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When Chevrolet pulled the covers off the 2025 Corvette ZR1 in Miami, it was a momentous occasion for car lovers everywhere. There’s something undeniably special about a new Corvette, and this one, in particular, has been getting a lot of attention.
Today, we will discuss everything there is to know about it: the price, performance, interior, and more. Trust me, if you’re into supercars, you’ll want to read this one.
A Brief Overview
| Category | Details |
| Reveal Date | July 25, 2024 |
| Production Start | 2025 |
| Order Opening | February 2025 |
| Starting Price | ~$180,000 |
| Powertrain | 5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 1,064 HP |
| Torque | 828 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (1/4 mile) | <10 seconds |
| Top Speed | 233 mph |
| Standard Trim | Carbon-fiber design, adjustable spoiler |
| Performance Package (ZTK) | Enhanced aerodynamics, 1,200 lbs downforce |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic, 15.7-inch front/15.4-inch rear rotors |
| Suspension | Magnetic Ride Control |
| Interior Features (1LZ) | GT1/Competition Sport seats, 10-speaker Bose |
| Interior Features (3LZ) | 14-speaker Bose, custom leather, microfiber accents |
| Competitors | Porsche 911 Turbo S, McLaren Artura, Ferrari 296 GTB |
Reveal and Production Timeline for 2025 Corvette ZR1
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was first shown to the world on July 25, 2024, during a private event in Miami, Florida, as we saw in Morgan Korn’s article.
GM Media reported that production is set to kick off in 2025, and they’ll be rolling out from the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. You may know this place as the same spot where all those beautiful Stingrays, Z06s, and E-Rays are born.
Chevrolet has announced that orders for the 2025 Corvette ZR1 will open in February 2025, while deliveries are expected to begin in early 2025, making it likely that the ZR1 will be available on roads by mid-2025, as per Ray Chevy.
A Quick Look at Trims
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is available in two distinct trims: 1LZ and 3LZ.
1LZ Trim
Exterior Features
- Removable visible carbon-fiber roof panel with body-color surround
- Carbon-fiber side air intakes and ground effects
- Carbon-fiber inlets on the decklid (Coupe only)
Interior Features
- 8-way power GT1 or Competition Sport seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12-inch diagonal color instrument cluster
Technology
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Bose premium 10-speaker sound system
3LZ Trim
Includes all features of the 1LZ, plus:
Interior Enhancements
- Heated and ventilated Napa leather GT2 or Competition Sport seats with power lumbar and wing adjustments
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber trim and shift paddles
- Sueded microfiber upper interior trim
- Custom leather-wrapped instrument panel, door trim, and console
Technology Upgrades
- 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system
- HD Front and Rear Vision Cameras, with the front camera offering a curb view
So, What’s the Price Tag of 2025 Corvette ZR1?
Now, let’s talk money. The official numbers aren’t out just yet, but Car and Driver staff is predicting a starting price right around the $180,000 mark. Not exactly pocket change, but for what the ZR1 brings to the table, it’s practically a steal compared to some of those European rivals.
When you start considering all the extra goodies, like the ZTK Performance Package, you’re probably looking at a final sticker price north of $200,000.
But that’s the price of ultimate performance—the kind that lets you brag in the face of Ferraris and McLarens.
Powertrain and Performance of 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Let’s get to the heart of the beast—the LT7 engine. According to Chevrolet’s official website, the ZR1 is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC V8, pushing an insane 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque.
That makes it the most powerful Corvette yet, and honestly, just saying “1,064 horsepower” sends a little chill down my spine. The engine features a flat-plane crankshaft, just like the one in the Z06, but adds a pair of 76-mm turbochargers.
Those turbos pump in up to 20 psi of boost, helping push that horsepower figure into the four-digit territory.
Chevrolet did a fantastic job reinforcing the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to handle all that power, tweaking everything from stronger shafts to wider gears. This car means business—no shortcuts here.
Acceleration and Top Speed
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So how fast is it? Chevy’s estimates point towards a quarter-mile time under ten seconds. Yeah, ten seconds, at least, that’s what Edmunds reports.
That’s getting into hypercar territory, where your face ends up stuck to the headrest after hitting the pedal.
The top speed? Chevrolet has confirmed that it stands at 233 mph. The ZR1’s got everything it needs to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best, and it’s not backing down from anyone.
Standard vs. ZTK Package
🚨Corvette ZR1🚨
The 2025 #Chevrolet #Corvette ZR1 is here with mind-blowing specs:
🏎️ 1,064 HP Twin-Turbo 5.5L V8
💨 Top Speed: 215+ mph
🔧 828 lb-ft of Torque
🌬️ Up to 1,200 lbs of downforce with ZTK package#ZR1 #Supercar #PerformanceCar @chevrolet @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/jY4T0qABFw— Draghub (@Draghub1) November 17, 2024
Let’s get into the design, where things get really interesting. The ZR1 comes in two main variants: the standard model and the one equipped with the ZTK Performance Package.
