
Which would I choose? The C7 with the manual and that glorious supercharger noise all day, every day. It's about driver engagement and entertainment. The C8 ZR1 may be faster and cheaper but it will never be as fun to drive as a car with a ton of horsepower and 3 pedals. That's why the C7 ZR1 has nearly doubled in price and the C8 ZR1 will be in the bargain bin in a few years. And let's be honest, even when the DCT is working correctly in the C8, it's still a) an automatic and b) terrible.
Amen brother.
I'm curious as to why you said "The C8 ZR1 may be faster and cheaper". Faster yes but cheaper no. Price wise the C8 ZR1 is a lot more pricier.
The C7 ZR1 is more expensive now than a C8 ZR1.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2019-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-coupe-100/
A manual C7 ZR1 just brought $270K on BaT and they keep going up.
Thats apples to oranges... dealers will add to the MSRP plus the one that Mr. Hendrick will buy at auction will blow all others out of the water!
Bill - I think what he's saying is that the most affordable C7 ZR1 are now going for $150K, and that's a product that's now five years old.
I hope that potential buyers on the several years-long reservation lists to order a C8 ZR1 get distracted and instead buy a used C7 ZR1 - or anything else for that matter. That way I will get my fantastic C8 ZR1 sooner!
So , since you seem to have one of each, your track times in a leg operated vehicle were faster?
I love the C7 over the c8 I dont like mid engine cars I like the C7 because it comes with an automatic or a manual transmission I would even consider the C6 ZR1 too
If you like manual transmissions, consider getting rid of power assisted steering and go back to manual brakes to give you more of that 1940s "road feel".
A very good report!
As an OLDIE FAN, of course the C7 ZR1 with SC and manual transmission.
As a technically interested modern PERSON in 2025, of course the C8 ZR1 as it is now a "hyper car" at a socially acceptable price! Remember, the C8 is absolutely the BEST now!!!
Well, you can still buy a used C6 Corvette ZO6 or Camaro LT1 and have the biggest happy time ever....
Both
That C7 with the LT5 makes a GLORIOUS roar and supercharger whine. I would take that car in a heartbeat.
I wish GM would have put the LT5 in the Camaro ZL1 or maybe just called it a ZR1 to compete more with the Mustang GT500 the last few remaining years. One can only wish and dream what could have been!!
I wish they had kept the C7 style, and run it next to the rear engine!!!!!! Love the C7 ZR-1!!!!!!!
All is well at GM's Corvette division thanks to some fantastic engineering and their "hands off" policy of intentionally limiting horsepower etc. However... my local area Corvette dealer just looked at me with a sort of bemused smile when I told him I wanted one about 3 months ago... I've owned 42 Corvettes in my time here on earth and was hooked on them since my first ride at ten years old in a new '57 Corvette.... so how do I go about landing one of these dream cars?
42 Corvettes? All you need is one GOOD one... I think you're joking with us that you don't know how to get one. But in case you aren't, get with a large, nation-wide dealer that only sells at MSRP. Put down some money, sign their agreement and you'll be on a "reservation" list that might take a year or two to clear. Worked for me for Z06. It will work again for ZR1.
I thought the article was going to compare performance on the road, or a track, performance. not specifications. I prefer fighter jets and stealth aircraft to WW2 piston wnginexstick n rudder, so a C8 ZR1 for sure. Finally canxcompete with Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche with a modern transmission , that is not an automatic but a truly futuristic manual trans. That is lost on the older generation, or the fast n furious crowd. Fighter Jet beats Mustang P51 every time
Idiots who drive a slower manual transmission and can’t meet the shifting speed of the Tremic not to mention repairs on clutches and throw out bearings and resurfacing flywheels! The last corvette before getting my C8 ZO6 had 189,000 miles on it and never did anything to it except change the fluid! But that ok because most people who compare C7’s to C8’s DON’T EVEN OWN A NEWER CORVETTE AT ALL 😝 LOL& LMFAO 😂!!
Wait for the Zora 1228 HP
Yes. I hope that all potential buyers in the years-long order reservation lists for a C8 ZR1 drop off and wait for a Zora or C9. That way I will get my fantastic C8 ZR1 a little sooner!
C7 C6 are my favorites I do not like the C8 at all I dont like the mid engine set up I wish they made a front engine car