Production: 6,939 units, coupe only.
Note: The first and only ZR-1 model of the C4 generation, and the first Corvette to exceed 170 mph. Its development was a secret project codenamed „King of the Hill,“ and it was intended to be a world-class sports car that could compete with the best from Europe. The LT5 engine was a marvel of engineering at the time, with dual-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder.
Third-generation: 2009-2013 C6 ZR1
The ZR1 returned after a 14-year hiatus, and it was the most powerful production Corvette ever at the time.
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 making 638 hp and 604 lb-ft, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Eaton supercharger was a sixth-generation Roots-type unit with a four-lobe rotor pack.
Figures: 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 130 mph, top speed of 205 mph, skidpad 1.04 G, 3,324 pounds.
Price: $103,970 MSRP.
Production: 4,684 units, coupe only.
Note: The C6 ZR1 was known for its blistering performance and track capabilities, with a top speed that exceeded 200 mph. It was also the first Corvette to have carbon-ceramic brakes, magnetic ride control, and carbon fiber body panels.
Fourth-generation: 2019-present C7 ZR1
The most powerful and fastest Corvette ever, until the new 2025 ZR1.
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 making 755 hp and 715 lb-ft, paired with a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Eaton supercharger was a new, more efficient design with a larger intercooler.
Figures: 0-60 mph in 2.85 seconds, quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 133 mph, top speed of 212 mph, skidpad 1.13 G, 3,560 pounds.
Price: $121,000 MSRP.
Production: 2,441 units, coupe and convertible.
Note: The C7 ZR1 was the ultimate expression of the Corvette, with track-focused aerodynamics, a massive rear wing, and aggressive styling. It was a true supercar killer, capable of outperforming cars costing twice as much.
Fifth-generation: 2025-present C8 ZR1
The latest and most powerful ZR1 yet, with features never before seen on a Corvette.
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 rumored to make over 800 hp, paired with a new ten-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is said to have a flat-plane crankshaft for high-RPM performance.
Figures: TBD.
Price: TBD.
Production: TBD.
Note: The 2025 ZR1 promises to be the most extreme Corvette ever, with cutting-edge technology and performance that will rival the best supercars in the world. It represents the culmination of decades of ZR1 development and sets a new benchmark for American performance cars.
In conclusion, the ZR1 nameplate has a storied history filled with fast, powerful, and track-capable Corvettes. Each generation has pushed the boundaries of what a Corvette can be, and the 2025 ZR1 looks to continue that tradition with groundbreaking performance and innovation. Whether you’re a Corvette enthusiast or a performance car fan, the ZR1 is a name that commands respect and admiration for its relentless pursuit of speed and excellence.
The evolution of the Corvette ZR1 over the years showcases the continuous innovation and performance improvements made by Chevrolet. From the groundbreaking C4 ZR-1 to the record-breaking C6 ZR1, each generation pushed the boundaries of what a Corvette could achieve. The one-year-only C7 ZR1 was a fitting send-off for the front-engine Corvette, with its impressive power and performance figures. And now, the upcoming C8 ZR1 promises to be the most powerful and advanced ZR1 yet, with its mid-engine layout and over 1,000 horsepower.
Whether you’re a Corvette enthusiast or simply appreciate high-performance cars, the ZR1 models are sure to impress with their speed, power, and distinctive styling cues. The ZR1 spotter’s guide provided gives a glimpse into the unique features that set each generation apart, making it easy to identify these high-performance machines on the road or track.