[SPIED] Chevy Engineers Captured Driving the C8 ZR1 Prototypes in Detroit

[CorvetteBlogger]

Crossposted from CorvetteBlogger.com

Our spy photographer in Detroit would call this a good day after he spied several new 2025 Corvette ZR1 prototypes wearing heaving camouflage. We counted at least four prototypes and there was a mix of both Coupes and Convertibles.

So what do we see here? The cars are wearing that heavy black cladding that hides many of the details, but from first glance it appears that the front spoiler is even more aggressive than that on the Z06, but that could just be the covers exaggerating those details. Through the front mesh, we are seeing some of the same design details on the front fascia that are also on the widebody Z06/E-Ray.



On the back we are seeing a rear high wing that is very similar to that on the Z06s. We also see a couple of the cars with what looks to be the Z06’s base aero.

The wheels have the round covers to hide the rims and brake rotors, but we can through the center openings that show a new set of wheels based on the spoke design. It was over a year ago that these wheels were first seen on a camouflaged prototype.



One of the photos shows Corvette Vehicle Chief Engineer Josh Holder behind the wheel.

The ZR1 has been rumored to pack the LT7 V8 which features the same high-revving 5.5L DOHC engine found in the Z06 with the addition of twin turbos. That new powerplant would boost the estimated power to 850-hp. While we’d love to see more aggressive design for the ZR1, we’re not really seeing it in these photos yet. But if the ZR1 is planned to arrive for the 2025 model year, the team still has plenty of time make that happen.



While not shown in these photos, another spy photographer also captured a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and several Z06s also in the convoy.

Check out the full gallery at CorvetteBlogger.com and let us know what you think about the mighty new ZR1 coming sooner than later!

[John]

Thanks CorveteBlogger for debuting the ZR1. Are there any other surprises beyond the “known” LT7 (LT6 + twin turbos), producing about 800-850 HP? Any aero hidden we do not see on these pictures?

[John]

RUMOR: There is a vent in the outside, top of the front fender like the C7 Z06 and the frunk is nearly identical to the Ferrari Pista.



Picture credit to Ferrari.

[SheepDog]

The Only big mystery is pricing, production date start, production numbers

1. Thanks to the Stingray, Z06, and Eray we know basically what it will look like.

2. Thanks to Don Sherman we have a good idea about power out put: 850 Hp and 800TQ

3. Thanks very much to "Wallace Racing - ET/MPH/HP Calculator for Quarter Mile Runs", we have a good idea about quarter mile times:

"Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3600 pounds and HP of 850
is 9.42 seconds and MPH of 143.40 MPH.

Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3700 pounds and HP of 850
is 9.51 seconds and MPH of 142.10 MPH.

Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3600 pounds and HP of 800
is 9.62 seconds and MPH of 140.53 MPH.

Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3700 pounds and HP of 800
is 9.70 seconds and MPH of 139.25 MPH."

How much aero? How slippery, Special track stuff? High speed adaption?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$??????


Disclaimer. I have no knowledge, no expertise, no experience. Amateur opinion.

[charles45]

I wonder what starting price for ZR! will be $139,000 for base model ?

[SheepDog]

If it simply an LT6 with 2 Turbos, the base model might be offered to fit the pocketbook for LZ1. So much space for high options and carbon fiber for more ambitious buyers.

[International blue]

Base Model will match the cost of an All option Z07/3LZ convertible.

Z06 Base matches an all option 3LT Convertible, same with the Eray.

I would guess a base price of $170,000.00

[International blue]

And Very interesting pictures!!!

[John]

i am thinking there will be some more “surprises” between now and its reveal. For example perhaps this test session has 100% to do with its powerplant, and entire aero repackaging and its testing might not appear until latter.

Might any of these become part of the ZR1?

https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...alized-patents

[John]

Of all of the potential patents listed above which IMO had the greatest chance of becoming realized on the ZR1 it is this one:

https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...-air-deflector

We know it was actually tested on a long test drive a few years ago. Rumors are that it worked beautifully until the very end of the many thousand mile drive until, when due to failure of the supplier installing under-sized wiring, the motor component burnet out.




Here is its abstract. The beauty of this system to effect aero is amazing.

[telepierre]

This is awesome but have to admit to read the speculated TQ is jumping from 470 to 800 seems to me like a very big stretch.

[JB]

I think this will be.a na lt6 producing 670 hp along with the 160 hp electric motor up front for a total of 830 hp ZR1

i hope the msrp is 195thousand dollars to start with only a 3LZ interior.

even I acknowledge there is no reason at this price point to offer 1 or even 2 lz interior features.

if sales slow down GM can always drop the prices or interior content but that won’t happen.

high rollers at these prices want every option.

looks pretty bad @$$!

the zora will offer an electric motor aft the transmission as well as dual motors upfront.

for some reason I’m not convinced twin turbos are coming for a high end c8.

of course I’m just guessing and totally could be wrong.

[SheepDog]

Electric ⚡️ on LT6 would be interesting. But someone inside gave Don Sherman the original long term plan. He has been right on everything. He is not guessing. TT LT6 is what he says is next. He knew about the FPC, the Eray, the HP and TQ out puts, the LT 6. Someone told him to tell us years in advance.

[Milliwatt Rob]

How do they get proper engine cooling with all those baggies covering the car?

[Meldoon]

Base Model will match the cost of an All option Z07/3LZ convertible.

Z06 Base matches an all option 3LT Convertible, same with the Eray.

I would guess a base price of $170,000.00

They have never priced / configured like that before. Why would they start now? (Although , over 90% of C7 ZR1s were fully loaded) If the main difference between the Z06 and the ZR1 is the twin turbo and some aero bits, a base ZR1 could start at $125,000 or so. Let the guessing games begin! 😛