Chevrolet reveals the 2025 Corvette ZR1, the most powerful Corvette ever with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, available in coupe and convertible forms.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: Fastest and Most Powerful Corvette Ever

Chevrolet reveals the 2025 Corvette ZR1, the most powerful Corvette ever with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, available in coupe and convertible forms.

DETROIT – Chevrolet has just revealed the astonishing new Corvette ZR1. Dubbed the King of the Hill, this latest iteration returns with the most potent V8 ever created by an American automaker, boasting exceptional specs and an iconic design to compete with the world’s top supercars, available in both coupe and convertible forms.

The Corvette ZR1 houses a 5.5L, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine known as the LT7. This powerhouse produces an incredible 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, according to SAE standards. It is the most powerful factory-produced Corvette engine ever and the most potent V8 manufactured in America by an automaker. The ZR1 is estimated by GM to exceed 215 mph on the racetrack and complete a quarter mile in under 10 seconds. Its advanced carbon fiber aero package generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. The ZR1 also revives the legendary split rear window design, a nod to Corvette’s storied past.

Scott Bell, Chevrolet’s vice president, emphasized the innovative spirit behind the ZR1. “The team that transformed Corvette with a mid-engine layout took on a new challenge: elevating the ZR1 to unprecedented levels,” he said. “The ZR1 pushes the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge technology. From Stingray to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette lineage keeps rising, challenging the world’s best with every new model.”

Engine Development Mastery

The ZR1’s 5.5L LT7 engine builds on the architecture of the Z06’s LT6, the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8. The LT7 takes this foundation and incorporates twin turbochargers, marking the first factory Corvette to feature such a setup. The “Gemini V8” architecture that began with the LT6 evolved significantly to handle forced induction, with every system optimized for turbocharging.

Unique features of the 5.5L LT7 twin-turbo V8 include:

Special head castings with unique ports and larger combustion chambers
Optimized valve train timing and lift profile for forced induction
A completely new intake system tailored for twin turbochargers
CNC machined combustion chambers and specific exhaust and intake ports
Dual ball-bearing turbochargers integrated with the exhaust manifold for rapid response

Engineers also enhanced the LT7 with advanced anti-lag calibration techniques that adapt to driving styles, plus additional block and head machining for turbo cooling and oiling. To handle the increased power, the Corvette ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission received numerous upgrades, including stronger input shafts, enhanced gear capacity, and improved oil management.

Aerodynamic Excellence

The Corvette ZR1 features purposeful aerodynamics, achieving over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Two distinct chassis setups with Magnetic Ride dampers offer flexibility. The standard chassis sports a sleek body with lower drag and a small adjustable spoiler, while the optional ZTK performance package transforms the ZR1 into a track-ready beast with an aggressive carbon fiber rear wing, front dive planes, and more.

Enhanced cooling systems include:

A flow-through hood for increased front downforce and cooler air temperatures
Carbon fiber side ducts for rear brake cooling without compromising wheel travel
Unique fresh air intake ducts to cool turbo compressor inlet air

The ZR1’s new brake system features revolutionary carbon ceramic rotors, providing greater durability and lower temperatures. The front rotors, at 15.7 inches in diameter, are the largest ever on a Corvette, ensuring rapid deceleration from high speeds.

Reviving the Split Window

The ZR1’s design reintroduces the beloved split rear window from the C2-generation Corvette, integrating it with modern functionality to enhance engine cooling. This carbon fiber “spine” between the rear windows is available in both exposed weave and body color options, adding a unique aesthetic while improving performance.

Design enhancements include a carbon fiber roof to lower the center of gravity, new aluminum wheels in four finishes, and an optional carbon-fiber wheel design to reduce unsprung mass by 42.8 pounds. Inside, the ZR1 cockpit features unique badging, new stitch patterns, and a boost gauge, marking the first factory turbocharged Corvette.

The ZR1 offers extensive customization with new exterior colors like Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange, along with a new Habanero interior and a Blue Stitch option. Various racing stripes, brake caliper colors, and seat belt options are also available.

Production and Legacy

Production of the Corvette ZR1 will begin in 2025 at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. It joins the Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray in the Corvette family, continuing to push boundaries and set new standards in performance. Further details on pricing and availability will be announced closer to the start of production.

In testing, the ZR1 demonstrated its prowess with a faster peak speed than the production C7 ZR1 at the Milford Proving Ground, a sub-10-second quarter-mile time on its first launch, and peak speeds over 200 mph on the Nürburgring achieved by all test drivers.

Founded in 1911, Chevrolet has grown into one of the world’s largest car brands, known for its electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, engaging performance, and innovative technology. For more information, visit www.chevrolet.com.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Type: LT7 Twin-Turbocharged 5.5L DOHC VVT DI
Bore & stroke: 4.104 x 3.150 in. / 104.25 x 80 mm
Block Material: A319 cast aluminum with cast-in iron cylinder liners
Oiling System: Seven-stage dry sump (8-qt. capacity) with oil-spray piston cooling
Oil Type: Dexos R 5W50 synthetic
Cylinder Head Material: A356 T6 cast aluminum
Combustion Chamber Volume: 59.92cc
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Valvetrain: DOHC with mechanical finger-follower and dual-coil valve springs
Fuel Delivery: PDI with max pressure of 5,076 psi
Firing Order: 1-4-3-8-7-6-5-2
Charging: Twin 76 mono-scroll ball bearing turbos
Charge Cooling: Dual water to air charge coolers
ECU: GM E68