Upcoming Chevy Corvette ZR1 Spied Cold Weather Testing

The high-performance Chevy Corvette ZR1 might be making a comeback. These spy shots appear to show an upcoming ZR1 undergoing cold-weather testing in snowy conditions, suggesting Chevy plans to bring the ZR1 back — and soon.

Corvette fans and car enthusiasts will likely remember previous Corvette ZR1 models, as they stood at the top of the car’s performance range — above the standard model, and even the highly exciting Z06. The outgoing “C6” Corvette ZR1, last sold in 2013, featured a raucous 638 horsepower — dramatically outstripping the Z06’s 505 horses.

So what will a new ZR1 offer? According to these spy shots, it’ll get all the standard fare — like huge brakes, vastly widened front and rear fenders, and new front and rear bumpers that bring the car lower to the ground. It’s likely the wheels in these spy shots won’t make production, as they’re probably smaller than the car’s actual wheels in order to fit winter tires. More likely to reach production is the huge rear wing, which would be a first for a modern Corvette.

As for performance, we’re not quite so sure what to expect from an upcoming ZR1. The Corvette Z06 now has 650 horsepower, vastly eclipsing the outgoing ZR1 — which means a new ZR1 would probably need an unbelievable 700 hp (or more) in order to sway shoppers away from the Z06. That’s an incredible figure — and it would likely mean incredible performance.

We’ll have more updates on the upcoming ZR1 as we get them — including, quite possibly, as early as next week at the Detroit Auto Show. Find a Chevrolet Corvette for sale

Doug Demuro

Doug DeMuro writes articles and makes videos, mainly about cars. Doug was born in Denver, Colorado, and received an economics degree from Emory University in Atlanta. After graduation, Doug spent three years working for Porsche Cars North America. Eventually, he quit his job to become a writer, largely because it meant that he no longer had to wear pants. Doug’s work has been featured in a… Read more about Doug Demuro

3 COMMENTS

Jimmy Flores January 6, 2017 At 20:51

A 700+ horsepower rwd american sports car in the snow. Is that you Doug?

Josh Trick January 6, 2017 At 13:20

I’m hoping they take more of the approach they took with the fifth gen Camaro Z/28. Strip out excess weight, huge aero upgrades, super sticky tires, and a high revving naturally aspirated V8. In my opinion this doesn’t necessarily have to have more horsepower than the Z06.

- Thomas Jackson Trimmer January 22, 2017 At 23:11
  
  That would be closer to the grand sport minus the lux features