The News Year In Review: The Corvette Story From 2025, By CorvSport

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to finally have one place you could go to catch up on everything that mattered in the Corvette world? The news. The culture. The racing. The moments that lit up forums, divided comment sections, and reminded us why this car still punches far above its weight. If so, welcome—this is your 2025 Corvette story, told the CorvSport way.

Over the last year, we tracked every major development as it happened, from factory bombshells to emotional goodbyes, from viral culture moments to Corvette Racing victories across the globe. We told those stories in real time, but this feature brings them together in one cohesive narrative—chronological, contextual, and designed to be read in one sitting. Twenty minutes. One complete year. No hunting, no rabbit holes, no filler.

We’ll begin with the biggest Corvette news story of 2025—one that surfaced just last week and instantly reshaped how enthusiasts are thinking about the C8’s future. From there, we rewind the clock and walk month by month through a year that proved, once again, that Corvette isn’t just a car. It’s a living, evolving story.

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The Engine That Changes Everything: The LS6 And Corvette’s Next Chapter

The biggest Corvette story of 2025 didn’t break at an auto show, during a reveal event, or through a carefully scripted press release. Instead, it surfaced the way some of the most consequential Corvette news always has—quietly, through documentation that wasn’t meant to make headlines. According to a new report sourced from GM’s internal Parts Book, a 6.7L Gen 6 Small Block V8, wearing the LS6 designation, is now formally cataloged for future Corvette use, with strong indicators pointing to the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport.

This matters because the Parts Book has history on its side. It was the same internal resource that accurately leaked the twin-turbo LT7 powering the C8 ZR1 long before Chevrolet made it official. This new LS6 listing isn’t speculative chatter—it’s tied to future RPO entries specific to the 2027 model year, suggesting the engine is already deep into production planning. For Corvette enthusiasts, that detail alone speaks volumes. This isn’t a concept. This is real.

Known Technical Details From The Leak

Engine Code: LS6
Configuration: 6.7L V8, Gen 6 Small Block
Architecture: OHV (pushrod)
Construction: Aluminum block
Fueling: Direct Injection + Port Fuel Injection
Intended Application: Future Corvette (linked to 2027 MY RPOs)

While performance numbers remain under wraps, the implications are massive. A new-generation pushrod V8—larger displacement than any current C8 engine—signals that Chevrolet is not done evolving the internal-combustion Corvette, even in a post-ZR1X world. If this engine does, in fact, underpin a next-gen Grand Sport, it positions the model as something far more than a Z06-lite. It becomes a philosophical bridge between Corvette’s past and its future—and the most important Corvette engine story since the LT6 first screamed to life.

Sticker Shock And Supercar Reality: January Opens With ZR1 Truth Serum

January 10th delivered the kind of clarity only official pricing can bring. After months of speculation, Chevrolet confirmed the 2025 Corvette ZR1 starting at $174,995, and the internet did what it always does—lit up instantly. For a 1,064-horsepower, twin-turbo, flat-plane-crank monster capable of 233.5 mph, the consensus inside Corvette circles was surprising: GM priced it lower than many expected.

The details reinforced the magnitude of what Chevrolet had created. The LT7 became the most powerful V8 ever produced by an American automaker, the ZR1 shattered every internal Corvette benchmark, and it did so without electric motors, front-axle assistance, or hybrid crutches. Orders were set to open in February, production slated for Q2, and the ZR1 officially became the new King of the Hill—on paper and in spirit.

Community reaction told its own story. Z06 owners felt validated rather than regretful, while speculation immediately turned to dealer markups north of $50,000. The ZR1 wasn’t just expensive—it was important. And the year was just getting started.

When VIN 001 Speaks: Charity, Legacy, And Rick Hendrick’s Black Corvette Tradition

By January 27th, Scottsdale reminded everyone that Corvette history doesn’t live only in Bowling Green—it lives on auction blocks. Rick Hendrick once again claimed VIN 001, paying $3.7 million for the first production 2025 ZR1 at Barrett-Jackson, benefiting the American Red Cross. It barely edged out the $3.6 million he paid for the 2023 Z06 VIN 001, reinforcing a pattern that’s become part of Corvette folklore.

