To the average auto enthusiast, a 1,000-hp engine might seem to be reserved for the occasional supercar from perhaps Bugatti or some brand you’ve never heard of. Or even some limited-edition mod from one of a handful of tuning outfits. But today is different.
Today, we get news of Chevy equipping its new Corvette model — a two-door coupe dubbed the ZR1 — with a V8 delivering a whopping 1,064hp. It’s the most powerful V8 engine ever made in the U.S. and we have the details for you right here…
It might seem improbable but the impressive numbers come from the LT7 engine, a 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 that also gets you 828lb.ft of torque at 6,000rpm, which is, no surprise, the most any factory Corvette has been able to boast about. For comparison, the 2024 Corvette Z06 has 670hp and 460lb.ft of torque. Which is even more impressive if you consider that the vehicle weighs just 3,670lbs in total.
The supercar also benefits from an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. With a top speed of over 215mph (estimated), the ZR1 is said also to have a sub-10-second quarter-mile time. To mark the staggering ZR1, Corvette has also revived the split rear window, which hasn’t made an appearance since the C2 models — predating the ZR1 entirely, which debuted in 1970 with the C3.
Aside from the “standard” ZR1, there’s also a track-focused ZTK performance package that comes with a woven carbon fiber wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip. You’ll also get Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires underneath.
As mentioned, the ZR1 debuted in 1970 as a special engine package with the C3 Corvette models. Only 53 were made until getting discontinued in 1972. After that, the ZR1 lay dormant until 1990 with the C4. They put out 375hp and lasted until 1995. The ZR1 was also made for the C6 and C7 Vette models, with the most recent retiring after the 2019 model year. Those were rated at 755hp and 715lb.ft of torque. The ZR1s have always had V8 engines.
Model: Corvette ZR1
Model Year: 2025
Engine: 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 1,064hp
Torque: 828lb.ft
Top Speed: 215mph+
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 won’t go into production until early next year and there’s no pricing announced yet. But for comparison, the 2019 ZR1 had about a $120,000 MSRP. Expect much more than that. Head over to Chevy’s website to learn more.
Chevy unveiled its Corvette ZR1 for the 2025 model year. It has a whopping 1,064hp and 828lb.ft of torque –– all from a V8 engine. They’ve also revived the split rear window from back in the day.
