Peter Lyon
December 21, 2024
It’s official! The new Corvette ZR1 packing 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft is the quickest Corvette ever, achieving 0-60 mph (0-97kph) in 2.3 seconds—when fitted with the ZTK Performance Package.
The ZTK-equipped ZR1 also runs the quarter mile in a super-fast 9.6 seconds. For the record, the standard ZR1 sprints to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 9.7 seconds.
In reporting the ZR1’s times, we do need to put these into perspective so let’s list a couple of cars that are quicker. The electric Rimac Nevera jumps from 0-60 in 1.74 seconds, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT does it in 1.9 seconds as does the Tesla Model S Plaid. The closest gasoline-powered production car with a matching time of 2.3 seconds is the Ferrari 296 GTB.
“The 2025 Corvette ZR1 yet again exceeded our expectations,” said Josh Holder, chief engineer, Corvette. “Combined with a top speed record of 233 mph – which is unrivaled by any current production car priced under $1 million – the Corvette ZR1 delivers on its mission to provide customers unrelenting power.”
A closer look demonstrates that the ZR1 can be a standout track machine and a half-decent grand touring vehicle all at once. ZR1 with ZTK, which includes the high-downforce Carbon Fiber Aero Package, accelerates from a standstill on ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. The equally balanced standard aero ZR1 sails to a 152 mph quarter-mile trap speed, 2 mph faster than the ZTK-equipped ZR1. As you’d expect with high-performance cars like this, all tests were conducted with 93 octane pump fuel and were performed on a non-prepped drag strip surface.
Quick, repeatable launches are enabled by 8th generation Corvette’s standard Launch Control and Custom Launch Control features, found throughout the lineup from Stingray to ZR1. Launch Control is programmed to manage tire spin, transmission clutch application rate, enabling rapid launches automatically. Custom Launch Control allows the driver to have more control to adjust for real-time conditions, optimizing acceleration runs by adjusting launch RPM and wheel slip targets from the steering wheel controls.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Woah! 2.3 seconds in fast! But then again—this Corvette packs over 1000hp. We don’t normally feature such highly strung supercars on this site but could not resist the fact that this particular ZR1 is the fastest car under $1 million, with the operative word is of course “fastest car under $1 million.” Because as we mentioned above, there are cars out there that will go faster, but cost a squillion.
