Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Returns

It’s been eight long years since Chevrolet unveiled the last Corvette ZR1. The last ZR1, which was based on the Corvette C6, was one one of the wildest ‘Vettes of all time. When Chevy pulled the plug in 2013, it left many in tears. Thankfully, General Motors has taken the wraps off the new Corvette ZR1 and it looks angry.

Powering the beast is a 6.2-litre LT5 supercharged V8 engine. While this is the same engine as the one that powers the 2015 Corvette Z06, what sets them apart is the new LT5 supercharger. Chevy claims the LT5 offers 52 per cent more displacement than the LT4 supercharger on the Z06. This means the V8 motor now produces 755PS of power and a massive 969Nm of torque! For the first time ever, the ZR1 gets the option of an auto ‘box. Customers can now choose between the 8-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed manual gearbox with rev-match. The C7 ZR1, Chevrolet claims, can hit a top speed of over 336kmph!

Additionally, the new ZR1 will be offered with two aero packages - Low Wing and High Wing. The standard Low Wing setup allows the car to hit the top speed in excess of 336kmph while the two-way adjustable High Wing allows for faster lap times thanks to it producing a maximum downforce of 431kg. Both wings are tied to the chassis to provide better strength and stability. The High Wing setup will come as part of the ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fibre end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer tyres and a specifically tuned chassis for better cornering. In a first for Chevrolet, all models will get a front underwing that enhances downforce even further. We reckon the ZR1 is finally capable of beating a Porsche GT3 RS on the racetrack.

Talking about the design, if you like the standard Corvette, you’ll love this one. The ZR1 looks sharper than before. It gets a new front end which allows better cooling of the powertrain. Adding to its quirky presence is the over-the-top Sebring Design Package.
This package gets you the searing Sebring Orange exterior colour, orange brake calipers, orange rocker splitter accent strips, orange seatbelts, orange interior stitching and a bronze aluminium interior trim.

The new ZR1 is not a car that only focuses on performance and misses out on driver comfort. To make the driver comfortable, Chevy has thrown in leather-trimmed bucket seats along with the option of ventilated Napa leather seats. It also gets a carbon-fibre steering wheel, performance data recorder and a Bose audio system to add to the experience.

Prices for 2019 Corvette ZR1 have not been revealed yet. But it is set to go on sale in the US in the first half of 2018.