Hendrick’s numbers are staggering: 38 charity cars purchased, more than $28 million raised, and an unbroken tradition of black VIN 001 Corvettes. This wasn’t about horsepower or exclusivity. It was about continuity. About legacy. About the intersection of Corvette passion and real-world impact.

Seeing the ZR1 cross the block live—at just over nine minutes past the hour—was a reminder that some Corvette moments transcend spec sheets. They become history instantly.

Daytona To Qatar: Corvette Racing Starts 2025 Swinging

On January 28th, the racing season kicked off the way endurance racing loves to—with chaos, redemption, and payoff. AWA’s Corvette Z06 GT3.R captured a GTD class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking the model’s first 24-hour win and Chevrolet’s 21st overall Daytona victory. One year after mechanical heartbreak, the turnaround was emphatic.

That momentum carried straight into March. At the FIA WEC season opener in Qatar on March 1st, TF Sport drove the No. 33 Corvette from 13th to first, winning by less than half a second. Two races. Two wins. Two continents. Corvette Racing’s GT3 era had officially arrived.

The significance wasn’t lost on fans. This wasn’t dominance through brute force—it was execution, adaptability, and proof that the Z06 GT3.R belonged on the world stage.

Victory lane! Photo Credit: Corvette Racing

Heartbreak And Humanity: February’s Emotional Core

February brought a different kind of headline. On February 4th, the Corvette community reacted collectively to Harlan Charles’ sudden departure from GM, ending a 24-year run as Corvette Product Marketing Manager. His words—“My Corvette dream is over”—hit hard because they were unfiltered, honest, and deeply human.

Harlan’s legacy was spelled out in his own reflection: the 2020 Stingray at $59,995, the Performance Data Recorder, the return of Grand Sport and ZR1, personalization options that reshaped ownership, and a relentless push to keep Corvette attainable. His exit wasn’t just a corporate shift—it felt personal to an enthusiast base that knew his face, his voice, and his passion.

Later that month, CorvSport covered a story that reminded everyone why Corvette culture isn’t measured in dollars. A widowed woman traded baseball cards—her late husband’s collection—for her dream yellow C8. Critics argued value. Enthusiasts saw fulfillment. Corvette, once again, proved it’s about moments, not math. If you missed any of these stories and want to dig deeper, our full news archives are below.

Change, Closure, And The Past Brought Forward

March became a month of reflection and transition. Leaked photos confirmed the end of the C8’s “wall of buttons”, signaling a long-anticipated interior redesign for the 2026 model year. The reaction was swift, emotional, and deeply on brand for Corvette fans—equal parts excitement and skepticism.

Days later, the community said goodbye to a legend. Roger Judski announced the closing of Roger’s Corvette Center, ending a 60-year chapter in Corvette retail history. His showroom wasn’t just a place to buy cars—it was a pilgrimage site, a museum, and a gathering place for generations of enthusiasts.

On March 25th, the National Corvette Museum pulled history forward with its C5-R Earnhardt exhibit, showcasing personal letters from Dale Sr. to Andy Pilgrim. The story bridged NASCAR, endurance racing, and Corvette’s racing soul—reminding us that some moments never lose their weight.

The #3 C5-R that became part of racing history! Photo Credit: NCM

Culture Goes Viral As Racing Builds Momentum

April delivered one of the year’s most polarizing culture stories when the Florida Highway Patrol unveiled a seized C8 Corvette wearing classic black-and-gold livery. Asset forfeiture, social optics, and purpose collided, generating over 112,000 reactions across four posts. Corvette had officially gone viral—again.

Meanwhile, May and early June belonged to the track. Podiums at Laguna Seca, a charge from eighth to second in Detroit, and consistent points finishes reinforced that Corvette Racing wasn’t just competitive—it was championship relevant. From California to Michigan, the Z06 GT3.R kept delivering.

