Chevrolet Teases New Corvette ZR1 Again – Speculated to be Powered by Twin-Turbo Version of Z06’s 5.5-Liter V8
Chevrolet has once again teased the highly anticipated Corvette ZR1, which is rumored to feature a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06’s 5.5-liter V8 engine. The C8-generation Corvette Z06 is already renowned for its remarkable high-revving engine, a significant departure from traditional Corvette powertrains. However, General Motors aims to push the boundaries further with the new ZR1 variant, as hinted in a recent teaser.
The latest teaser video provides glimpses of the ZR1, accompanied by the powerful roar of its V8 engine. Keen observers will notice the rear of the car, showcasing a prominent wing and a four-pipe, center-exit exhaust system, reminiscent of the current Z06 configuration. The sound of the engine is notably different from the naturally-aspirated Z06, featuring a distinct mechanical whirring indicative of forced induction.
While previous ZR1 models were equipped with supercharged engines, the audio from the teaser suggests the presence of a turbocharger this time. This aligns the ZR1’s character more with turbocharged supercars like the Ferrari 488, as opposed to the naturally aspirated 458 Italia. The Z06’s 5.5-liter LT6 V8, which produces 670 horsepower, could see a significant power boost with the addition of forced induction. Considering the last ZR1 delivered 755 horsepower from a supercharged V8, it’s plausible that the new ZR1 could exceed 800 horsepower.
The video’s title, “Unthinkable Speed Is Coming,” hints at extraordinary performance benchmarks for the ZR1, potentially surpassing the top speed of 212 mph set by the previous generation. Chevrolet plans to unveil more details about the ZR1 later this summer, leaving enthusiasts to speculate about its exact specifications in the meantime.