New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 debuts this summer

A prototype of what appears to be the next Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has been spotted lapping the Nürburgring on numerous occasions, and Chevrolet has finally confirmed that the new ZR1 will debut in the summer. The timing indicates that the car will arrive in showrooms as a 2025 model.

Additional details have not been revealed, but a teaser video released with Wednesday's announcement may hint at the sounds the car's powertrain will make.

Rumors suggest that the powertrain in question is a twin-turbo version of the 5.5-liter V-8 engine found in the Z06. The existence of the engine was semi-officially confirmed last fall when a General Motors parts catalog listed a turbo adapter for the 5.5-liter V-8 called the LT7; the Z06 engine is called the LT6.

The Z06's naturally aspirated V-8 already produces 670 hp. Adding two turbochargers to this engine should be able to achieve the rumored 850 hp. This would likely be transmitted to the rear wheels via the same 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in all C8-generation Corvettes.

The prototype, believed to be for the ZR1, features a wide body design similar to the Z06, but with new aerodynamic parts designed to further increase downforce. These include new vents on the front hood and a huge rear wing. Secondary side intakes were also fitted on the rear fenders.

The last ZR1 established a high standard of performance and won the Motor Authority Best Car to Buy 2019 award; its impressive 755 hp took much of the credit, but it was also capable on the track and perfectly livable on the street.

The new ZR1 should be an even more impressive machine. But this is not considered the end of the performance road for the C8 platform. The finale is rumored to be the Corvette Zora, which will be a tribute to early Corvette engineer Zora Alks-Duntov. The model is rumored to feature the ZR1 powertrain in the rear and the Corvette E-Ray hybrid electric motor in the front, making up an all-wheel drive system. the E-Ray's electric motor has an output of 160 hp, which when combined with the ZR1's twin-turbo V-8, will give the Zora total output is rumored to reach 1,000 hp.