Latest news with #CorvetteZR1
Auto Blog
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Corvette Boss Downplays ZR1's Chances Of Beating AMG ONE Record
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. ZR1 May Not Snatch AMG ONE Record, But Let's See With 1,064 horsepower, a mid-engine layout, and plenty of downforce, the C8 Corvette ZR1 is one of the most exciting cars to come off a production line, American or otherwise. All of the ingredients add up to something so spectacular that former Corvette engineer Jim Mero speculates it might even dethrone the $2.8 million Mercedes-AMG ONE at the top of the Nürburgring leaderboard. But according to someone who works at GM right now, specifically Tony Roma, who replaced the legendary Tadge Juechter as executive chief engineer for the global Corvette and performance cars team, that may be a bridge too far. Speaking with CarBuzz, he said, 'I wish the car was that fast. I've seen so many things online, but just stay tuned.' Corvette's Own Teaser Seemed To Suggest A Record Car enthusiasts love to form a good conspiracy, and automakers (particularly American ones) love to hide Easter eggs in announcements, so when Chevrolet teased news from the Green Hell on June 28 (6/28), it naturally led to speculation that this was a coded message indicating a time below that of the AMG ONE (6 minutes, 29 seconds). But just as Ford downplayed the Mustang GTD's chances on the Nordschleife before setting the first sub-7-minute time for an American manufacturer, Roma reminds us that this is a unique place at which to seek a record, with numerous complexities. 'It's more difficult than it's [ever] been to set a record at the 'Ring. They charge you a lot of money to talk about it, and they want to have certified timing and scoring,' said Roma. 'You have to rent the track, get the safety marshals, pay the licensing fee, pay the filming fee. And if your day rains, oh well. We are not based in Stuttgart [where Mercedes is], so we can't just go back next week. That's why you haven't seen us set a lap record attempt.' We Can Still Expect Big Things These issues are all pertinent. While we would all love to see a plucky, twin-turbo, V8 supercar with a six-figure asking price be an American David to the German Goliath of a multi-million-dollar hypercar built by the might of Mercedes with the powertrain and expertise of a Formula One dynasty behind it, the reality is that mastering the Nürburgring with minimal real-world practice is a feat in itself. However, Roma suggests that the ZR1 should comfortably improve on the front-engine GTD's time. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'You can see the effort Ford had to put into the GTD. And they had to go back twice to get decent weather,' said Roma, possibly suggesting the ZR1 could outpace the GTD even in less-than-ideal conditions. 'All I can say is, stay tuned. We did go and drive around the Green Hell, and we're pretty proud of how the car did. And so, we're going to release more details when the time's right. Very soon, very soon.' Corvettes wearing Stingray, Z06, and ZR1 badges have been spied on the Nürburgring, so perhaps multiple announcements will be made at once… About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 might be even rarer than expected
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 might be even rarer than expected originally appeared on Autoblog. Like its predecessors, the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has raised the bar for American performance cars. As if that didn't already guarantee future-collectible status, a new report claims first-year versions of the 1,064-horsepower super 'Vette will be even rarer than expected because Chevy simply can't build them fast enough. According to CorvetteBlogger, Chevy's model-year changeover from 2025 to 2026 is scheduled to take place on August 4. That gives the automaker a little over a month to build 2025 ZR1 models. General Motors has 310 orders for 2025 models in its system, but reportedly built just 65 cars since production started in April. In addition to the slow production rate, the Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant that assembles all Corvettes is scheduled to shut down for a summer break between July 4 and July 14. That leaves just 15 work days to build more than 240 cars, a feat Chevy doesn't seem to think is possible. CorvetteBlogger claims to have obtained an email from the automaker to dealers stating that it cannot commit to building all remaining orders before the model-year changeover, and that any 2025 ZR1 orders that are at 3000 Status (meaning they have been accepted by production control) or below will need to be resubmitted as 2026 models. The report also cites data from Corvette enthusiast Roger Kiel, who independently tracks production of the current-generation C8 Corvette. Kiel's data show an average daily production rate of one or two ZR1s per day. At that rate, around 100 units are likely to be completed by the August 4 cutoff back some orders to the 2026 model year will do more than cause some customers to lose out on first-year bragging rights. The 2026 model year brings a redesigned interior for all Corvette models, which replaces the controversial button wall on earlier cars with a tri-screen layout that handles most control functions. The price also increases by $7,200 over the 2025 ZR1, while the destination charge goes up by $100. The change will also create a longer queue for orders. One 2026 Corvette order cycle has already come and gone, but reportedly without any ZR1 allocations. So customers hoping to secure a build slot will have to wait for another round of orders, plus any that don't get completed as 2025 models. But given the potential of this high-performance Corvette, it should be worth the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 might be even rarer than expected first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Chevy Builds a Corvette ZR1 That Shames Hypercars Costing Three Times More
