It’s almost here, people. What is anticipated to be the fastest, most powerful, most extreme version of the C8 is set to be revealed in just a few moments. The embargo on the new Chevy Corvette ZR1 lifts at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) and we’ll have all the shiny pictures and dirty details, so be sure to return to The Drive at that time.
For now, though, let’s recap. Judging from a teaser released last month, the ZR1 will feature a big rear wing, at least four exhaust tips, and, in Chevy’s own words, “unthinkable speed.” Concrete powertrain details remain a mystery but judging from a sound clip, it feels safe to expect twin turbos very likely attached to a flat-plane V8, similar to the one that comes in the Z06. Whether or not it’ll also use hybrid assistance like the E-Ray remains to be seen.
Like it has been with Corvette’s past, the ZR1 is set to be the world-beating peak of the Corvette lineup. Expect lots of weight-shedding carbon, lots of aero bits (possibly active), and lots of wild numbers. For reference, the previous-gen C7 ZR1 already made 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 so expect the C8 ZR1 to make, well, more than that.
Get ready, folks. America’s sports car is about to reach new heights.
Got a tip or question for the author about the Corvette ZR1? You can reach him here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com