The first retail 2025 C8 ZR1 recently sold in a Barrett-Jackson auction for $3.7 million. The car was introduced by Josh Holder, the Corvette Chief Engineer (not to be confused with Executive Corvette Chief Engineer Tony Roma). However, an eagle-eyed user on Mid Engine Corvette Forum noticed something extra in Holder’s job title while watching the auction on the History Channel. Under his name, it said his title is “Vehicle Chief Engineer, Corvette ICE.”
The “ICE” part raises questions about whether there’s a yet-unnamed Vehicle Chief Engineer, Corvette EV. Presumably, ICE encompasses all four existing C8 variants: Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1. This is a hint at the possibility of Tony Roma soon overseeing separate ICE and EV engineering departments for the Corvette.
GM has been a little vague when talking about the possibility of an all-electric Vette. “We talk about this a lot. We talk about this with enthusiasts, my friends, other engineers,” Roma said in a recent interview regarding whether an internal combustion engine is essential to the Corvette nameplate. “We’re not going to apply electrification just for the sake of it,” Roma continued. “We don’t put technology on just for technology’s sake. It kind of has to earn its way in, has to make the car better in some way that our customers are going to respond to.”
If the “ICE” part of Josh Holder’s job title is accurate, it’s also an implication that the gas-powered Vette isn’t going away any time soon. If, indeed, an electric version is on the way, it will likely be marketed alongside ICE Corvette variants, similar to how the Equinox and Equinox EV currently share the Equinox name despite being two different vehicles. This could expand the appeal of the iconic nameplate to EV enthusiasts while retaining its loyal following that prefers a V8.
Regarding C8 ZR1 VIN 001 that just sold, the new owner is Hendrick Companies CEO Rick Hendrick, who made the $3.7 million high bid. 100 percent of that money is going to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in areas impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton and general relief for other victims of natural disasters. The car is finished in Black (GBA) paint with Edge Blue dual racing stripes (RPO DUW) and Edge Blue wheels (SOF), and it appears to have the ZTK performance package.
Comments
This is not really a mystery. GM is doing an Ice and EV of each model. This way they can pr Epstein for any direction regulations take them.
We elect presidents every 4 years and car development can be 8-10. Years. So automakers need to be ready for everything, yes even the Corvette.
2m6,
30 years ago maybe.
Aprox. 3 – 5 years from concept to showroom.
With AI becoming mainstream, it will be getting even faster.
OR
It’s just the History Channel typing words on a screen.
you guys at GM Authority … Who is the woman behind Josh. She doesn’t look familiar, yet has Corvette attire? I don’t recall seeing her at any of the usual Corvette events.