Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 most powerful ever

CHEVROLET has stolen the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170’s thunder in offering the most powerful American production V8 yet in its new-for-2025 Corvette ZR1.

Packing an enormous 783kW (1064hp) and 1123Nm – or 19kW more and 158Nm less than the SRT Demon 170 – the MY25 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s midship LT7-series 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 channels its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Chevrolet has not provided a 0-100km/h time for the Corvette ZR1 but says it will conquer the 0-400m sprint in less than 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of “over 215mph” (347km/h) – or 33km/h more than the Corvette Z07.

“The team that revolutionised Corvette with a mid-engine architecture took on another challenge: take ZR1 to the next level,” said Chevrolet vice president Scott Bell.

“(The) Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation. From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration – and challenge the best in the world.”

Model-specific aerodynamic and cooling elements enable extended track performance and as much as 1200lb (544kg) of downforce at top speed. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high performance tyres are wrapped around 20-inch aluminium wheels up front and 21-inchers at the rear, the ride said to combine the “best on-road comfort and track capability” possible.

Braking duties fall to 400mm ceramic rotors and six-piston callipers at the pointy end and 390mm discs and four-pot clamps up back. The new braking package is said to “yield increased durability and reduced brake component temperatures”, aiding an 80-200-80mph (128-322-128km/h) time of just 24.5 seconds – 22 per cent quicker than the C7 Corvette ZR1.

Chevrolet has reinstated the iconic split rear-window with the ZR1, recalling that of the ’63 model-year Stingray of which just over 10,000 were built. Quietly previewed on the recent Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car, the “statement piece” comprises a carbon-fibre “spine” between two panes of glass, available in exposed weave or body colour.

“We didn’t approach this decision lightly, we know this is a beloved element from Corvette’s history,” said Chevrolet executive design director Phil Zak.

“Not only does this element provide function, but we were able to integrate passionate design into the form and do it in a way that paid homage to Corvette’s history. ZR1 felt like the right time to bring the split-window back.”

Additional stylistic changes for the 2025 model year include a carbon-fibre roof, a choice of four aluminium wheel finishes, an optional Aussie-made carbon-fibre wheel package, and engine intake chamber in Edge Blue. New paint colours include Competition Yellow, Hysteria Purple, and Sebring Orange.

Inside, the ZR1 “dials up the attention to detail” with unique badging, a new stitch pattern, additional blue highlights, a boost gauge, and a wider array of upholstery colours, including Habanero.

“We went into the ZR1 program with lofty goals, but even our first development tests on-track showed the teams were already exceeding them,” said Corvette executive chief engineer Tadge Juechter.

“As we worked to develop this car, we continued to leap past expectations, and we knew we had a special Corvette on our hands.”

Local importer GMSV said that at this stage it has no plans to introduce the Corvette ZR1 to its Australian portfolio.