It’s hard to make sense of all the rumours about the new Chevrolet Corvette, especially the much-anticipated ZR1 version. The C8 changed how the Corvette game was played, and the hybrid E-Ray replaced the Grand Sport. It is also said that a top “Zora” trim is on the way. Even though the new Z06 is out, what’s happening with the ZR1 still needs to be clarified. Hard-core Vette is almost certainly correct, but things will be different now. First, Chevy will only say something about new Corvette trims once they’re officially shown or promised, but it can’t avoid road testing. We know more about the car than General Motors will say because of this and other things we’ve seen. Reliable sources say the ZR1 will stay in the Corvette range, ending long-running rumours. But it won’t be as popular as in past generations. Authorities say it will be right below the top-of-the-line Zora. The Zora is expected to have the same engine as the ZR1 and an electric motor in the front like the one in the E-Ray. There is also solid proof of the new ZR1 engine, which will be called the LT7 for sure. Sources say that the LT6 engine in the Z06 has been boosted, and other changes have been made to handle the extra power. Corvette Blogger says “LT7” was written on one of the LT6 cargo crates. The marking could be a clever trick or a sign that the LT7 is coming. It should have a power output of about 850 horsepower. Aside from the changes to the C8’s architecture, the ZR1 has much of the same trim as the C7. It is supposed to be a fast, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) race car with big rear tires and a striking new look. Test mules going around the streets of Michigan have seen some of these changes. A picture of a ZR1 is highlighted in a movie from GM Authority. It has the same specs for the rear tires as the Z06 and the same rear wing as the Z07 kit. The car’s highly camouflaged exterior makes it hard to see other improvements, but a large front splitter is hidden under the vinyl. Other photos taken by spies recently show what look like ZR1s or top-tier Zora’s testing in pairs. Even though it was covered up, a split-window Corvette was seen testing in the western state of Colorado. This was reported to the Facebook group Colorado Car Spotters. Some parts aren’t visible, so it’s hard to tell for sure, but it’s possible that these panels didn’t win. The front ends of the first ZR1 were different, so it makes sense that the new one will be the same. Even with all of this proof, it’s likely that we will only learn much more if there’s another leak like the E-Ray or a tease from the company. There will soon be a new Corvette top trim, but no date has been set as of yet. We will keep reporting on the few facts we have; that much is certain.
