In July 2024, Chevrolet unveiled the most powerful and fastest Corvette ever, the Corvette ZR1. Production has not yet begun, and the first example was recently sold at auction for $3.7 million.

The car was purchased by American businessman and collector Rick Hendrick, who has a collection of older and newer Corvette models, most of which end in the chassis number 001. Part of his collection are the Z08, Z06 convertible and Corvette E-Ray, each of which costs more than a million dollars.

The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5L DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine with 1,064 hp (873 kW) @ 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft (1,123 Nm) of torque @ 6,000 rpm, paired with a strengthened and recalibrated M1K 8-speed dual clutch (DCT) gearbox. This Corvette (which is not assisted by the hybrid system) has a top speed of more than 340 km/h, and has a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 580 horsepower per ton, which makes it even better than the Bugatti Veyron.

The car is based on the Z06 model and is equipped with several new (optional) carbon body components optimized for speed and better grip on closed tracks. It’s mounted on 20″ front and 21″ rear carbon wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, behind which are carbon-ceramic brakes and tuned adaptive suspension elements that still ensure enough smoothness for public road use. Chevrolet will offer this version to customers in two body styles: Coupé and Cabrio.

Also, Chevrolet has brought back the historic split-window style that was last seen on the C2-generation Corvette. “We did not approach this decision lightly, we know this is a beloved element from Corvette’s history. Not only does this element provide function, but we were able to integrate passionate design into the form and do it in a way that paid tribute to Corvette’s history. The ZR1 felt like the right time to bring the split-window back,” said Phil Zak, executive design director of Chevrolet.

Source: Barrett-Jackson

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