Comments:
Stock 2025 Corvette ZR1 hits 233.50 mph
- The 2025 Corvette ZR1 super sports car is equipped with what Chevrolet says is the “most powerful V8 engine ever produced in America by an auto manufacturer.”
- The ZR1’s 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged LT7 DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine boasts 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm.
- The ZR1 coupe that set the record was equipped with a standard chassis and aero package, plus a set of aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
- The Corvette’s standard carbon fiber aero package creates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.
- The sports car hit 233 miles-per-hour with the engine at redline in sixth gear with GM President Mark Reuss behind the wheel.
- The two-way average speed record, which was set on the northbound and southbound straightaways of the high-speed oval track at ATP Automotive Testing in Papenburg, Germany.
- Chevrolet notes that the 233 mile-per-hour run was not a one-off performance; five engineers and both ZR1 development cars onsite exceeded 230 miles-per-hour across multiple runs.
- This record makes the ZR1 the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer.
Incredible!
General Motors President Mark Reuss was at the wheel which I think is really cool.
I remember what a milestone it was when the C6 ZR1 hit 201
I'm impressed, but I also start to wonder what the point is - for any car these days, not just the Vette. We've seen these ridiculous 250-300 MPH+ hypercars that are as boring at legal speeds as they are absurd on the track. So, would you want this over, say, a C8 Z51 to actually enjoy on the street? I think it would be more fun to push the 500hp car a bit. Something that can go 233+ probably feels pretty staid below 100, and I wouldn't want to mess around beyond that on a road for common sense reasons.
Best,
Tim
Boring & Absurd in everyday use? Perhaps
This performance version is a good foot wider than my standard C8 was, and even that was hard to park and I found it almost impossible to get in/out of in any kind of normal space in a garage or lot.
Of course I wear a size 12 shoe (47 for y'all in Euro) but the doors are thick and long and the roof low.
It was beautiful though
Cazalea
I parallel this to dive ratings on watches. No point really, just cool to know it can.
I suspect 2000M is deeper than any of us are going to dive
at least deeper than I'll ever go
and I've never driven faster than about 150
I'll add one more note
The most exciting and capable Corvette these days is the FIA international GT3 spec race car, and even on the Mulsanne Straight, it gets nowhere near 233 mph.
Best,
Tim
What an Achievement, Corvettes like the 911 and the Mustang are one of those Automotive Greats, always a pleasure to see one
My thoughts are …
It’s a great achievement my Chevrolet. The Corvette was a advanced from the very beginning back in the day. The original concept certainly delivered when launched, both beautiful, technically advanced and fast, using the carbon fibre of the day, fibreglass !. In 1965 a fuel injected version with both manual gearbox and disk brakes became available, capable of challenging the mighty Jaguar E type.
You have a fuelie, if I remember correctly
I also had a Pace Car version once but sold it to a pal in France
.... Great shots, cheers, Filip
Great memories in your photos Mike …
Yes, I have a “Fuelie” and have had the pleasure of driving it back to back with a friends fixed head 3.8 E type. The result was very interesting.
That is truly impressive 👌🏻🦾
Thanks for the write up, Mike! And I like who was behind the wheel setting it. I know, a bit of boss machismo but still 😊
Would love to experience one of the older, front engined Vette’s at some point, though 🤞🏻
Lloyd Reuss, his dad, was the sponsor of the awesome Buick 3.8L V6 Turbo Grand National (T-Type, GNX)
At the time, 1986, it was one of the quickest cars on the planet, according to Car & Driver
“The hulking black Grand National will scream from 0 to 60 mph faster than any other car made in America. Is 4.9 seconds fast enough? It is if you want something quicker than a Lamborghini Countach (5.1 seconds), a Chevrolet Corvette (5.7 seconds), a Porsche 928S (5.7 seconds), a 944 Turbo (6.0 seconds), and the hottest Mustang or Camaro. The GN even outsprints —the Ferrari Testarossa (5.0 seconds) and the GTO (5.1 seconds). . . . What’s important about this Regal is the kick you get from having such a deep well of power at your disposal; the way the world gets yanked backward when the boost boils over; the way the rear tires lay down long, beautiful streaks of black when you tromp the throttle. . . . There are other nice things to say about life with Grand National. This time around, there’s actually some poetry in the chassis. The steering is crisp, the lane discipline good, and the ride well balanced. The most serious of car guys will find nothing to sneer at here.”
Of course, 35 years old, making good money in my automotive publishing job, and regularly visiting Buick HQ, I had to have one.
Now in hindsight, I can’t believe I was actually burning up my tires, on purpose