The Corvette ZR1 is finally official. Chevrolet announced Wednesday that it plans to unveil the most extreme mid-engine Corvette yet this summer, releasing a short teaser video showing us the car’s silhouette.
Chevrolet has yet to release specs for the ZR1, but rumors suggest it could get a twin-turbocharged version of the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-crank V8 found in the current Z06. Other rumors suggest the ZR1 could also get the E-Ray’s electric front axle, making the ZR1 an all-wheel drive affair for the first time.
The ZR1 has been at the top of the Corvette food chain for three straight generations, so whatever drivetrain it ends up with, expect big power. The last ZR1 developed 755 horsepower; we expect this one to make more than that, around 800 horsepower, if rumors are to be believed. Performance is difficult to predict without concrete power figures and drivetrain information, but it’s safe to say we’re looking at a 0-60 time in the low two-second range.
Like the latest ZR1, this new mid-engine model is expected to push aerodynamics to the extreme. It will go even further than the already aero-heavy Z06, likely with a larger wing and splitter paired with scoops, canards and more. Our spy photographers captured the car testing at the Nürburgring last year, giving us a good idea of what to expect. This thing will be a purebred track machine.
The ZR1 will also be the most expensive C8 yet, sitting above the base Stingray, E-Ray and Z06. Chevrolet hasn’t released pricing yet, but we expect the ZR1 to be priced around $150,000.
