2025 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 SPIED WITH A REMOVAL ROOF PANEL, CONFIRMS CONVERTIBLE MODEL
- Chevrolet confirms C8 ZR1 coming this summer after launching Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray models.
- Spy shots reveal a retractable roof and an expected 5.5L V8 engine with twin turbochargers exceeding 800 HP.
- It's unclear if the ZR1 will incorporate the E-Ray's hybrid tech.
Ever since the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8 was introduced to the world for the 2020 model-year, Chevrolet made it clear that it would release a wide range of models over time, each more powerful than the next. We first got the overachieving Stingray, followed by the screaming, naturally aspirated Z06. More recently, Chevrolet surprised us all with the E-Ray, the first all-wheel drive and electrified Corvette in history.
But Chevrolet doesn't plan on ending it there. Remember, in Corvette hierarchy, the top-dog ZR1 usually towers over the lineup as the most powerful, fastest and technologically advanced version. The C8 ZR1 still doesn't exist, but back in early April, Chevrolet officially confirmed that it is indeed coming this summer. Now, our latest spy shots of a running test mule confirm that the ZR1 will once again be offered as a convertible.
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These latest spy shots not only reveal a clearer view of the upcoming ZR1, but also clearly show the retractable roof's cutaway. The black cover behind the car's cabin also outlines the mechanical cover that retracts in order to let the roof fold inside. It's essentially the same look and setup as the current convertible Corvette. The spy shots also show us a glimpse of the interior.
What exactly can we expect from the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1? Reliable sources point to a continuation of the Z06's LT7 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, but with the addition of twin turbochargers. Thanks to forced induction and improved cooling, we could expect this top-dog C8 Corvette to crank out north of 800 horsepower.
At this point it's unclear if Chevrolet plans on incorporating some of the E-Ray's hybrid technology into the ZR1 in order to help it reach the symbolic 1,000-horsepower mark.
Then again, the ZR1 has always been a lightweight track monster with an overabundance of power sent to the rear wheels. Only the best, well-trained drivers knew how to properly exploit the car's potential on a track, so the addition of heavy hybrid technology could be out of the question. So could all-wheel drive.
Will There Be Another Model Above The ZR1?
We're obviously still at the speculation stage here as Chevrolet does everything it can to keep the surprise for the car's official unveiling. It's also still unclear if the ZR1 will be the C8's final opus, or if Chevrolet plans on adding a new, even more potent version to the lineup. Something fully electric or hybrid - more extreme than the E-Ray - is not impossible.
We'll continue following the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's development closely and will report back as we know more.
2024-05-03T06:46:54Z dg43tfdfdgfd