Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
1970–1972, 1990–1995, 2009–2013, 2019, 2025–present
ZR1 (and the C4-era 'ZR-1') is the Corvette's top-of-the-range halo. It started as a rare racing option on the C3, became the Lotus-engineered 'King of the Hill' on the C4, and returned as the supercharged flagship on the C6, C7, and twin-turbo C8.
1970–1972, 1990–1995, 2009–2013, 2019, 2025–present
Overview
ZR1 (and the C4-era 'ZR-1') is the Corvette's top-of-the-range halo. It started as a rare racing option on the C3, became the Lotus-engineered 'King of the Hill' on the C4, and returned as the supercharged flagship on the C6, C7, and twin-turbo C8.
Collectibility
ZR1s are low-volume flagships; the C3 originals (53 built) and the C4 'King of the Hill' are blue-chip collectibles. Values are qualitative here by design.
Every production run
Years & eras
| Years | Engine | HP | Production | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970–1972 | — | — | 53 | — |
| 1990–1995 | 5.7L DOHC LT5 V8 | 405 | — |
|
| 2009–2013 | 6.2L supercharged LS9 V8 | 638 | — | — |
| 2019 | 6.2L supercharged LT5 V8 | 755 | — | — |
| 2025–present | 5.5L twin-turbo flat-plane V8 | 1064 | — | — |
1970–1972
The original ZR1 was an ultra-rare C3 competition option; only 53 were built across the three years.
1990–1995
The C4 ZR-1 'King of the Hill' used the LT5, a 5.7L DOHC V8 co-developed with Lotus and assembled by Mercury Marine; 375 hp, raised to 405 hp for 1993.
2009–2013
The C6 ZR1 used a supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 visible through a hood window — the most powerful production Corvette of its time.
2019
The C7 ZR1 closed out the front-engine era with a supercharged 6.2L LT5 V8 and a large rear wing.
2025–present
The C8 ZR1 uses a twin-turbocharged version of the flat-plane LT6 (the 'LT7'), making it the most powerful Corvette ever.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Spelled 'ZR-1' on the C4, 'ZR1' on the C6 onward.
- The C8 ZR1's 1,064 hp makes it the most powerful Corvette to date.
Model years featuring the ZR1