Brace yourselves; we have exclusive new photos and video of the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Supercar!
Recently Corvette focused mainly on a new mid-engine platform car. However, this one is set to be revealed after the Corvette C8 (next generation). The vehicle in question is expected to debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. Until then Chevy prepared a real treat in Corvette C7 with the addition of a ZR1 come back.
Now, we obtained photos of what is supposedly a Corvette C7 ZR1. These pictures depict the prototype which is a coupe. We also came into possession of a video (courtesy of ‘Indian Autos Blog’) where we could see two models, coupe, and convertible. The video shows these prototypes at Laguna Seca track. They were tested at that venue and apparently this was confirmed by Ben Hsu.
Another curious thing happened that only strengthens our theory is the move of General Motors Company. The company recently trademarked the name ‘ZR1’ with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We realize that patenting and reserving trademark doesn’t necessary mean that there will actually be a product, in this case, a car, by that name but looking at these prototypes we strongly believe that something is cooking.
These prototype cars look like Z06 and ordinary C7 Gran Sport, however, a huge rear wing is missing. We couldn’t see much since the car was camouflaged pretty well, but wheels resemble a Ferrari style wheels because of the pentagram shape. Several photos show the front end of the car, and we noticed a honeycomb-like mesh similar to one on the Camaro ZL1.
General Motors has the tradition of naming only the most attractive Corvettes ‘ZR-1’. Previous models that went by this name were ones from C3, C4, and C6 generations. The last model was launched in 2009, and it ran on 6.2-liter V-8 which produced 638 hp and 604 pound-feet of torque. These specs were already exceeded by C7 Z06, so we expect that the C7 ZR1 will be even more powerful.
We know that the company is currently working on a new LT5 V-8 even though this engine was supposedly for the C8. We don’t expect that engine to be under the hood of ZR1, but we would go for an upgraded version of the C7 Z06’s version of LT4. We’d also like to point out that there would be no surprise if the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces more than 700 hp for the C7 ZR1. The company also promised to have it fixed by the launch; the engine had problems with overheating which caused serious problems.
Look out for the C7 ZR1 because it may as well be the last front engined Corvette ever. That practically makes it a collector’s item. Before we end, we’d also like to ‘warn’ you about the price. It may go over $100k but what’s it for a jewel of a car that is ZR1.
