The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled in early 2013 and introduced for the 2014 model year. It replaced the nine-year-old C6 and essentially changed the way enthusiasts viewed the Corvette thanks to its significant upgrades. Besides the more angular and aggressive styling, the C7 also received a revamped interior that no longer made use of cheap plastics. The cabin was finally moved into premium territory, putting an end to decades of criticism. Under the hood, the ’Vette continues to use a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant, but the old LS3 was replaced with the brand-new LT1.
While it spawned the usual supercharged Z06 and race-spec R versions, as well as a Grand Sport and numerous limited-edition models, the seventh-generation Vette entered its third model year without a range-topping ZR1 in its lineup. A successor to the most powerful version of the C6 was rumored ever since the standard C7 arrived in dealerships, but in three years we got nothing more than unconfirmed rumors and speculation. Actually, at some point GM did say that a ZR1 won’t happen, and then the upcoming mid-engined Corvette, likely called the Zora, caught our entire attention.
The supercharged ’Vette gained more traction in May 2016, when General Motors filed a trademark for the “ZR1” name. Although a trademark doesn’t necessarily mean the car in question is actually coming, the spy shots we received from our paparazzi in the second half of 2016 pretty much confirm there’s a new ZR1 underway. The high-performance coupe is expected to arrive for the 2018 model, meaning that its official debut could take place in early 2017. Keep reading for more info on the new ZR1, a couple of renderings based on recent spy shots, and stay tuned for updates.
Updated 04/20/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Corvette ZR1 out for a new testing session at Nurburgring where the car was making a lot of noise. According to the photographers the car was making more than the 100 dB that is allowed during the Industry test session.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Spy Shots
April 20, 2017 – Corvette ZR1 gets loud on the Nurburgring
Gallery Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
April 18, 2017 – Corvette ZR1 caught testing on the Nurburgring
Gallery Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
November 29, 2016 – Corvette ZR1 starts dropping camouflage
Gallery Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
August 12, 2016 – Corvette ZR1 out for a new testing session
Gallery Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Exterior
The large intakes suggest that this ‘Vette hides a beefed-up, turbocharged V-8 under the hood
While the first prototypes needed careful examination for proof that Chevy was indeed working on the ZR1 and not some special-edition Corvette, the latest spy shots make things pretty clear. As expected, the ZR1 will arrive with a ton of new features compared to the Z06, but Chevy came up with an extreme aero package.
First up, a couple of new, larger vents are visible at each corner of the front fascia. Intakes this large usually feed intercoolers, so it’s a strong hint that this ’Vette hides a beefed-up V-8 under the hood. The vents are complemented by a massive splitter underneath. Second, the hood bulge is larger than Z06’s, which suggest some additional gear has been stuffed under it.
Third, and probably more importantly, there’s a massive wing atop the decklid, a feature that’s not yet available on the production Corvette.
The massive wing atop the decklid appears to be sourced from GT3 racing
The only C7 Vette with a rear wing so far is the race-spec C7.R, while the standard model and the Z06 have spoilers. Grated, the previous ZR1 didn’t have a wing either, but at the same time the previous Z06 had a significantly smaller spoiler. Bigger isn’t always better, but it this case, it’s a sign of evolution.
What’s more, our paparazzi sent us a photo of two cars that are identical save for the fact that they employ different wings. One uses a large element that seems to be borrowed from GT3-spec racing — this is the vehicle that appears the most in our spy shots — while the second one has a significantly smaller wing that sits higher compared to the spoiler of the Z06. It might seem confusing, but word has it Chevrolet 
will offer the ZR1 with two aerodynamic packages. And such a move would make sense, with customers being able to choose between a more affordable and road friendly version and a more expensive, track-prepped variant.
Finally, the test car sports blue brake calipers, which are a trademark feature of the previous ZR1. All told, we’re looking at the meanest Corvette ever built!
