Chevy first showed off the Corvette’s ZR-1 option package in 1970. Between 1970 and 1972, the plant only made and sent out less than 60 ZR-1s. The decision to prioritize performance over comfort was a testament to the dedication of the engineers. It wouldn’t have shocked the GM race engineers of the 1970s that the first ZR-1 they made would one day be turned into the 1064-hp 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1. Since the beginning, the ZR-1 has been known for its well-tuned and durable engine, which made it great at cooling, stopping, and driving. Corvette aficionados may be shocked to hear that ZR1 originated with the third generation. Chevy made the ZR-1 to improve the speed of their 5.7-liter LT1 small-block V-8 engine at the height of SCCA racing in 1970. The high-revving LT1 engine, which had a noisy cam and a big Holley carburetor, made 370 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Corvette to run the quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds. For autocross and amateur road racing, the ZR-1 package was made. Aspiring wheelers can check the box to add even more go-fast changes in one easy step. The first ZR-1 may have had better numbers by 2025 standards, but the idea was still the same. The famous Muncie “rock crusher” four-speed manual transmission, electronic ignition, cold-air hood, bigger radiator with unique shroud and fan, power brakes, stronger shocks and springs, and front and rear anti-roll bars were some of the changes that were made to the 1970 ZR-1 to improve its handling. When you selected a Corvette coupe or convertible with the ZR-1 box, you gave up most luxury options, such air conditioning, power steering, a rear-window defroster, fancy wheel covers, a radio, an alarm system, and a stereo. You scared people in your neighborhood in one of the strangest small-block Corvettes ever sold (only 60 were made between 1970 and 1972). The engine sounded great, so you got the last one. People who choose the new ZR1 will have to give up less comfort, but the $1000 price increase for the basic package will definitely make prices go up.
