Making its big debut in July of 2024, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is offered as the most powerful and fastest production Corvette ever made (at least until the launch of the upcoming C8 Zora). As GM Authority covered previously, Chevy dealers began receiving their first allocations for the new C8 ZR1 in March. Now, the first batch of customer-ordered 2025 Corvette ZR1 units are about to begin production.
According to sources familiar with the matter, production of new customer-ordered Corvette ZR1 units will kick off on on April 28th, 2025.
Given the huge demand for the new C8 ZR1, some customers may be tempted to immediately resell their new sports car for a hugely inflated price, a practice also known as “flipping.” To discourage such practices, GM has put in place certain requirements which stipulate a set ownership period before the car can be resold. New 2025 Corvette ZR1 buyers will be given an official retention letter at delivery that states owners must not sell their new ZR1 for one full year. For new owners that break this policy, GM states that they may lose the ability to order future “high-demand” models from GM (as determined by GM), and that the new owner will lose the majority of the factory warranty.
Meanwhile, dealers are tagging the in-demand 2025 Corvette ZR1 with some rather hefty markups, which are averaging around $30,000, with some stretching up to $50,000 over the listed MSRP. For reference, GM lists the official MSRP figures as follows (prices include destination freight charge):
- 1LZ Coupe – $174,995
- 1LZ Convertible – $184,995
- 3LZ Coupe – $185,995
- 3LZ Convertible – $195,995
As a reminder, the C8 ZR1 is powered by the mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 gasoline engine, which doles out a mind-bending 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. All C8 Corvette variants ride on the GM Y2 platform, while vehicle production takes place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
Comments
How ridiculous. 1064 H.P. For what? To get killed. To wind up in jail. Or as Usual. Buying it to flip to a re- sale later.
You need that 1064 hp for any time a hot Mustang challenges. Lol. I don’t know why that power level is so shocking. Did people gasp like this when they made 770 hp Hellcats, 880 hp Mustang GT 500s, 920 hp Demons and 1025 hp 170 Demons? Keep in mind that all of those are front engine cars with far less traction and control than you get in a C8 mid-engine chassis. So my advice is to take a pill and get over the 1064 number.
Wow! Funny enough. When Ferrari, Lamborghini, or McLaren cars are making this power, there is always praise for them, but when it is the good old American Corvette, you cry shame. How pathetic.
hopefully the engines will last longer than these pick up trucks as posted in this issue of GM Newsletter.
“Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra Recalled For 6.2L V8 Engine Loss Of Propulsion”. Affected components: Connecting rods, Crankshaft, Engine oil, Oil filter, Oil fill cap.
AND WHERE ARE THESE ENGINES / TRUCKS MADE AGAIN???
Truck engines have no connection to Corvette – especially the flat plane crankshaft turbocharged engine in the C8 ZR1. Different design, different factory. I ordered and picked up a 2024 Z51 Stingray for museum delivery. It’s the first new car I ever bought that didn’t have to go back to the dealer for ANY “adjustments”. Quality and reliability is excellent. It has a 6.2L LT2. None of my friends that have C8 Corvettes have reported having any engine problems. So I don’t think there is any need to associate truck engine problems with Corvettes.
Can you expand on the “huge demand”?
No answer yet. However, I want all potential buyers in front of me on the several years-long reservation lists to drop out so that I can order my fantastic C8 ZR1 sooner! Thanks for all the help!
One needs 1064 hp because 1065 (and more) isn’t available. At least not yet.
I do wonder what transmission upgrades have occurred to work with this power level and if lower power C8’s could get a more robust transmission as an option? Having to change trans fluid every 3 years is inconvenient at best. Especially at $2500 a pop.
I change my own fluids in my really basic two car garage. Cost of fluid only.
I will be changing my own fluids. Won’t cost $2500. A car lift is a necessary part/medical expense of any good retirement plan. Lol.
For the pride of ownership for many, others, for a potential investment. Regardless, a powerful toy for the well heeled to hord!
Well, a C8 ZR1 is about 1/5th the cost of other cars in it’s performance/market segment. Nothing to complain about.