Corvette C8: A Revolution Amongst Vettes The C8 Corvette has been the biggest update in the Chevrolet Corvette’s 70-year history. The first to use a dual-clutch transmission and the first to have its signature V8 in the middle, this latest incarnation of America’s iconic sports car has been transformed from a sunset boulevard cruiser to a serious world competitor. Every iteration of the C8 that followed seemed to bring about a new change for the Corvette. The Z06 became the first to use a flat-plane crank V8, which resulted in 671 horsepower. The E-Ray brought about further revolution, being the first Corvette to feature a hybrid setup and all-wheel drive. The ZR1’s Record-Breaking Year: The Ultimate Corvette The ZR1 was always the peak mantle of the Corvette range, and this new one took that status to an even higher peak. It officially became the first Corvette in history to utilise turbocharging through its bespoke, 5.5l twin-turbocharged V8. The powerhouse generated an exceptional 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. To harness that immense power, the ZR1 features a split rear window to allow effective airflow over the rear of the car, as well as, Magnetic Ride Control and Michelin Sport Cup 2 The optional ZTK Package, sees the addition of a large front splitter, carbon fibre side skirts and an enormous rear wing that together give 1200 pounds of downforce. The results of Chevy’s latest efforts have certainly shown. In just two months, the ZR1 has blown people away with its astonishing 0-60 and top speed figures. Put simply, this non-hybrid, rear-wheel drive, old-school charmer accelerates from 0-60 in 2.3 seconds and maxes out at 233mph. That makes it faster than the likes of a Lamborghini Revuelto, a Ferrari F80 or McLaren W1. In fact, the only record the ZR1 needs to break to truly establish itself as the Performance Car Benchmark is a lap around the Nürburgring. Yet performance isn’t the most astonishing aspect of the ZR1, it’s the value. Value for Money is Unbeatable Because this 1,064 horsepower, 233mph monster starts from a very reasonable $174,995. That’s about the same as a relatively mid-range full-spec 911 or a BMW M8, not a full-fledged hypercar killer. In fact, to get anywhere near the ZR1’s performance in Europe, you’d have to spend over 3 times as much. Of course, there are options, if you go for the 3LZ trim (Nappa leather seats, heated side mirrors, and a wireless phone charge), which starts at $185,995. Not to mention, if you want their ZR1 available in convertible variants, this will set you back an additional $10,000. Even so less than $200,000 for hypercar performance is astonishing. Usually to get that bargain-level performance means going to some dodgy tuner for some twin-turbo kitted, Audi RS3, that will inevitably blow up. Yet here we are, a mid-engine, performance benchmark at such astonishing value. The ZR1 truly is this generation’s game changer, no car at this price bracket can even get close to this amazing machine. Source: Evo