THE COMPETITION
There aren’t many sports cars out there that have such big wings and are still legal on public roads. One good example would be the 911 GT3 RS, but besides the fact that it’s sold out for quite some time, it’s also significantly slower and less powerful than the ZR1 is expected to be. As a result, I think that the 911 Turbo (left) is a better alternative until a new GT2 RS model comes out. The 911 Turbo might not be as menacing as the ZR1 on the outside, but it’s pretty aggressive for a sports car that doesn’t have a massive splitter and wing. The rear spoiler, big rear fender vents, and large front bumper outlets help with the looks, but if you’re after a race-inspired design, the Corvette ZR1 wins hands down.
You can get a more aggressive design with the Ferrari 488 GTB (right), but only if you’re willing to pay in excess of $200,000 to take one home. Comparing a Ferrari to a Corvette might be upsetting to some purists, mostly because the 488 GTB comes with a mid-engine configuration and significantly more luxury and cachet, but the ZR1 looks ready to give the 488 GTB a run for its money as far as design goes. Although it also lacks a rear wing, the GTB sports a fresh styling language that combined elements from the previous 458 Italia and the LaFerrari supercar. While the front fascia and most of the side panels look rather plain, the wide rear haunches and race-inspired rear end with classic looking round taillights give the Ferrari a unique appearance.
Interior
Note: Interior from 2015 Corvette Z06 shown here.
Most likely the cabin will be heavily based on the C7
There are no hints as to what changes Chevrolet will make on the inside, but don’t get your hopes up for significant modifications compared to the standard Corvette. Most likely the cabin will be heavily based on the C7, but like the Z06, it will get a few unique features. Actually, it’s very likely that most of the upgrades will be carried over from the Z06 and complemented by special carbon-fiber trim, new upholstery options, and “ZR1” badges. An updated infotainment system with bespoke menu and options, as well as a custom instrument cluster are also on the table.
THE COMPETITION
While its exterior is no match for the ZR1’s menacing looks, the 911 Turbo’s interior (left) should be far superior than anything Chevrolet might create for the ’Vette. Classy and simple, yet stylish, the Porsche’s cabin is made from high-quality materials only, while leather upholstery, including leather seats, comes standard. The dashboard and door panels also include leather inserts, while the roof lining is made from Alcantara. Opt for the Turbo S model and the decorative trim on the dashboard, center console and doors are finished in carbon. Available in either black or two-tone color combinations, the interior can also be ordered in bespoke colors and personalized with aluminum and mahogany trim. The two-zone air conditioning system and the adjustable suspension can quickly turn this race-bred sports car into a comfortable daily driver. Opt for the Ferrari 488 GTB (right) and you’ll end up with a race-inspired cabin with tons of high-quality stuff all over the place. The Maranello-built sports car doesn’t differ much from the 911 Turbo as far as technology goes, but it’s not as comfortable when it comes to cruising through busy city streets.
Drivetrain
Note: Engine from 2015 Corvette Z06 shown here.
Word has it that the ZR1 will get its juice from a twin-turbo V-8 powerplant. The said unit will reportedly go by the name LT5 and will be shared with the upcoming mid-engined Corvette Zora. General Motors declined to comment this scenario, but a twin-turbo V-8, albeit not traditional for a Vette, would make a lot of sense for the ZR1. A twin-turbo engine not only would make it easier for Chevy to squeeze a huge amount of power, but would also enable the ZR1 to return decent fuel economy for a high-performance car.
Word has it that the ZR1 will get its juice from a twin-turbo V-8 powerplant
Output figures are still a mystery as of this writing, but given that the Corvette Z06 cranks out 650 horsepower, the ZR1 will hit the street with more than that. At least 700 horses sounds about right given that the previous ZR1 came with 638 horsepower on tap. With that much power at its disposal, the ZR1 should hit 60 mph from a standing start in 2.8 seconds with ease, which would make it around two tenths quicker than the Z06. Also, top speed should be in excess of 205 mph, but only a mild improvement over its predecessor.
