New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Now Boasts Hypercar-like 1,064 HP Output!

The eighth-gen Chevrolet Corvette has gained a new ZR1- badged flagship, and its output of 1,064 HP truly puts it in the high-end hypercar space.

The eighth generation and now mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette marks yet another milestone in said nameplate’s history through its latest ZR1 variant. Like before, this designation is reserved for the most potent iteration of the Corvette, and this latest rendition takes things up a few notches.

That’s because the new Corvette ZR1 adopts a potent new LT7 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 mill, which is essentially a heightened version of the LT6 mill powering the base and Z06 variants slotted below. In the ZR1, the LT7 outputs a whopping 1,064 HP and 1,121 NM.

Under the hood, the new ZR1 adopt s 5.5-litre LT7 twin-turbo V8 mill, outputting 1,064 HP capable of driving the new ZR1 up to speeds beyond 346 KM/H.

Chevrolet did not release a claimed 0-60 MPH (96 KM/H) sprint time yet, but did instead noted that the new Corvette ZR1 “pulls like a freight train” to see it perform the quarter-mile (400-metre) drag in less than 9.7 seconds, and will hit an unrestricted top speed well beyond 215 MPH (346 KM/H).

The firm adds that four test drivers achieved speeds above 200 MPH (322 KM/H) whilst testing the new Corvette Z06 through the infamous and treacherous Nurburgring. Surely, these sort of speed and performance figures truly puts this ‘Vette in hypercar territory.

Both Coupe and Convertible versions are available.

Moreover, the new Corvette ZR1 isn’t just quick in a straight like, Chevrolet also touts it as being the sharpest-handling ZR1 special to date. Much of this stems form its light claimed weight figure – it tips the scale at just 1,665 KG (dry) in Coupe form, and at 1,705 KG (dry) in Convertible guise.

Adding to which is the ZR1’s adoption of massive 400 MM front and 390 MM carbon ceramic brake rotors. With these, Chevrolet notes that the Corvette ZR1 can go from 80-200-80 MPH (129-322-129 KM/H) sprint and braking cycles all in just 24.5 seconds – 22% quicker than its C7-gen predecessor.

Chevrolet also readied a special ZTK performance package to turn the ZR1 into a proper trackday monster.

Other key bits fuelling the new ZR1’s agility include the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres shod on its 20- and 21-inch wheels, the latter available in either aluminium of carbon fibre construction. Also unique to this new ZR1 is its specially honed aerodynamics, thus explaining its angrier and sharper stance.

Key element here is the flow-through hood design, followed by additions like a front splitter, rocker mouldings, side intakes and front underwing. Specially added too are brake cooling ducts plus no less than 15 heat exchangers.

Massive rear wing comes as part of the ZTK package option.

Moreover, Chevrolet have also readied an optional ZTK performance package that transforms the new ZR1 into a true circuit beast. This option adds a massive rear wing plus front dive planes and hood-mounted Gurney lip, all improving its aerodynamics further for the track.

Additionally, this optional track pack also adds stiffer suspension with revised dampers, plus a set of ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres shod on each corner too.

Unlike the regular Corvette, the ZR1 sports tweaked aerodynamics as well.

Another key optional package available is the Carbon Aero package that – aptly – swaps out much of the aero components for new ones constructed out of lightweight carbon fibre. This not only reduces weight further, its parts are designed to generate of to 544 KG of downforce at top speed too.

Apart from these performance-driven changes, much of the Corvette ZR1’s cabin remains unchanged. It continues to boast a familiar 12-inch digital instrument display matched with an 8-inch infotainment unit.

Apart from a slew of subtle ZR1-specific trims and minor additions, little has changed on board in the cabin.

What are new on board though are several subtle additions like the ZR1 steering wheel badge, sill plates and plaque, followed by a boost gauge, unique door panel stitching motif, and loads of carbon fibre trims.

No word on pricing yet, but the new eighth-gen Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will reportedly see production start at its dedicated Bowling Green, Kentucky plant next year. The automaker hasn’t detailed its price yet, but expect it to be much higher  than the Z06 slotted below it.