The Standard ZR1
The standard ZR1 keeps things a bit more toned down (if you can call a 1,064-horsepower supercar “toned down”). According to Corvette Magazine, it features a design optimized for lower drag with a small rear spoiler that’s adjustable, plus plenty of carbon-fiber bits.
We’re talking about carbon fiber on the front splitter, the side rockers, and even a new side intake to help cool down those brakes. The standard model rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, perfect for a mix of street and occasional track use.
The ZTK Performance Package
Then there’s the ZTK Performance Package. This one’s for those who live for track days. As GM Authority reports, the ZTK adds an enormous rear wing—like, if you squint, it almost looks like a GT3 car.
There are also front dive planes, underbody strakes, and a tall Gurney lip on the hood, which combine to generate over 1,200 pounds of downforce. All this stuff is great if you’re hitting 200 mph and need the car to feel planted.
It also comes with stiffer suspension settings and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, which offer an insane grip. If you’re looking to carve corners and challenge lap times, this is your setup.
Magnetic Ride Control and Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
Regardless of the trim, the ZR1 has some seriously advanced tech to back up its performance. Automotive World reports that the Magnetic Ride Control suspension is adjustable in real time, constantly responding to changes in the road surface.
There’s a standard setting for the road and a more aggressive tune if you opt for the ZTK Performance Package. Then there’s the braking system. Carbon-ceramic brakes, with massive 15.7-inch front rotors and 15.4-inch rear rotors, give the car incredible stopping power.
In a car capable of doing 233 mph, you’re going to need brakes that work just as hard as the engine. And Chevy made sure they’re up to the task.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Interior
Chevy didn’t stop at the powertrain—the interior is every bit as special. You’re greeted with exclusive ZR1 badging and a layout that’s all about the driver.
You can choose between GT1 or Competition Sport seats, both clad in gorgeous Napa leather, with ventilation and heating for comfort. Nothing like a touch of luxury while you’re getting thrown into your seat at full throttle.
3LZ Enhancements
The 3LZ trim takes things up another notch, adding a 14-speaker Bose Performance sound system, sueded microfiber everywhere, and even a custom leather-wrapped dash. There’s something just extra satisfying about gripping a leather-wrapped, carbon-fiber-accented steering wheel.
And when it’s time to park, the HD front and rear cameras come in handy—especially the front curb-view camera, which helps you avoid any unfortunate mishaps when pulling into tight spots. Here’s what you can expect, according to Chevy’s official website:
- A 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system for an immersive audio experience.
- Sueded microfiber accents throughout the interior, enhancing the tactile feel.
- A custom leather-wrapped instrument panel, door trim, and console, elevating the cabin’s sophistication.
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber trim and shift paddles, providing a premium touchpoint for the driver.
Comparisons with the Competition
So, how does the ZR1 stack up against rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, McLaren Artura, or Ferrari 296 GTB? Honestly, pretty darn well. Sure, some of those European brands may have a bit more refinement, or in Ferrari’s case, a certain level of pedigree.
But the ZR1 delivers a level of raw power that’s hard to ignore—especially at its price point. While you could easily pay a quarter-million or more for some of those European badges, Chevy is offering up a similar level of performance for significantly less cash.
And let’s face it, there’s something cool about an American supercar that can hang with the best of them.
A Nod to Sustainability
Okay, “sustainability” and “supercar” might not usually go hand-in-hand, but Chevrolet has made some strides here too. The extensive use of carbon fiber, for example, helps cut weight, which in turn improves fuel efficiency (not that anyone’s buying a ZR1 to save on gas).
The turbocharging technology also allows for more power from a smaller displacement, which is generally more efficient than a traditional large, naturally aspirated engine. Small things, but they add up.
What to Expect from 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The hype around the 2025 ZR1 is real. It’s going to be in high demand, particularly with collectors and hardcore enthusiasts who appreciate what it represents. And with its combination of power, handling, and that classic Corvette badge, it’s hard not to see it becoming a future classic. We can say the same thing for new Ford Mustang.
The ZR1 is a car that could very well be appreciated over time, becoming one of those models that people talk about in hushed tones at car shows. Chevy’s done it again—made a car that’s not just fast but also loaded with the kind of thoughtful engineering that makes it special.
So, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, buckle up and enjoy the ride. It’s not every day you get to own a piece of American automotive history that also happens to outgun some of the best cars Europe has to offer.
References
- abcnews.go.com – New Corvette ZR1 revealed: Inside the car’s ‘mind-blowing’ specs
- raychevy.com – 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Release Date
- caranddriver.com – 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
- chevrolet.com – ZR1 – The Unthinkable Has Arrived
- edmunds.com – 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1’s Top Speed
- corvette-mag.com – First Look: 2025 ZR1
- gmauthority.com – C8 Corvette ZR1 Brings Back The ZTK Performance Package
- automotiveworld.com – 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: The fastest, most powerful Corvette ever
