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Even hotter Chevrolet Corvettes to come, but don't count on an EV

Even hotter Chevrolet Corvettes to come, but don't count on an EV

The Advertiser17-07-2025
There are even hotter versions of the current C8-series Chevrolet Corvette in the works despite the heroics of the flagship ZR1X – the most potent, rapid production Corvette in the nameplate's 72-year history.
Currently the performance pinnacle of the C8 Corvette range, launched in 2020, the 2025 Corvette ZR1X packs a combined 1250hp (932kW) from its twin-turbo 5.5-litre LT7 V8 petrol engine and front-axle electric motor, with a staggering 0-100km/h time of 2.0-seconds flat.
Just when Corvette fans thought things couldn't get any better, GM Performance lead engineer Tony Roma has told Top Gear there's even more to come from the current model.
"The ZR1X is not the end of the story, it's just the latest chapter," Mr Roma told the British publication.Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"The backbone we've built into the C8 is proving to be super capable. The things we've learned from creating the various models so far and the opportunities we have in the future with this chassis are incredible.
"The team that works on it has a very, 'what can we do, and how can we do it?' attitude. They see possibilities and not challenges."
Sadly, the ZR1X won't be offered in Australia, with the slow-selling Corvette E-Ray hybrid V8 remaining the most capable Corvette locally here – although its performance stats barely edge out the more expensive Z06.
Mr Roma says both the E-Ray and the Z06 provided learnings the engineering team applied to the ZR1X – and even more capable C8 Corvettes to come.
That includes posting higher top speeds, with Chevrolet not supplying a top speed for the ZR1X – which, given its capability, should be higher than the Z06's staggering 233mph (375km/h) v-max.
"Speed is only relevant these days for bragging rights," Mr Roma told Top Gear.
"For a car to have a certain amount of provenance, we have to offer a version of that car that's capable of doing those silly numbers.
"The ZR1's top speed attempt was not in expectation that our customers would ever repeat it, or even get remotely close, because you can't legally do that.
"The fact that the car has proven it can do it is precisely why people buy cars like this. Having the crazy lap times and ridiculous acceleration is part of what makes these cars what they are.
Those speeds will be achieved with a V8, despite GM teasing a battery-electric Corvette concept back in 2022, with a recent follow-up earlier this year.
Mr Roma told another UK title, this time Autocar, an electric Corvette must be about more than numbers – and that given the increasingly rapid performance in everyday EVs, Corvette buyers will be looking for something beyond acceleration times.
"We talk about what it would take to make a capable enough car, but right now it's still science fiction," Mr Roma told Autocar.
"And so that's our challenge – to come up with something different, that something engaging.
"When you're buying a car like a Corvette, why are you buying it? You're buying it because you want something special. You want to be engaged in the art of driving.
"And so, when we can figure out how to do that, and as we put more electrification in the car, we will, but we're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose."
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
There are even hotter versions of the current C8-series Chevrolet Corvette in the works despite the heroics of the flagship ZR1X – the most potent, rapid production Corvette in the nameplate's 72-year history.
Currently the performance pinnacle of the C8 Corvette range, launched in 2020, the 2025 Corvette ZR1X packs a combined 1250hp (932kW) from its twin-turbo 5.5-litre LT7 V8 petrol engine and front-axle electric motor, with a staggering 0-100km/h time of 2.0-seconds flat.
Just when Corvette fans thought things couldn't get any better, GM Performance lead engineer Tony Roma has told Top Gear there's even more to come from the current model.
"The ZR1X is not the end of the story, it's just the latest chapter," Mr Roma told the British publication.Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"The backbone we've built into the C8 is proving to be super capable. The things we've learned from creating the various models so far and the opportunities we have in the future with this chassis are incredible.
"The team that works on it has a very, 'what can we do, and how can we do it?' attitude. They see possibilities and not challenges."
Sadly, the ZR1X won't be offered in Australia, with the slow-selling Corvette E-Ray hybrid V8 remaining the most capable Corvette locally here – although its performance stats barely edge out the more expensive Z06.
Mr Roma says both the E-Ray and the Z06 provided learnings the engineering team applied to the ZR1X – and even more capable C8 Corvettes to come.
That includes posting higher top speeds, with Chevrolet not supplying a top speed for the ZR1X – which, given its capability, should be higher than the Z06's staggering 233mph (375km/h) v-max.
"Speed is only relevant these days for bragging rights," Mr Roma told Top Gear.
"For a car to have a certain amount of provenance, we have to offer a version of that car that's capable of doing those silly numbers.
"The ZR1's top speed attempt was not in expectation that our customers would ever repeat it, or even get remotely close, because you can't legally do that.
"The fact that the car has proven it can do it is precisely why people buy cars like this. Having the crazy lap times and ridiculous acceleration is part of what makes these cars what they are.
Those speeds will be achieved with a V8, despite GM teasing a battery-electric Corvette concept back in 2022, with a recent follow-up earlier this year.
Mr Roma told another UK title, this time Autocar, an electric Corvette must be about more than numbers – and that given the increasingly rapid performance in everyday EVs, Corvette buyers will be looking for something beyond acceleration times.
"We talk about what it would take to make a capable enough car, but right now it's still science fiction," Mr Roma told Autocar.
"And so that's our challenge – to come up with something different, that something engaging.
"When you're buying a car like a Corvette, why are you buying it? You're buying it because you want something special. You want to be engaged in the art of driving.
"And so, when we can figure out how to do that, and as we put more electrification in the car, we will, but we're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose."