How Chevy Builds a Corvette ZR1 That Shames Hypercars Costing Three Times More originally appeared on Autoblog. The $174,995 price tag for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the highest ever for a Corvette (soon to be eclipsed by the all-wheel drive ZR1X), but compared to even the cheapest models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, the ZR1 is a downright bargain. Not only is it less expensive than even the cheapest supercars from ultra-premium brands, but the ZR1 also delivers astounding levels of performance that bests Ferrari and Lamborghini hypercars that cost three times more. How is Chevy able to do this for so much less than the others? We take a closer look. The ZR1's price seems stratospheric for even a top-tier Corvette, but it pales in comparison to other brands' less capable entry-level models. The Ferrari Roma, the cheapest Ferrari sold today, costs $279,965. The upcoming Lamborghini Temerario will cost around $290,000, making it the least expensive Lamborghini supercar. The $254,100 McLaren Artura costs less than the Ferrari and the Lamborghini, but it's still $80 grand more than the ZR1. You can buy a BMW M4 with the leftover funds. The Corvette ZR1 isn't compromising anything in the way of performance, and that's been proven on the drag strip. The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter LT7 engine that churns out 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it the most powerful V8 Chevy has ever created. 0-60 comes in a scant 2.3 seconds, and it tops out at 233 mph. According to Motor1, the ZR1's output numbers might be even higher than Chevy stated. It looks like the ZR1 might be closer to 1,180 horsepower and 920 lb-ft based on dyno figures and after estimated drivetrain losses. A recent drag race video between the Chevy Corvette ZR1, the Lamborghini Revuelto, and the Ferrari SF90 reveals the 'Vette's immense straight-line capability. In a quarter-mile sprint, it bests both the Ferrari and the Lamborghini. The ZR1 isn't as quick as the Revuelto off the line, but it cooks the SF90 from the get-go. As the speeds increase, the powerful twin-turbo V8 ZR1 starts to catch up to the Revuelto, and the Ferrari never gains on it. At the end, it's the ZR1 that takes the quarter-mile crown, an impressive feat for a car Ferrari and Lamborghini owners might ordinarily look down on. Not anymore. Chevrolet rates the Corvette ZR1 at 9.6 seconds at 152 mph. In the actual drag race with the Revuelto and the SF90, the ZR1 did it in 9.8 seconds at 146. That might be a tad slower than Chevy stated, but keep in mind that the twin-turbo V8 in the ZR1 only powers the rear wheels, whereas the V12 Revuelto with three electric motors (1,001 hp, 787 lb-ft) and the twin-turbo V8 SF90 with three electric motors (986 hp, 590 lb-ft) can't keep up with the ZR1. To boot, the Revuelto costs $608,358, and the SF90 is priced at $528,764. Each one costs over three times more than the ZR1. The ZR1 is a supercar that's destroying hypercars two at a time. The Chevrolet Corvette has long been a symbol of attainable performance, beginning with the C4 in 1983. Now in mid-engine configuration for the first time, the 2025 C8 Corvette Stingray (490-hp 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine) ups the ante. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and attains a top speed of 195 mph. It also hangs on with authority, providing 1.03 lateral g's. This is the entry-level Corvette, folks. All this for a base price of $68,300. The C8 Corvette in any trim delivers supercar thrills at a fraction of the price. With the arrival of the ZR1, Chevrolet has built a world-beating supercar that holds nothing back. The ZR1 uses a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06's 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8. The Z06's engine already revs to 8,600 rpm and makes 670 horsepower without turbocharging. The ZR1's two turbos send this number to 1,064 horsepower. The upcoming all-wheel drive ZR1X will throw down 1,250 horsepower to all four wheels. We can't imagine what its performance numbers will look like. One of the biggest contributing factors to the ZR1's comparatively low price is that Chevrolet can deliver this power using proven, mass-produced components. By leveraging economies of scale and existing architecture, they avoid the costs that come with bespoke powertrains seen in the likes of a Ferrari SF90 or Lamborghini Revuelto, both of which use powertrains not found in their other models. Each one has its own sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup. The ZR1 does not. GM's extensive testing and engineering can ensure reliability even with the added boost, something that often plagues smaller-volume supercar makers that don't build anything other than high-performance