Corvette Culture

Speculating About The Upcoming C8 ZR1

What we know, what is rumored, and what we would like to see from the upcoming supercar

Simon Bertram··
Last updated:

It’s been a little under a month now since Chevrolet teased the existence of the C8 ZR1, releasing just the badge that will be placed on the outside of the engine air scoops. While the actual reveal is expected to be coming either this month or in June, a lot of rumors, “leaks,” and a few confirmed specifications have appeared out there. Sifting through the pile and picking up on the repeated “specs” that have been passed around, we’re going to make some educated guesses about what the ZR1 will actually be like.

What We Know, Or Think We Know, About the C8 ZR1

First off, the more or less confirmed rumors and specs. 

First of all, the ZR1 will be based off of the Z06 and its LT6 5.5L V8 engine. The engine is the big thing here, as instead of being supercharged as in the C7 ZR1, it will be a twin-turbo monster. While not much is know about which company is making the turbos for Chevrolet, those turbines are expected to bump the power of the ZR1 up to and very likely beyond 850 HP, with 750+ lbs-ft of torque also expected.

The ZR1 engine
Leaked to GM Authority, the LT7 engine has two turbos and an expected 850+ HP on tap. Image via GM Authority

What has been “officially confirmed,” after a screenshot leak of the parts catalog of the ZR1, is that the engine will be a bespoke modification of 5.5L V8 from the Z06 that will gain the label LT7. It will have dual overhead cams, 32 valves, as well as direct injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management

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