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
There are even hotter versions of the current C8-series Chevrolet Corvette in the works despite the heroics of the flagship ZR1X – the most potent, rapid production Corvette in the nameplate's 72-year history.
Currently the performance pinnacle of the C8 Corvette range, launched in 2020, the 2025 Corvette ZR1X packs a combined 1250hp (932kW) from its twin-turbo 5.5-litre LT7 V8 petrol engine and front-axle electric motor, with a staggering 0-100km/h time of 2.0-seconds flat.
Just when Corvette fans thought things couldn't get any better, GM Performance lead engineer Tony Roma has told Top Gear there's even more to come from the current model.
"The ZR1X is not the end of the story, it's just the latest chapter," Mr Roma told the British publication.Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"The backbone we've built into the C8 is proving to be super capable. The things we've learned from creating the various models so far and the opportunities we have in the future with this chassis are incredible.
"The team that works on it has a very, 'what can we do, and how can we do it?' attitude. They see possibilities and not challenges."
Sadly, the ZR1X won't be offered in Australia, with the slow-selling Corvette E-Ray hybrid V8 remaining the most capable Corvette locally here – although its performance stats barely edge out the more expensive Z06.
Mr Roma says both the E-Ray and the Z06 provided learnings the engineering team applied to the ZR1X – and even more capable C8 Corvettes to come.
That includes posting higher top speeds, with Chevrolet not supplying a top speed for the ZR1X – which, given its capability, should be higher than the Z06's staggering 233mph (375km/h) v-max.
"Speed is only relevant these days for bragging rights," Mr Roma told Top Gear.
"For a car to have a certain amount of provenance, we have to offer a version of that car that's capable of doing those silly numbers.
"The ZR1's top speed attempt was not in expectation that our customers would ever repeat it, or even get remotely close, because you can't legally do that.
"The fact that the car has proven it can do it is precisely why people buy cars like this. Having the crazy lap times and ridiculous acceleration is part of what makes these cars what they are.
Those speeds will be achieved with a V8, despite GM teasing a battery-electric Corvette concept back in 2022, with a recent follow-up earlier this year.
Mr Roma told another UK title, this time Autocar, an electric Corvette must be about more than numbers – and that given the increasingly rapid performance in everyday EVs, Corvette buyers will be looking for something beyond acceleration times.
"We talk about what it would take to make a capable enough car, but right now it's still science fiction," Mr Roma told Autocar.
"And so that's our challenge – to come up with something different, that something engaging.
"When you're buying a car like a Corvette, why are you buying it? You're buying it because you want something special. You want to be engaged in the art of driving.
"And so, when we can figure out how to do that, and as we put more electrification in the car, we will, but we're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose."
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
There are even hotter versions of the current C8-series Chevrolet Corvette in the works despite the heroics of the flagship ZR1X – the most potent, rapid production Corvette in the nameplate's 72-year history.
Currently the performance pinnacle of the C8 Corvette range, launched in 2020, the 2025 Corvette ZR1X packs a combined 1250hp (932kW) from its twin-turbo 5.5-litre LT7 V8 petrol engine and front-axle electric motor, with a staggering 0-100km/h time of 2.0-seconds flat.
Just when Corvette fans thought things couldn't get any better, GM Performance lead engineer Tony Roma has told Top Gear there's even more to come from the current model.
"The ZR1X is not the end of the story, it's just the latest chapter," Mr Roma told the British publication.Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"The backbone we've built into the C8 is proving to be super capable. The things we've learned from creating the various models so far and the opportunities we have in the future with this chassis are incredible.
"The team that works on it has a very, 'what can we do, and how can we do it?' attitude. They see possibilities and not challenges."
Sadly, the ZR1X won't be offered in Australia, with the slow-selling Corvette E-Ray hybrid V8 remaining the most capable Corvette locally here – although its performance stats barely edge out the more expensive Z06.
Mr Roma says both the E-Ray and the Z06 provided learnings the engineering team applied to the ZR1X – and even more capable C8 Corvettes to come.
That includes posting higher top speeds, with Chevrolet not supplying a top speed for the ZR1X – which, given its capability, should be higher than the Z06's staggering 233mph (375km/h) v-max.
"Speed is only relevant these days for bragging rights," Mr Roma told Top Gear.
"For a car to have a certain amount of provenance, we have to offer a version of that car that's capable of doing those silly numbers.
"The ZR1's top speed attempt was not in expectation that our customers would ever repeat it, or even get remotely close, because you can't legally do that.
"The fact that the car has proven it can do it is precisely why people buy cars like this. Having the crazy lap times and ridiculous acceleration is part of what makes these cars what they are.
Those speeds will be achieved with a V8, despite GM teasing a battery-electric Corvette concept back in 2022, with a recent follow-up earlier this year.
Mr Roma told another UK title, this time Autocar, an electric Corvette must be about more than numbers – and that given the increasingly rapid performance in everyday EVs, Corvette buyers will be looking for something beyond acceleration times.
"We talk about what it would take to make a capable enough car, but right now it's still science fiction," Mr Roma told Autocar.
"And so that's our challenge – to come up with something different, that something engaging.
"When you're buying a car like a Corvette, why are you buying it? You're buying it because you want something special. You want to be engaged in the art of driving.
"And so, when we can figure out how to do that, and as we put more electrification in the car, we will, but we're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose."
MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling
Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