Fire, Glory, And The ZR1X Mic Drop

Mid-June brought concern when a C8 Z06 caught fire while fueling, prompting community speculation and safety discussions. CorvSport dug through hundreds of comments, highlighted patterns, and urged caution while awaiting official answers. It was a reminder that even dream cars demand vigilance. Catching the news of fires across social media was breaking news for CorvSport, with news of the official recall and stop-sale occurring on 8/22/2025.

It’s a sad day for Shawn. All photos are credited to Shawn C.

Just days later, Corvette Racing stood on the Le Mans podium, with TF Sport delivering the first GT3-era podium finish at the world’s most famous endurance race. Three cars finished in the top 10. Momentum confirmed.

Then, on June 17th, Chevrolet dropped the mic.

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X—1,250 horsepower, electrified AWD, sub-2-second 0-60 capability—was revealed without warning. It wasn’t called ZORA, but everyone knew what it was. The most powerful, quickest Corvette ever built. A culmination of everything 2025 had been building toward.

And just like that, the Corvette story entered its next chapter.

The ZR1X is revealed at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant! Photo Credit: NCM Insurance

When The World Took Notice

If the first half of 2025 established Corvette’s raw power and future direction, the second half proved something even more important: execution. From European endurance wins to Nürburgring supremacy, from cultural virality to championship trophies, Corvette didn’t just make noise—it delivered results. And nowhere was that more evident than on the global racing stage, where the Z06 GT3.R transitioned from promising newcomer to full-blown benchmark.

Imola Delivers A Breakthrough: Corvette Racing Makes European History

By early July, the momentum surrounding Corvette Racing was impossible to ignore—but July 6th at Imola officially changed the conversation. TF Sport’s victory in the Four Hours of Imola marked the first European Le Mans Series win for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and Corvette Racing as a whole. This wasn’t a podium. This wasn’t progress. This was a statement.

Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade, and Hiroshi Koizumi didn’t luck their way into victory. They earned it through execution in chaos. Changing conditions, intermittent rain, a 20-plus-minute red flag, and relentless strategy calls defined the race. Koizumi’s charge from near the back of the LMGT3 field to second was nothing short of surgical. Andrade held firm on slicks as showers tested everyone’s nerve. Eastwood sealed it with authority, crossing the line more than seven seconds clear.

The No. 82 Corvette led 63 laps, survived everything Imola threw at it, and delivered Corvette Racing its long-awaited ELMS breakthrough. Context matters here: this win came on the heels of TF Sport’s FIA WEC victory in Qatar earlier in the season. Two different series. Two continents. Same result.

Our founder, Scott Kolecki, said it best two years earlier: “The future of Corvette Racing is strong with the Z06 GT3.R.” By July 2025, that future had arrived.

Strategy Pays Off In Canada: Pratt Miller Climbs Back To The Podium

Just one week later, Corvette Racing momentum rolled straight into IMSA competition. At Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on July 13th, Pratt Miller Motorsports reminded everyone that strategy still wins races.

The No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R—driven by Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg—looked out of contention early. A sluggish pit stop dropped the car as far back as ninth in GTD PRO. Then came the call: a top-off of fuel under yellow with nearly 80 minutes remaining. Risky? Absolutely. Brilliant? Completely.

Two late full-course cautions flipped the script. Catsburg held position as the final yellow froze the field with 15 minutes remaining, securing second place and delivering Milner and Catsburg their first IMSA podium of the season. The result solidified Chevrolet’s lead in the GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship and reinforced a growing theme of 2025: Corvette Racing doesn’t panic—it adapts.

Brazil Confirms It Was No Fluke

If there were still doubters after Imola, São Paulo erased them.

On July 13th—while IMSA action unfolded in Canada—TF Sport delivered another podium in the FIA World Endurance Championship, finishing second in LMGT3 at the Six Hours of São Paulo. The No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Eastwood, Andrade, and Tom Van Rompuy executed a faultless race, climbing steadily through the order before Eastwood piloted the car home over the final 2.5 hours.

