The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a 1,064-HP, Split-Window Monster

Chevy has built the most powerful American production V8—and brought back an iconic bit of Corvette design—for the latest King of the Hill.

We’ve seen glimpses of it. We’ve heard it. Now Chevrolet has revealed the 2025 Corvette ZR1, and it’s somehow even wilder than we expected. The top dog of the C8 Corvette lineup breaks new ground for the iconic American sports car, exceeding the 1,000 mark in three ways as it puts the world’s supercars on notice.

As many suspected, the ZR1 engine is closely related to the LT6 in the Corvette Z06. That naturally-aspirated, dual-overhead-cam, 5.5-liter screamer puts out 670 horsepower and revs to 8,600 rpm—not a bad starting point. This hand-built engine, dubbed LT7, retains the flat-plane crank but now features two turbochargers, yet engineers didn’t simply strap them to the V8 and call it a day. The LT7 has a new head casting with a larger, CNC-machined combustion chamber and unique ports, including a secondary port fuel injection system to supply the needed fuel for the beast. The team also designed a new intake system specifically for the turbo application; the turbos themselves are integrated into the exhaust manifold and feature electronic wastegates for improved response time. In addition, there are what Chevy calls “intelligent anti-lag engine calibration techniques” which adjust based on driving style. Last but not least, there are counterweight changes and cooling upgrades.

The result is two of those four-figure goals achieved: a monstrous 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 1,122 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. (GM has a love of Nm, as evidenced by Cadillac’s badging: that’s 828 pound-feet for the rest of us.) The Corvette’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded to handle all this power.

What is surprising is that the ZR1 doesn’t bother with the E-Ray’s hybrid AWD system. That’s right: this is a 1,064-horsepower rear-drive Vette.

The changes continue under the skin. All Corvette ZR1s will come with Chevrolet’s Magnetic Ride dampers, tuned for specific model duty. The standard ZR1 rolls on staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, 20 inches up front and 21 inches out back, the latter coming in at 345-width. customer-adjustable rear spoiler pairs with a carbon fiber front splitter, unique rocker moldings, and a front underwing with stall Gurney deflectors.

Buyers wanting additional track prowess can opt for the ZTK package. This swaps in stiffer springs and sticky Pilot Sport Cup 2-R tires. In addition, a new front underbody panel replaces the stall Gurney with strakes for added front downforce. Carbon fiber bits dot the exterior, including an upright Gurney lip on the hood, front dive planes, and a suitably massive rear wing.

The Carbon Aero package, available on the standard ZR1 as a standalone option, bundles these latter bits together. It’s this aggressive aero package that achieves the third four-figure milestone: over 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of downforce, though at what speed Chevrolet doesn’t say.

Chevrolet has upgraded the ZR1s brakes as well. Carbon ceramic rotors are standard, measuring a full 15.7 inches (400 millimeters) up front; the largest ever on a Vette. The rear rotors are a still-massive 15.4 in (390 mm).

Design-wise, the ZR1 doesn’t change much from the Z06. That is, until you get to the back. For the first time in over 60 years, a production Corvette has a split-window. This carbon fiber bit of bodywork isn’t just for show, either: it’s functional, pulling hot air out of that tight-fit engine bay. The split is available in either exposed carbon or body color.

“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.”

The design also includes a flow-through hood, with the dual benefits of more downforce and cooler air for those hungry turbos. The carbon fiber air ducts on the flanks cool the brakes, while the coupe features small CF inlets on its hatch to further manage turbo temperatures. That’s right: the ZR1 will be available in both coupe and convertible forms.

A carbon fiber roof is standard regardless of model. The ZR1 rolls on unique aluminum wheels available in four colors, including Edge Blue; carbon fiber wheels are available for those who want even more performance.

The changes inside are (relatively) low-key. There are ZR1 badges scattered throughout of course, with a new door stitch pattern available. Chevrolet says a blue stitching option will be available at launch, as well as a new Habanero interior theme, with more customization on the way.

Exterior colors include Sebring Orange (a returning hue from the C7 ZR1, and the Competition Yellow and Hysteria Purple seen in these images—the latter looking more blue to us.

Chevrolet casually dropped some serious performance figures for the ZR1—but is notably keeping lap times secret, for now.

This being an American car, the quarter mile is still a significant measure, and GM estimates the ZR1 dispatches it in under 10 seconds. Top speed? Oh, above 215 mph (346 km/h). The rather unique 80–200 mph (128–321 km/h) measure showcases how far we’ve come: the C8 does the deed in 24.5 seconds. For comparison, the C7 needed 7 more seconds; the C6, over double the time.

While it won’t talk lap times, Chevy did confirm the very first lap at Milford Proving Ground resulted in a higher peak speed than the C7 ZR1. More tantalizing, all four test drivers broke the 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier on their first laps of the Nürburgring. Are we looking at a new record holder? We wouldn’t bet against it.

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will go into production next year at the Bowling Green assembly plant. Expect pricing and availability information closer to the official launch.

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