Official EPA fuel economy ratings are out for the 2025 Corvette ZR1. Unsurprisingly, the most powerful iteration of the C8 Corvette is also the least efficient. It returns 12 city/18 highway/14 combined mpg.
Notably, the 14 mpg combined fuel economy rating is the same as the Z06, despite the ZR1 getting slightly worse highway fuel economy. Also, the Z06 and ZR1 are both subject to the government’s $3,000 gas guzzler tax.
These fuel economy figures are slightly worse than the C7 ZR1 with an automatic transmission, which returns 12 city/20 highway/15 combined mpg. According to EPA estimates, the difference in annual fuel costs between a 2019 Corvette ZR1 and a 2025 Corvette ZR1 is $300. Naturally, both require premium gas.
Of course, drivers in the market for a more fuel-efficient sports car have the Stingray and E-Ray variants to choose from in the C8 family. The naturally aspirated Stingray and the hybrid, AWD E-Ray both get 19 combined mpg, and neither requires paying a gas guzzler tax.
| City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Gas-Guzzler Tax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stingray | 16 | 25 | 19 | $0 |
| E-Ray | 16 | 24 | 19 | $0 |
| Z06 | 12 | 20 | 14 | $3,000 |
| Z06 with Carbon Aero | 12 | 19 | 14 | $3,000 |
| ZR1 | 12 | 18 | 14 | $3,000 |
For reference, the ZR1 is powered by the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 gasoline engine, which is rated at 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque, making the C8 ZR1 the most powerful production Corvette ever made. Meanwhile, the C8 Z06 is powered by the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine, rated at 670 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Breaking it down, the LT7 is basically a forced-induction variant of the LT6, but despite the boost and massive power increase, both models have identical gas guzzler taxes.
As for MSRP, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is available in two trim levels (1LZ and 3LZ) and two body styles (Coupe and Convertible). The “entry-level” C8 ZR1 1LZ Coupe starts at $174,995, the 1LZ Convertible starts at $184,995, the 3LZ Coupe starts at $185,995, and the 3LZ Convertible starts at $195,995. Note that all prices listed here include DFC.
All C8 variants are built on the GM Y2 platform, while vehicle production takes place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
Comments
I’m pretty sure no one purchases a ZR1 or Z06 for the gas mileage.
But it’s nice to know what to expect for vehicle range when taking it on a long trip. I don’t think I would be a buyer if it only got 6 mpg.
My ’67 427/435 Corvette with a 4:11 rear could barely attain 10 MPH on the highway.
Sorry, I meant 10 MPG.
My thoughts exactly. Who cares!
I was actually a little surprised to read how good the mileage was/is.
It’s way passed time to repeal the gas guzzler tax. The 1970s are over.
Add its repeal to the Big Beautiful Bill!
No. If you’re purchasing one of those cars, you pretty much know you aren’t going to be at the head of the pack in the fuel economy runs. I have had a couple of friends that were a slightly taken aback. One was used to feeding a C7 GS. He now considers that to be economy car.
Yeah the Z06 and ZR1 are gas hogs, but the massive increase in power and torque in the ZR1 make it worth it.
It’s purchasing a Suburban and expecting 30MPG without the diesel! Lol 🤣 who cares is an awesome Corvette!3
It’s like*
I bought a new 1970 Pontiac GTO in 1970. It got 13mpg on a long trip. Premium fuel was 33.9 cents/gallon. My GTO had 350 horsepower with a Turbo 400 Auto 3 speed. We have come a long way!
It’s all irrelevant if you want the car and accept the fact that it’s not a grocery getter car. Things never change.
If I want to go grocery shopping with it, why not. (LOL)
The Missues and I are laughing all the way to the bank with our ‘09 Rondo. It gets 30-40 on the way to the Dollar General to pick up my cherry pop tarts. She’s a diabetic so I can’t share them with her. Why anybody needs a car like this when the speed limit is 65 is beyond me. Plus you city boys have traffic jams. My Rondo would be better if I get to the City.
We all know what a Corvette is, but what’s a Rondo?