Tag Archives: Chevrolet

News

The Chevrolet ZR1’s Real Horsepower May Shock You

Chevrolet claims the new Corvette ZR1 makes 1,064 horsepower, which is already the sort of number that makes traction control cry uncle. But if early dyno testing from Hennessey Performance is any indication, that headline figure may be more suggestion than fact. Because according to the Texas tuning house, the ZR1 is quietly packing a whole lot more heat than Chevy’s press release lets on.

After taking delivery of its ZR1 and putting 3,200 kilometers on the odometer—call it a high-speed break-in—Hennessey strapped the car to a dynamometer. What they saw raised eyebrows even in a shop accustomed to outrageous numbers: 1,051 horsepower measured at the wheels.

That distinction matters. A lot.

Factory power ratings are quoted at the crankshaft, before the drivetrain eats its share. In most high-performance cars, somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of an engine’s output is lost on its way through the transmission, differential, and half-shafts. But if the ZR1 is truly putting down 1,051 horsepower to the pavement, drivetrain losses appear to be closer to 2 percent—an improbably small number for a street car making four-digit power.

Run the math the conventional way, assuming a more typical 10 percent loss, and the picture changes quickly. Back-calculate that wheel figure and you’re staring at something like 1,150 horsepower at the crank. That’s nearly 100 ponies north of Chevrolet’s official rating, and well into the realm of “we didn’t want to scare anyone” engineering.

Now, dyno tests aren’t gospel. Results vary with ambient conditions, calibration, tire choice, and even the mood of the machine operator. Still, when a reputable shop like Hennessey posts wheel horsepower numbers this close to the factory crank rating, it’s hard not to read between the lines.

And honestly, this wouldn’t be new territory for Chevrolet. Automakers—especially when playing in supercar territory—have a long history of underrating engines for reasons ranging from internal politics to marketing strategy to sheer confidence that enthusiasts will figure it out anyway. Think of it as horsepower modesty, Detroit-style.

Whatever the official number ends up meaning in the real world, one thing is clear: the Corvette ZR1 isn’t just a 1,064-horsepower monster. It’s very likely more powerful than advertised, and possibly one of the most hilariously underrated production cars on sale today.

If this is Chevy being conservative, we can only imagine what happens when they stop holding back.

Source: Hennessey

NEW CARS

Chevrolet Sonic Returns as a Compact SUV – Brazilian Market Exclusive

After a five-year hiatus, the Chevrolet Sonic is set to return—but not in the form fans might remember. The once-pint-sized sedan and hatchback is being reborn as a compact SUV, specifically designed for the Brazilian market.

Chevrolet has started teasing the new Sonic through a series of images on its Brazilian website and social media channels. While details remain scarce, the visuals hint at a modern, compact design. From the side, the SUV presents a tapered rear window and roof rails, emphasizing a sleek profile. The rear features LED taillights reminiscent of the Equinox EV, flanking a centrally positioned black bowtie badge.

The new Sonic has been entirely designed and developed in Brazil, sharing its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Onix—a model that previously held the title of Brazil’s best-selling car. This connection gives the SUV a foundation of practicality and familiarity, crucial in a market that values compact, efficient vehicles.

“The Sonic revives a global Chevrolet name, now reinterpreted for a new generation of vehicles that expresses innovation and modernity,” said Santiago Chamorro, GM South America president. He also noted that the model will occupy a “strategic segment, not yet explored by the brand, that of coupe SUVs,” signaling Chevrolet’s intent to expand its lineup in the compact SUV space.

Powertrain details are still largely under wraps, though GM Authority reports that the new Sonic will debut with a flex-fuel hybrid setup. While performance may not be the focus, efficiency will likely take center stage—aligning with the needs of Brazilian drivers.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the reborn Sonic will be offered beyond Brazil or remain a local exclusive. What is clear, however, is that Chevrolet is betting on the Sonic name to reestablish itself in a growing segment, combining a familiar brand with a fresh, modern silhouette tailored for today’s urban SUV buyer.

Source: Carbuzz, GM Authority

News

Grand Sport Rumors Heat Up as Chevrolet Tests New C8 Prototype

The C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette has already rewritten the rulebook. By embracing a mid-engine layout, it delivered supercar proportions and performance at a price point that continues to embarrass far more expensive European machinery. From the accessible Stingray to the ferocious Z06 and the hypercar-baiting ZR1X, Chevrolet has built a Corvette lineup broader and more ambitious than ever before. And now, one familiar name may be poised for a long-awaited return.

For some time, speculation has surrounded the revival of the Grand Sport badge, a name deeply rooted in Corvette history. That speculation has intensified in recent weeks, hinting that the rumors may finally be turning into reality.

The spark came last month, when a heavily camouflaged C8 prototype was spotted testing in public. While the bodywork revealed little, the details told a more intriguing story. Most notable were the wheel center caps, which didn’t wear the expected crossed flags. Instead, they featured Buick’s classic Tri-Shield logo—an odd choice that immediately raised eyebrows. Some enthusiasts believe this was no accident, interpreting it as a subtle nod to the original Gran Sport heritage, which has ties to Buick’s performance past.

According to reports from GM Authority and longtime Corvette insider Rick Conti, there is genuine momentum behind the Grand Sport’s return. Central to the story is a new iteration of GM’s Small Block V8, rumored to carry the LS6 designation—a name that alone is enough to stir excitement among Corvette purists.

This next-generation LS6 is said to be offered in two displacements: 5.7 liters and 6.6 liters. A leaked audio clip has only added fuel to the fire, revealing an engine note that sounds unmistakably old-school in character. There’s a deep, muscular growl under throttle, accompanied by crackles on overrun—exactly the kind of soundtrack enthusiasts have been hoping for in an increasingly electrified era.

Beyond what sits under the engine cover, the Grand Sport is also expected to look the part. Reports suggest it will adopt the same widebody treatment used on the E-Ray, Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X, rather than the narrower stance of the base Stingray. If true, that alone would give it a far more aggressive presence on the road.

The Grand Sport is rumored to debut for the 2027 model year, and Chevrolet reportedly expects it to become the highest-volume Corvette in the lineup. That’s a bold claim, but one that makes sense. Positioned correctly, it could attract buyers who want more performance and presence than a Stingray, without stepping all the way up to the price and intensity of the E-Ray or Z06.

Pricing will be key. The E-Ray currently starts at $108,600, while the Z06 commands $120,300. With the Stingray hovering around the $70,000 mark, Chevrolet has a sizeable gap to work with. Most estimates place the Grand Sport somewhere between $85,000 and $100,000—squarely in what many consider the Corvette sweet spot.

If those numbers hold, the returning Grand Sport could become one of the most compelling offerings in the modern Corvette era: wide-bodied, naturally aspirated V8 power, and unmistakable presence, all without crossing into six-figure territory. For enthusiasts watching from the sidelines, the wait may finally be worth it.

Source: GM Authority