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Driving The 2025 Corvette ZR1 At COTA

Parker Nirenstein tests both ZTK and non-ZTK variants of the C8 ZR1 around Circuit of the Americas

Photo courtesy of Vehicle Virgins YouTube Channel

Chevrolet’s all-new 2025 Corvette ZR1 is nothing short of a revelation. At its core lies a 5.5-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8, based on the Z06’s LT6, that delivers an extraordinary 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. It enables the ZR1 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, complete the quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 233 mph.

When equipped with the optional ZTK package, the car produces 1,200 lbs of total downforce—thanks in part to a pass-through front radiator (inspired by Ferrari’s S-duct), an aggressive front splitter, and a massive rear wing.

Braking is handled by 400mm carbon-ceramic rotors—the largest ever on a Corvette—while Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires maximize grip. Even with the ZTK package, the price remains under $200,000, offering hypercar-level performance for less than one-third the cost of most rivals.

Watch as Parker Nirenstein, the host of the Vehicle Virgins YouTube channel, gets behind the wheel of the new ZR1 and tests its full capabilities around Circuit of the Americas.