The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 destroyed five lap records in America
- The new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has been announced, with one clear goal
- General Motors sent four of their best drivers to smash five lap records
- The new ZR1 is the most powerful V8 engine ever produced in America
Published on Feb 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Feb 13, 2025 at 9:38 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Chevrolet Corvette has always been synonymous with power and speed.
However, the new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a different beast entirely.
When this car was sent on its U.S. track tour, it was set with one goal – to smash every lap record in sight.
And lo and behold, it did just that.
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Chevrolet Corvette: Four drivers; five tracks; one goal
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette is the most powerful V8 that has ever been built in the United States. The twin-turbo charged 5.5-liter engine produces 1,064hp, as well as 828lbs of torque.
The numbers back up the hype, too.
It takes just 2.3 seconds to go from 0-60mph, and in a drag race, it will blast through a quarter mile in just 9.6 seconds.
Concerned about top speed? Well, don’t be. That makes out at a ridiculous 233mph.
Which brings us to some on-track results.
General Motors sent four of their drivers to five different race tracks across the United States, and they were sent with one mission – to set the fastest lap times possible.
How did Team GM do with the new ZR1?
As mentioned, General Motors sent four of their best to prove the power of the new ZR1.
Each of them with the optional ZTK Performance Package in tow.
This package includes some Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R ZP tires, as well as a massive carbon fibre rear wing, front dive planes and a hood gurney lip.
You also get tuned suspension and stiffer springs to tackle the track.
Each of the four drivers completed the Nurburgring Industry Pool certification.
They also all completed GM’s driver certification program.
In short – the four drivers are the best in-house at General Motors.
Bill Wise (Lead Performance Engineer) was dispatched with the ZR1 to Watkins Glen Long Course and he crossed the line in 1:52.7s.
Brian Wallace (Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer) went to Road America to try a lap in the new ZR1 and he put in a best lap time of 2:06.6s.
The stopwatch clocked a best time of 1:22.8s for Chris Barber (Lead Development Engineer) and he was sent to Road Atlanta to tackle their track with the new ZR1 in tow.
Lastly, Aaron Link (Global Vehicle Performance Manager) was sent to Virginia International Raceway to take on two challenges.
Firstly, he completed a lap of the Full Course in 1:47.7s. Then, he took the Corvette back out on the track to tackle the Grand Course. He managed this in 2:32.3s.
The new Chevrolet Corvette goes into production in mid-2025 at their Bowling Green Assembly plant.
Prices start at $174,995, whilst the convertible version starts at $184,995.
If you fancy bagging one for yourself, Chevrolet will begin accepting orders later this month.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
