2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 Testing Against a Porsche 911 GT2 RS
A group of Corvette engineers was caught driving the 2025 Corvette ZR1 prototypes, and it's a welcomed sight to see. Here's what we know.
Updated: July 20, 2023 // Auto News
Chevy’s unveiling of the 2024 Corvette E-Ray earlier this year was just the beginning. It looks like the Chevy brand is continuing to amp up production of new high-performance iterations of the mid-engine C8. Up next, we have the highly anticipated 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1, a twin-turbocharged beast that’s poised to take the performance game to the next level, surpassing its predecessors – the Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray variants. We’re finally catching a sneak peek of the C8 ZR1 in action, sporting a camouflaged exterior as seen in these spy shots by GM Authority.
This 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 prototype was discovered testing with the C8 family’s newest members, the Z06 and E-Ray. This makes sense considering that the Z06 and E-Ray are both members of the C8 widebody club. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS was also there, most likely for benchmarking.
Related Question: Is a Chevrolet Corvette a Muscle Car?
2025 Corvette C8 ZR1: What Can We See
The initial observation to make is the prototype’s weighty vinyl camo, as anticipated given the bold exterior design that’s undoubtedly concealed beneath. Despite that, we can still observe a significantly sized splitter aero component extending from the underside of the front fascia, providing the front of the vehicle with a rather intimidating appearance. Beneath the vinyl, we can discern a substantial vertical central ridge traversing the frontal air intake, complemented by profound, square intakes situated at the bumper’s edges.
The rear end is unequivocally commanded by the identical contoured spoiler featured in the Z07 bundle proffered for the C8 Corvette Z06. The upcoming ZR1 is anticipated to offer active aerodynamics as an optional feature. Additionally, we observe a centrally positioned exhaust configuration featuring four circular outlets, emulating the Z06 model. The back end design is also quite recognizable. The wheel design is disguised by flat disc covers, but the wheel width is obvious, with a big footprint at the back to assist transfer the tremendous power on tap to the concrete. The profile suggests a coupe body shape.
What Engine is in the 2025 Corvette C8 ZR1?
The C8 ZR1 will be fitted with the same 5.5L V8 LT6 engine that drives the C8 Z06, as well as a pair of turbochargers, as the C8 Z06. At maximum throttle, forced induction will deliver an estimated 800 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque, compared to the normally aspirated C8 Z06’s 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s also unknown if the LT6’s flat plane crank will survive the addition of two turbos.
Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.