vehicles. One of Chevrolet's most potent tools is the manufacturing might of the General Motors juggernaut. The Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant that builds the Corvette can churn out thousands of cars per year using highly refined dnd time-proven processes. This is something that boutique supercar brands simply can't match. By building the ZR1 alongside Stingray and Z06 models, Chevrolet can leverage shared components and production efficiencies, suppliers can offer better pricing thanks to higher volume orders, and quality control benefits from systems honed over decades of mass production. Corvettes, overall, are typically less expensive than Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or McLarens primarily due to differences in production volume, materials, and brand positioning. For example, Ferrari only built 799 SF90 Stradale coupes and 599 SF90 Spiders, but Chevy says they will build as many ZR1s as the market demands. Corvettes are mass-produced with shared components, while Ferraris are known for their exclusivity and hand-built processes. This results in higher production costs and prices. Chevrolet can offer similar or superior performance at a fraction of the cost. Supercar manufacturers often rely on very expensive materials like carbon fiber monocoques to save weight and add stiffness. Do they work? Yes, but the C8 platform has been proven to work marvelously. The aluminum spaceframe offers impressive rigidity without the cost of developing and manufacturing carbon tubs. Carbon fiber requires a complex manufacturing process, and it costs over forty times more than aluminum. The ZR1 also utilizes carbon fiber aerodynamic components (splitters, diffusers, wings) where they matter most, without overusing expensive materials. The massive rear wing is adjustable and creates tremendous downforce without the use of active aero, which is pricier and utilized for a certain look. On top of that, the ZR1 also uses underbody panels to reduce lift rather than a complex active aero system that adds expense. For the ZR1, Chevrolet can push this even further with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 for adaptive damping that rivals or exceeds systems on cars costing far more, and that tech isn't just used for the ZR1 but across other GM models. The ZR1's approach is more functional than aesthetic, and that keeps costs lower. Pricey exotics like the $2.5 million Pagani Utopia have impressive interiors using gobs of billet aluminum for an artisanal interior that's unique to the model. At the opposite end of high-performance cars, the ZR1 uses the same design and materials as the Stingray but with some upgrades. It's not a unique interior in terms of design, and that saves on costs, too. What's more, high-end supercars often load up on tech, and these systems can be costly, and in some cases, unnecessary for the pure driving experience. Chevrolet can prioritize: A simple, high-quality digital cluster that provides important driving data along with a useful infotainment system and good switchgear. You won't see optional packages for the ZR1 that cost tens of thousands of dollars and can drive up the price of a car into the stratosphere. The most expensive options are $13,995 carbon fiber wheels and the $8,495 ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package. Even special paint colors like the Competition Yellow Tintcoat Metallic in some of these photos won't set you back more than a grand. Ferrari will charge tens of thousands for exposed carbon interiors, special stitching, or custom paint. Chevrolet doesn't bog down the price of the ZR1 with near-endless aesthetic options. Of course, if you want fancier looks, like two-tone seats or special badging, the prices are quite reasonable for the ZR1, not more than a few hundred dollars. You won't see anywhere near those prices for the European steeds. The Corvette ZR1 represents more than just the next step in the C8's evolution. It's a chance for Chevrolet to remind the world that you don't need to spend half a mil or more to enjoy world-beating performance. By focusing on smart engineering, leveraging mass production, and refusing to get caught up in the excesses that drive supercar prices sky-high, Chevy can deliver a ZR1 that obliterates expectations and lap records alike. The upcoming ZR1X will show off its wares and firepower soon, proving even more that the C8 Corvette's premium iterations can best the most expensive cars in the world. How Chevy Builds a Corvette ZR1 That Shames Hypercars Costing Three Times More first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 May Be Even More Rare Than We First Thought
Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 is a revolution for American sports cars, packing power and performance figures that not long ago were the province of foreign exotica — but a new report indicates that the first batch to roll off the line for the 2025 model year may arrive in even more limited numbers than we first suspected. According to CorvetteBlogger, Chevrolet's model year swap between 2025 and 2026 Corvettes is scheduled to take place on August 4 —which means the company has a little over a month to churn out the MY25 ZR1s. But while General Motors reportedly has taken 310 orders into its system for the 1064-hp twin-turbo 'Vette, all for its inaugural model year, a mere 65 units have reportedly been built since production kicked off at the end of April. Further complicating matters: the Corvette's storied Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant is set to close for a summer break after Friday, July 4, and won't re-open until July 14. That leaves UAW workers in Kentucky just 15 days to build more than 240 Corvette ZR1s, a feat that Chevrolet, reportedly, doesn't believe is possible. At least, that's what the automaker signaled to dealers according to an email CorvetteBlogger says it obtained. The email reportedly states that the automaker cannot commit to building all 310 units in the order system in that time, and that any 2025 ZR1 orders that are at 3000 Status (signifying the order has been accepted by production control) or below will need to be resubmitted as 2026 model year orders. There's independent evidence to back this up, too. Corvette enthusiast and data mapper Roger Kiel has taken it upon himself to track the production of the C8-generation Corvette and posting his findings in Corvette-dedicated Facebook groups; the latest version shows an average daily production rate of two or three ZR1 units each day. This indicates that around 100 ZR1 units are likely to be built by the time of the model year switchover in early August. So, what's the big deal? Well, in addition to a revamped interior design, the new model carries a $7200 price bump versus 2025 model year ZR1s, in addition to a destination fee increase of $100. Another added complication is the way ZR1 allocations flow. One order cycle of the 2026 model year C8 Corvette has already come and gone, but no ZR1 units were reportedly allocated — hence why all 300-ish orders taken so far have been for MY25 cars. That means these ousted ZR1 buyers will have to wait for the next order cycle, and hope that it winds up offering some slots for the new hypercar-slaying C8. Clearly, C8 ZR1 production is still in its infancy, and prospective buyers will have to adjust their expectations accordingly. However, the transparent amount of performance on tap and the degree of American engineering pride exemplified by the ZR1 leads us to suspect most buyers will be more than willing to wait a little longer than they originally planned if that's the price for owning a 233-mph stock Corvette. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 May Be Even More Rare Than We First Thought
Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 is a revolution for American sports cars, packing power and performance figures that not long ago were the province of foreign exotica — but a new report indicates that the first batch to roll off the line for the 2025 model year may arrive in even more limited numbers than we first suspected. According to CorvetteBlogger, Chevrolet's model year swap between 2025 and 2026 Corvettes is scheduled to take place on August 4 —which means the company has a little over a month to churn out the MY25 ZR1s. But while General Motors reportedly has taken 310 orders into its system for the 1064-hp twin-turbo 'Vette, all for its inaugural model year, a mere 65 units have reportedly been built since production kicked off at the end of April. Further complicating matters: the Corvette's storied Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant is set to close for a summer break after Friday, July 4, and won't re-open until July 14. That leaves UAW workers in Kentucky just 15 days to build more than 240 Corvette ZR1s, a feat that Chevrolet, reportedly, doesn't believe is possible. At least, that's what the automaker signaled to dealers according to an email CorvetteBlogger says it obtained. The email reportedly states that the automaker cannot commit to building all 310 units in the order system in that time, and that any 2025 ZR1 orders that are at 3000 Status (signifying the order has been accepted by production control) or below will need to be resubmitted as 2026 model year orders. There's independent evidence to back this up, too. Corvette enthusiast and data mapper Roger Kiel has taken it upon himself to track the production of the C8-generation Corvette and posting his findings in Corvette-dedicated Facebook groups; the latest version shows an average daily production rate of two or three ZR1 units each day. This indicates that around 100 ZR1 units are likely to be built by the time of the model year switchover in early August. So, what's the big deal? Well, in addition to a revamped interior design, the new model carries a $7200 price bump versus 2025 model year ZR1s, in addition to a destination fee increase of $100. Another added complication is the way ZR1 allocations flow. One order cycle of the 2026 model year C8 Corvette has already come and gone, but no ZR1 units were reportedly allocated — hence why all 300-ish orders taken so far have been for MY25 cars. That means these ousted ZR1 buyers will have to wait for the next order cycle, and hope that it winds up offering some slots for the new hypercar-slaying C8. Clearly, C8 ZR1 production is still in its infancy, and prospective buyers will have to adjust their expectations accordingly. However, the transparent amount of performance on tap and the degree of American engineering pride exemplified by the ZR1 leads us to suspect most buyers will be more than willing to wait a little longer than they originally planned if that's the price for owning a 233-mph stock Corvette. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
