[SPIED] Chevy Engineers Captured Driving the C8 ZR1 Prototypes in Detroit

May 23, 2023

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[SPIED] Chevy Engineers Captured Driving the C8 ZR1 Prototypes in Detroit

Photo Credit: Glenn Paulina / KGP Photography

Our spy photographer in Detroit would call this a good day after he spied several new 2025 Corvette ZR1 prototypes wearing heaving camouflage. We counted at least four prototypes and there was a mix of both Coupes and Convertibles.

So what do we see here? The cars are wearing that heavy black cladding that hides many of the details, but from first glance it appears that the front spoiler is even more aggressive than that on the Z06, but that could just be the covers exaggerating those details. Through the front mesh, we are seeing some of the same design details on the front fascia that are also on the widebody Z06/E-Ray.

On the back we are seeing a rear high wing that is very similar to that on the Z06s. We also see a couple of the cars with what looks to be the Z06’s base aero.

The wheels have the round covers to hide the rims and brake rotors, but we can through the center openings that show a new set of wheels based on the spoke design. It was over a year ago that these wheels were first seen on a camouflaged prototype. We can confirm they are wearing Michelin Cup 2 Rs with 275/30 ZR20s up front, with 345/25 ZR21s at the rear.

One of the photos shows Corvette Vehicle Chief Engineer Josh Holder behind the wheel.

The ZR1 has been rumored to pack the LT7 V8 which features the same high-revving 5.5L DOHC engine found in the Z06 with the addition of twin turbos. That new powerplant would boost the estimated power to 850-hp. While we’d love to see more aggressive design for the ZR1, we’re not really seeing it in these photos yet. But if the ZR1 is planned to arrive for the 2025 model year, the team still has plenty of time make that happen.

While not shown in these photos, another spy photographer also captured a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and several Z06s also in the convoy.

Check out the full gallery below and let us know what you think about the mighty new ZR1 coming sooner than later!

Source:
Glenn Paulina / KGP Photography

9 COMMENTS

Scott Teeters May 23, 2023 At 7:47 pm

Look at the width of those tires! Front AND back!
BIG MEATS!!!
Looks like AWD to me.
Can’t tell much more, except the Z06 angled fascia seems to be there. We’ll see!
Boba Fett May 23, 2023 At 8:11 pm

Where is GM engineer “Chazcron” with the convenient and hyper-accurate renderings?

Did he get fired?

Better yet, why isn’t boomer’s fantasy girl, aka Emilia Hartford, doing “mod of the week” videos on this thing already?

What? Too early?
Doug May 23, 2023 At 8:48 pm

Emilia has a nice looking face….
DP S May 23, 2023 At 11:20 pm

Keith, PLS reduce the resolution of the pix so they download faster. THX
klw May 23, 2023 At 11:49 pm

Awesome, I will never be able to afford one unfortunately. I guess I should be happy with my pristine 11′ C6 GS. And I am, but damn a C8 of any model would be killer. No, no!! Don’t ruin the moment with that high maintenance spoiled brat, so sick of seeing that broad.
rtbasey May 24, 2023 At 2:05 am

I’m hoping for a lot more than a larger splitter and the different wheels. I expected a different front and something new in the rear. Should have at least a different wing. I hope it is more than add ons that change from a Z07 to a ZR1.
Alexander Ceruzzi May 24, 2023 At 6:21 am

Keep those new Corvettes coming. A great car keeps getting better. However my 2023 C8
Coupe with that beautiful Red Mist exterior will have to due for now.
Mike May 24, 2023 At 8:29 am

Front end profile reminds me of an old steam locomotive cow catcher. I hope it’s good looking. How many variants can the market stand?
Zera May 24, 2023 At 2:38 pm

Anyone notice the cover lid on top of the frunk? Looks like there may be some aero there.