This wasn’t just another trophy. It was confirmation. Back-to-back podiums following Le Mans. A win in ELMS. Points finishes across multiple cars. The Z06 GT3.R wasn’t adapting anymore—it was thriving.

Yet another podium finish for Corvette Racing! Photo Credit: Corvette Racing

July’s Bigger Picture: Racing Dominance Meets Community Pulse

By late July, Corvette’s racing success was mirrored by nonstop community conversation. That’s where CorvSport Curates stepped in, offering perspective amid the noise.

Dealer markups dominated the headlines, none louder than a $500,000 asking price for a 2025 ZR1. Pandemic-era markups suddenly felt tame by comparison. Meanwhile, reality set in for early ZR1 customers as production constraints pushed many 2025 orders into 2026.

At the same time, the ceiling kept rising. Tony Roma teased that ZR1X wasn’t the end of the story, fueling speculation about what’s still hiding inside the C8 platform. Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personal Stingray reentered the spotlight at the NCM. Nürburgring rumors simmered. July closed with Corvette fans both exhilarated and exhausted—and August was just warming up.

Nürburgring Silence Ends—And Corvette Roars Back

On July 31st, Chevrolet finally answered the internet.

After five years of speculation, frustration, and armchair engineering, GM dropped three official Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times—and Corvette didn’t just show up. It dominated.

ZR1X: 6:49.275
ZR1: 6:50.763
Mustang GTD: 6:52.072

Just like that, Corvette reclaimed the title of fastest American production car. And it did so the Corvette way: with GM engineers behind the wheel, not hired guns.

Were the cars pre-production? Yes. Did that diminish the achievement? Not in the slightest. The ZR1X’s 1,250-horsepower electrified AWD system dismantled every narrative about weight, cornering, and platform limits. Two tons? Irrelevant. Tires? Handled. Corners? Attacked.

The Nürburgring wasn’t just conquered—it was silenced.

August Reality Check: Pricing, Sales, And Headlines That Cut Both Ways

Fresh off Nürburgring glory, Chevrolet revealed ZR1X pricing in early August: just north of $200,000 for the coupe, just under $220,000 for the convertible. Expensive? Yes. Outrageous? Not in context. Especially with the announcement of the Quail Silver Limited Edition, a matte Blade Silver tribute inspired by the original Inca Silver C1s.

Sales numbers told a more complicated story. Corvette deliveries were down year-over-year, but the bigger picture remained intact: Corvette still dominated the premium sports car segment, outselling Porsche while the 911 itself slid nearly 30%.

Then came the headlines no brand wants. In mid-August, two ZR1s were stolen directly from Bowling Green Assembly. Both were recovered quickly, but the optics were wild. At the same time, near-$500,000 ZR1 sales proved that demand—at least at the top—was stronger than ever.

VIR Victory And Championship Math

On August 25th, the conversation returned to where Corvette feels most at home: the winner’s circle.

Pratt Miller Motorsports delivered its first GTD PRO win of 2025, with both Corvettes landing on the podium, and Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims winning the Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway. The victory marked Corvette Racing’s seventh IMSA win at VIR and extended a staggering stat line: the Pratt Miller-run Corvette team has now won at least one IMSA race in 25 of 26 seasons.

With points leads stretching into double digits and championships within reach, the Z06 GT3.R wasn’t just competitive—it was inevitable.

Garcia and Sims next to the formidable Z06 GT3.R! Photo Credit: Corvette Racing

September: Culture, History, And Drama On Track

September showcased Corvette’s unmatched range. Shaquille O’Neal’s stretched C8 Z06 went viral, reminding everyone that Corvette culture doesn’t fit into neat boxes. Engineering Car 3950—the very first Corvette—stole the show at Carlisle, connecting seven decades of history in one imperfect fiberglass package.

Then TF Sport returned to the top step.

