The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 looks like it belongs on a Le Mans grid
These spy shots provide a first look at the forthcoming C8 Corvette ZR1, which could arrive with a monstrous 800bhp+ twin-turbo V8
There’s no question that the Chevrolet Corvette is inching closer to the pinnacle of the sports car market. The standard C8 stormed on the scene to huge praise for its performance and composure, while the Z06 is a stunning expression of just how effective the switch to a mid-engined layout has been. In 2024, Chevrolet will step things up a notch – or three – with the introduction of a wild, track-bred ZR1 version with more power than any Corvette in history.
The ZR1 formula is well established by now. The previous C7 version was an unhinged, widebody track special with an aggressive aero package and an uprated 745bhp LT5 V8, but the C8 version may adopt an entirely different character. It’s likely to take the Z06’s flat-plane crank, 8600rpm supercharged V8 as a base, but rumours suggest that it could use twin-turbochargers to boost power from 670bhp to beyond 800bhp.
Hybrid assistance could be an alternative to turbocharging, though – the Corvette E-Ray demonstrates that the platform can accept a front mounted motor for extra power and four-wheel drive. In fact, the E-Ray is the fastest accelerating Corvette of all thanks to these attributes, with a 0-62mph time of just 2.5sec despite its 110kg weight penalty over the base car.
Whatever the case, these spy shots alleviate any doubt that the next ZR1 will be more sanitised than the C7. Sharing its wide-track body with the E-Ray and Z06, Chevrolet has applied extensive aero modifications to the front bumper, bonnet and sills to generate downforce, with an enormous optional spoon-shaped rear wing fitted to this prototype (the base car will have a smaller item). An extra air intake has been added to the rear quarter panel to satisfy the cooling requirements for the uprated powertrain, too.
Costing from around £120,000, the Z06 already punches above its weight for performance and excitement, and the ZR1 is likely to undercut its chief road-racer rival – the £192,600 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – when it arrives next year.