COMPETING PERFORMANCE
While the 911 Turbo and 488 GTB aren’t as powerful as the Corvette ZR1 is expected to be, both should be as quick is my predictions about the Chevy are correct. Having adopted turbo technology since the 1990s, Porsche makes the quickest force-fed sports cars on the market the current 911 Turbo is its most exciting product yet. Powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six, the Turbo comes with 540 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, the latter figure increasing to 523 with overboost. Although significantly less powerful, the Turbo needs only 2.9 seconds to hit 60 mph when fitted with the Sport Chrono package. Top speed is not as mind-blowing at 198 mph, but it’s way more than driver actually need on public roads. The Turbo S gets more oomph from the same engine, which is tweaked to generate 580 horsepower and up to 553 pound-feet of twist. The 0-to-60 sprint drops to 2.8 seconds with Sport Chrono, while top speed increases to 205 mph. All told, the 911 Turbo S has everything it needs to give the upcoming Corvette ZR1 a run for its money. Likewise, the 488 GTB is pretty well suited to keep up with the ZR1. Also using a turbocharged V-8, a first for the brand’s entry-level supercar, the GTB comes with 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet on tap, which enables it to charge to 60 mph in a scant three seconds. It might not be as quick as the ’Vette, but the upcoming GTB Scuderia should be quick enough. Top speed is rated at 203 mph.
Prices
As the quickest and most powerful C7-generation Corvette, the ZR1 will also be the most expensive. But even though it will cost significantly more than the Z06, which retails from $79,400 as of August 2016, it will remain affordable compared to vehicles that deliver similar performance. I’d venture to say that Chevy will keep the ZR1’s sticker under $120,000.
HOW MUCH FOR THE COMPETITION?
Well, the competition is pretty expensive. Of all the cars named above, the Porsche 911 Turbo is the most affordable at $159,200 before options. If my predictions are corect, this is a $40,000 premium over the ZR1. Opt for the 911 Turbo S and you’ll have to pay $188,100, some $70K more. Moving over to the Ferrari 488 GTB, it will set you back around $240,000, double the amount you’d have to pay for a Corvette ZR1. Granted, both the Porsche and Ferrari will give you a more premium interior, more features, and more ways to customize everything from upholstery to trim elements, but is it worth it? If you care about the badge, yes. If performance is all you’re interested in, the ZR1 will give you similar specs for a significantly more affordable price tag.
Competition
McLaren 650S
The McLaren vs Corvette is yet another outrageous comparison at first glance, but considering that the Z06 is already a competitive sports car and the ZR1 is expected to perform even better, GM could have a solid competitor for the 650S. Built around the company’s lightweight, carbon-fiber frame, the 650S uses the same 3.8-liter V-8 as the P1 hypercar. The twin-turbocharged unit cranks out 640 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, pushing the British coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 207 mph, making the 650S the fastest of the bunch. The McLaren is also one of the most capable road-legal cars on the race track, but it remains to be seen how it compares to the ZR1 and its aggressive aerodynamic package. Pricing-wise, the 650S is pretty expensive at $265,500 before options.
Learn more about the McLaren 650S here.
Conclusion
While it’s no longer the most anticipated Corvette — being superseded by the mid-engined version expected until the end of the decade — the upcoming ZR1 is definitely one of the most exciting American vehicles we will get in dealerships in the near future. The twin-turbo engine, the immense output, and the extreme aerodynamic kit will make it a worthy competitor for the 488 GTB and 911 Turbo, a feat Corvette enthusiasts have been dreaming since… well, forever. The front-engined configuration will also make it more appealing to purists who might take a few years to adjust to a mid-engine sports car wearing the Corvette badge. All we can hope is that the ZR1 won’t be the last front-engined ’Vette.
Update History
Updated 04/18/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Corvette ZR1 out for a new testing session, this time around Nurburgring.
Updated 12/15/2016: Based on the recent details and spy shots, we created a rendering for the upcoming Corvette ZR1. Let us know in the comments section below what do you think about it.
Updated 11/29/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Corvette ZR1 out for a new testing session. When compared to the previous prototypes, this new one dropped significant camouflage, meaning its world debut is imminent.
Updated 08/12/2016: The upcoming Corvette ZR1 was caught out for a new testing session, offering us another proof that a high-performance version of the seventh generation Corvette is right around the corner.