It has been a long time since we saw the legendary ZR1 nameplate appear on a Corvette with the last model being based on the C7 Vette. That model was the last front-engined version made before GM and Chevrolet chose to make the C8 version a mid-engined offering a few years ago. At the time, Chevrolet said that making it a mid-engine model allowed the brand to extract higher levels of performance from the car and the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is perhaps the most potent expression of this mantra yet. The model breaks new ground for the moniker and raises the bar on performance too.
The ZR1 is a monster in sheep’s clothing
The most potent talking point about the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is what’s lurking under the bodywork with the model being powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8. This V8 is the most powerful ever equipped to a Vette and it finally allows the model to break the 1,000 hp barrier for the first time with Chevy saying that the ZR1 produces 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque with the engine also having the ability to rev up to 8,000 RPMs.
GM didn’t reveal the 0 to 60 time for the model but did confirm that the ZR1 can go all the way up to 215 mph and rocket through the quarter mile in under 10 seconds. An optional ZTK package maximizes downforce with the ZR1 generating 1200 lbs of it when engaging in high-speed driving. An eight-speed automatic continues to be the lone transmission but with how much power is being sent to the road, engineers have strengthened it to help it cope with the extra stress. These figures are higher than both the outgoing ZR1’s 755 hp and the existing Z06 which only makes 650 hp.
The split window returns
The exterior styling of the ZR1 shares some of its core DNA with other C8 Vettes but the ZR1 is the only one that will have a split rear window with the feature last being seen on the 1960’s era Stingray. In addition to that retro-inspired touch, The ZR1 also gets a reworked front bumper with bigger air intakes and a flow-through hood that promotes engine cooling. Additional cooling ducts in the rear help keep the twin-turbos cool while also adding a stylish touch to the split-window setup too.
Larger carbon fiber wheels and carbon ceramic brakes are exclusive to the ZR1 but the model can still be equipped either as a coupe or a droptop convertible. The coupe is the lightest of the bunch with that model weighing 3,670 lbs while the convertible weighs 3,758 lbs due to the addition of the folding top and the additional bracing needed to make it all work.
Meanwhile, the interior gets a new Habanero color scheme with blue stitch accents also being available. The look is grafted from other C8 models with many of the buttons and switches being canted towards the driver. Full customization will also be available with Chevy saying that buyers can choose from a wide range of color and trim options.
All this ZR1 fun comes at a price
With all this performance, style, and technology on hand it should come as no surprise that the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will command a hefty toll from your wallet. Chevrolet didn’t reveal final pricing for the model but look for it to continue being the most expensive Vette in the lineup. The C& based ZR1 started at $120,000 and the current Z06 starts at $114,395. With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that the 2025 ZR1 will eclipse both of those figures with a base model potentially starting around $150,000.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will go on sale next year.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.