At the Six Hours of Fuji on September 28th, the No. 81 Corvette claimed a dramatic last-lap victory, overcoming penalties, fuel strategy gambles, and Ferrari heartbreak. It was TF Sport’s second WEC win of the season—and yet another example of Corvette thriving under pressure.

Awards, Titles, And A Season That Wouldn’t Slow Down

Late September brought validation from outside the paddock as the LT7 earned a Wards 10 Best Engines award, becoming the only pure ICE powerplant on the list. Meanwhile, stop-sale drama faded as Z06s and ZR1s returned to dealer inventory following a confirmed refueling fix.

October was a coronation.

At Petit Le Mans, Corvette Racing swept GTD PRO drivers’, teams’, and manufacturers’ championships, delivering a double podium in the process. Days later, TF Sport clinched a historic ELMS championship, securing Corvette Racing’s first title in the series—and a fourth Le Mans invitation for 2026.

The Z06 GT3.R wasn’t just winning races anymore. It was collecting hardware.

The Third Pedal Isn’t Dead: TREMEC’s Manual Throws Gas On The C8 Fire

When TREMEC pulled the cover off its new 6-speed manual transaxle at SEMA, the Corvette internet collectively lost its mind — and for good reason. This wasn’t just another aftermarket teaser or speculative prototype. This was a third-pedal manual engineered with the same mounting points as the C8’s TR-9080 dual-clutch, instantly igniting speculation about real-world compatibility and future OEM possibilities. For a Corvette community that has largely embraced the mid-engine C8 while still mourning the loss of a factory manual, this reveal felt like a long-awaited olive branch — and possibly a warning shot that the story isn’t finished yet.

The timing couldn’t be more interesting. The C8 has now surpassed total C7 production and proven itself as a commercial and performance success, yet the absence of a manual option has remained one of the most persistent enthusiast pain points. That frustration has only grown louder as some owners report quirks with the TR-9080 DCT, ranging from inconsistent shifts to service confusion surrounding its hard-to-access fluid filter. Against that backdrop, TREMEC’s manual — based on the very architecture that underpins the DCT — reads less like coincidence and more like calculated intent. Add in whispers of a future C8 Grand Sport revival, and suddenly the manual conversation feels very real again.

Technically, the gearbox checks all the right boxes. The new Tremec High Performance 6-Speed Manual Transaxle is cable-shifted for precision, features an integrated oil pump for sustained cooling under extreme loads, and uses a multi-plate clutch with a concentric slave cylinder for smooth engagement. In short, it’s not nostalgia bait — it’s a modern, torque-capable solution designed for today’s performance cars. The reaction from auto publications and YouTubers was immediate and electric, underscoring just how deeply the idea of a manual Corvette still resonates. Whether this transmission ever finds its way into a production C8 or not, one thing is clear: the third pedal is no longer a closed chapter in Corvette history.

Closing Time: What 2025 Ultimately Proved

By the time November arrived—with Tremec’s manual reveal igniting the internet and C9 design whispers swirling—the story of 2025 was clear. This wasn’t a year of hype. This was a year of proof.

Corvette proved it could dominate the Nürburgring.
Proved it could win globally.
Proved it could evolve without losing its soul.
Proved that whether through V8 thunder, hybrid innovation, or endurance racing grit, the formula still works.

From Bowling Green to Imola, from Fuji to the Green Hell, 2025 wasn’t just another chapter in Corvette history — it was a global statement. This was the year the world was forced to admit what Corvette enthusiasts already knew: Chevrolet didn’t merely catch up on the track, in the paddock, or in the engineering labs — Corvette arrived, adapted, and dominated. The Z06 GT3.R proved itself across continents and championships, American engineers rewrote Nürburgring history, and the C8 platform continued to evolve beyond anything its critics imagined possible. Tradition and innovation collided in the best possible way, reminding us that Corvette’s soul has never been tied to layout, geography, or convention — only to relentless performance. If this is what the present looks like, one question remains as the dust settles on a historic season: what does the next generation of Corvette have in store for us?