What is the last hoorah for the C7 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette? All the intelligence suggests that it is the 2018 Chevy Corvette ZR1 that will be powered by a supercharged LT4 small block V8 engine with an output north of 700 horsepower.
Can the C7 ZR1 produce between 700-750 horsepower in a reliable and usable way? This will be the $100,000+ question when the king of C7 Corvettes is expected to go on sale in 2017 calendar year. For reference, the current Z06 produces 650 horsepower, can do a 0-60 MPH sprint in 2.95 seconds, and has a starting price of $81,390.
Chevrolet has been working hard to improve the cooling performance of the Z06 for continuous racetrack running for the 2017 model year. These ZR1 prototype have modified front ends with thick camouflage, presumably to further improve cooling efficiency and aerodynamics. The rear deck lids of these prototype have rear wing mounts. It’s not clear whether the production ZR1 will have a removable or retractable wing, but a wing will likely be required for maximum performance on the track.
The ZR1 will likely be offered with an option of a 7-speed manual transmission or an automatic (10-speed auto if it can handle the torque output) or the 8-speed automatic.
Hear the big V8 in the video below.
