The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is unstoppable
The Chevy Corvette has had a reserved parking space in the hearts of enthusiasts for decades, but now the ZR1 variant unleashes performance that can rival the world’s fastest supercars. The Chevy Corvette ZR1 taps into more than 1,000 horsepower to complete a quarter-mile run in under 10 seconds. Add in the iconic design, including the return of the split rear window, and the ZR1 brings the heat in more ways than one.
Chevrolet
The C8 Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful of its lineage
The Chevy Corvette ZR1 comes powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, otherwise known as the most powerful V8 ever produced by an automotive manufacturer in the United States. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends an astounding 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Combined with a carbon fiber kit that creates more than 1,200 pounds of downforce, the Corvette ZR1 can reach 60 mph in a GM-estimated 2.3 seconds and boasts a 233 mph top speed.
As it turns out, GM isn’t exaggerating those claims. In Car and Driver testing, the 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 struck 60 mph in 2.2 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the manufacturer’s estimates. That performance makes the Corvette ZR1 the fastest rear-wheel drive car the C&D team has ever tested. Previously, the McLaren 750S, which starts at $349,000, held the crown with a 2.3-second 60 mph time. Prior to that, the Ferrari 296GTB was top dog.
Weighing in at 3,831 pounds, the Chevy Corvette ZR1 is on the heavier side of rear-wheel drive dynamos. The American performance car weighs 625 pounds more than the McLaren 750S, but that doesn’t stop it from widening the gap over longer distances. While the 60 mph test ended in a tenth of a second difference, the quarter-mile run expanded the ZR1’s lead to three-tenths of a second in C&D testing. The Corvette ZR1 also tapped 150 mph in 9.7 seconds, a full second faster than the McLaren 750S.
“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,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is available in two trim levels, 1LZ and 3LZ. Regardless of trim level, the Corvette ZR1 features a carbon fiber roof, carbon ceramic brakes, and carbon fiber ground effects and side intakes. The 1LZ starts at $173,300, easily undercutting competing performance cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Corvette ZR1 shattered records at US tracks
The GM performance team took the Chevy Corvette ZR1 on a track tour, and the performance car managed to set five new production car lap records along the way. Driven by four different GM drivers, the Corvette ZR1 managed to set record lap times at Watkins Glen Long Course, Road America, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway Full Course, and Virginia International Raceway Grand Course. Combined, the four drivers have 65 years of GM Level 6 driving experience, and they’ve all undergone specialized training to earn their Nürburgring Industry Pool certification.
Notably, Ford took the Mustang GTD performance variant to the Nürburgring and set a sub-seven-minute lap time. The American muscle car completed the run in just 6:52.072, making it the fourth fastest vehicle in its class. Perhaps it’s time Chevy took the Corvette ZR1 to the Nürburgring to really test its mettle.
As impressive as the Corvette ZR1 is, Chevy could have an even more powerful model in the works. The American automaker released a teaser for a new Corvette variant, and the rumored model has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring. If rumors are true, the new Corvette will combine the ZR1’s V8 engine with the E-Ray’s all-wheel drive setup.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is an absolute beast of a performance car, and at its price point, there’s no true contender on the market. Supercars from McLaren and Ferrari cost six figures more, but fail to match the milestones and lap times the Corvette ZR1 puts up. Personally, the Corvette isn’t my favorite Chevy performance car (rest in peace, Camaro), but there’s no denying that the American icon is keeping competitors on their toes – or leaving them in the dust. With an even more powerful Corvette model in the works, we could very well see a sub-two-second 60 mph time and more record lap times in the near future.