The current C8-generation Corvette has already reinvigorated Chevy’s flagship sports car with its mid-engine layout, hybrid technology, flat-plane-crank V8 and a whole host more.
So, it meant the top-of-the-line, balls-out ZR1 was going to have to be something super special to top what’s already come, and it is.
Building on the already nutso Z06, the ZR1 uses a new LT7 DOHC, 5.5-litre, flat-plane-crank V8. The LT7 is based off the Z06’s LT6 but has been juiced up for boosted applications. That’s because the ZR1’s ballistic 793kW (1064hp) and 1123Nm (828lb-ft) is made with the addition of two 76mm turbochargers.
That makes it the first fully factory-turbocharged Corvette, and the first turbo ’Vette offered out of dealers since the optional Callaway packages for the C4 in the 80s and early 90s.
It isn’t just turbos that give the new model its four-figure horsepower number. The LT7 features a new intake system, along with CNC-ported heads, new camshafts, and timing to suit boost. The block has been revised for better oil control, and counterweight changes have been made to go with new rods and pistons.
The turbo system also features anti-lag and electronic wastegates, and there’s a new set of secondary port injectors. The LT7s will be hand-assembled at GM’s Corvette manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
All ZR1s will only be available with the beefed-up eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Although no official performance figures have been revealed yet beyond the top speed of 346km/h, GM says “engineers clocked a sub-10-second quarter-mile time on the Corvette ZR1’s first launch.”
GM also claims the car clocked over 200mph (322km/h) during testing at the Nürburgring with multiple test drivers during development.
As you’d expect, it’s not all about straight-line grunt. Revised magnetic shocks, carbonfibre aero and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels are standard to give the ZR1 cornering prowess.
The carbon-ceramic brakes comprise 400mm rotors with six-piston calipers in the front and 390mm discs with four-piston clamps out back.
If buyers want to crank things up to 11 for the circuit look and performance, they can option the ZR1 with the ZTK package. That’ll get you Michelin Cup 2 R rubber, underbody aero, stiffer springs, a front splitter and that massive rear wing.
The hawk-eyed will also notice the famous split rear window has made a return to the Corvette with this ZR1. GM says it wasn’t a decision made lightly, and not only does it pay homage to the legendary split-window C2, but it also doubles as a heat extractor for the LT7.
Sadly for us Aussies, GMSV has confirmed that there are no plans at this stage to bring the ZR1 to Australia. GMSV already offers the C8 Stingray, hybrid E-Ray and Z06, and says it will monitor market demand to see if the ZR1 becomes viable here.
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