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Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. The car's body is designed around an "assumed" T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. According to Chevrolet there is "no production intent behind this design study". Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be "engaging" and centred around the "art of driving". "We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose," he continued. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. The car's body is designed around an "assumed" T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. According to Chevrolet there is "no production intent behind this design study". Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be "engaging" and centred around the "art of driving". "We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose," he continued. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. The car's body is designed around an "assumed" T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. According to Chevrolet there is "no production intent behind this design study". Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be "engaging" and centred around the "art of driving". "We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose," he continued. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. The car's body is designed around an "assumed" T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. According to Chevrolet there is "no production intent behind this design study". Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be "engaging" and centred around the "art of driving". "We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose," he continued. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from:

Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling
Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

7NEWS

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  • 7NEWS

Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. The car's body is designed around an 'assumed' T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. According to Chevrolet there is 'no production intent behind this design study'. Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be 'engaging' and centred around the 'art of driving'. 'We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose,' he continued.

Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling
Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

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Second Corvette EV concept debuts with California styling

The second of three electric Chevrolet Corvette concepts has surfaced, although GM is very keen to point out that this car in no way previews a Corvette EV. While the first electric Corvette concept, which debuted in April, came from the company's design team in the UK, the latest hails from GM's Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Although there are no details about where the concept's motors are located, the California Corvette concept, as it's known, sticks to the mid-engine supercar design template. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Compared to the current mid-engine 'C8' Corvette, the California Corvette pushes the styling boundaries a little further. The base of the windscreen, for example, sits above the front the axle line. The front-hinged canopy is said to make ingress and egress easier, and can also be taken off to transform the concept into an open-air track car. Despite the concept being nearly 2.2m wide, the cabin is snug. Inspired by the bisected design of the C8's interior, the California has barely any buttons with most of the controls located in the touchscreen in the steering wheel hub. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The car's body is designed around an 'assumed' T-shaped primastic battery pack that's said to allow for a lower seating position, and better airflow around and through the vehicle. Other aero pieces include an active spoiler and air brake. The concept rides on 21-inch wheels up front, and 22-inch rims at the rear. At just 1051mm tall and 2183mm wide, the California concept is considerably wider than the standard eighth-generation Corvette Stingray, which is 1234mm tall and 1933mm wide. In length (4669mm) and wheelbase (2767mm), the concept car is about 40mm longer than the Stingray. Supplied Credit: CarExpert According to Chevrolet there is 'no production intent behind this design study'. Recent rumblings from GM indicate an all-electric Corvette is off the table in the immediate future. Tony Roma, lead engineer for GM Performance, told Autocar at the launch of the Corvette ZR1X, an electric Corvette couldn't be just about performance numbers, and would have to be 'engaging' and centred around the 'art of driving'. 'We're not going to do an electric version of this car just to do it. That would defeat the entire purpose,' he continued. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette

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