Chevrolet has gone the extra mile when designing the C8 generation Corvette. As everyone and their pet know, it boasts a mid-engine construction in a premiere, and this, combined with neck-snapping performance and down-to-earth pricing, turns it into a supercar killer.
You don't even have to upgrade to the more track-focused variant, known as the Z06, to benefit from a sub-3-second 0-60 mph time, nor the electrified E-Ray, which also comes with all-wheel drive in another first for the model, as the base Stingray is already very potent.
Chevy quotes 2.9 seconds required to hit sixty miles an hour (97 kph) from rest, up to 495 hp (502 ps/369 kW) when fitted with the performance exhaust system, and a 194 mph (312 kph) top speed. It packs a 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a $68,300 MSRP. The Z06 and E-Ray start at $112,700 and $104,900, respectively.
These numbers are enough to send shivers down the spines of exotic car makers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and others. However, the best is yet to come. Yes, we're talking about the most extreme version of the C8 series, which will be known as the Corvette ZR1. Multiple prototypes have been spotted while being tested in the open.
Photo: Screenshot Youtube | TheAutoReport
It's been reported that it might use the 5.5L V8 flat-plane crank from the Z06, albeit with twin-turbocharging, allegedly. In this form, certain outlets believe it will have around 850 horsepower available via the fun pedal. Others think it could gain the E-Ray's modified powertrain for a whopping 1,000 horsepower. Nevertheless, we'd take these rumors with a pinch of salt until the GM-owned company announces the magic numbers.
Speaking of which, that should happen sometime next year. Word on the street is that the C8 Corvette ZR1 will hit dealers nationwide as a 2025 model. Whatever it hides beneath the skin, it will obviously be capable of demolishing some very big names while retaining an affordable (for an exotic machine) price tag. But what is up with the pictures shared above if Chevy hasn't unveiled it yet? Well, they're another unofficial shot at imagining what it might look like.
Signed by TheAutoReport and shared on YouTube right before most of us were waiting for the fat bearded man to come down the chimney, they are obviously on the unrealistic side of things. These renderings portray the 2025 Corvette ZR1 with some elements that likely won't make it to production. Still, it is another interesting take on what it could be, and since we're already in love with the entire C8 lineup, we couldn't ignore it, even if it calls Fantasy Land home. But do you dig the CGI looks?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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