In today’s action-packed special ZR1 news edition, we’ll revisit the 2025 vs 2026 model year debate that was finally put to rest, show you the newest video of ZR1s idling that spawned more engine debates, highlight some of the newest spy photos, then finish up with a full encyclopedia of our ZR1 coverage (with a hot-off-the-press piece from one of our lead writers, Simon). Let’s get after it!
1) 2025 Versus 2026 Model Year Debate Put To Rest
When Chevrolet recently released a 21-second teaser video titled “The Corvette ZR1 Is Coming This Summer,” a prevalent debate around the community could finally be put to rest, as some enthusiasts believed there was no way the ZR1 would be ready for a 2025 release. But naturally, given all the spy photos across the country that have emerged and the secrecy at the assembly plant with an indefinite suspension of tours, I think it’s safe to say this revolutionary C8 ZR1 is ready to rock our collective worlds.
Read Our Full “Put to Rest” Feature Here
When the ZR1 roared across the screen at the beginning of this video, it only fuelled more engine rumors.
2) Does New Video Settle What CorvSport Has Dubbed “The Great ZR1 Engine Debate”?
Now that the 2025 vs 2026 model year debate has been put to rest, the most heated discussion amongst enthusiasts now focuses on what engine setup will propel the 2025 ZR1 as the quickest Corvette ever. First, a quick review of the many theories from experts and enthusiasts.
The Evolution of “The Great ZR1 Engine Debate”:
- LT7 Twin-Turbo based on the flat-plane crank 5.5L LT6 out of the C8 Z06
- 670hp LT6 in concert with the E-Ray’s 160hp 1.9 kWh electric motor on the front wheels
- 900+hp LT6-based flat-plane crank Twin-Turbo with TWO electric motors
- 6.2L cross-plane crank V8 (most likely with twin turbos)
- 5.5L cross-plane crank Twin-Turbo LT7 with VVT and AFM
The New Video That Raises More Questions:
So, what do you think? Do the beautiful sounds from these idling ZR1s sound like they are coming from a flat-plane crank or cross-plane crank engine? From what I see around the various social media pages, the jury is still out on the powertrain setup in the 2025 ZR1.
3) Recent “Spy” Photos That Have Surfaced Across Social Media
One of the most exciting things for Corvette enthusiasts and addicts is the anticipation of seeing prototypes of a new model out in the wild, and the 2025 ZR1 has taken that fervor to a whole new level, with spy photos emerging on a weekly basis.
These surfaced from the recent 27th Annual Michelin NCM Bash.
Some good ones from just before the Bash.
The newest photos to emerge show a Convertible spied on the streets of Detriot! This is the first time I can recall seeing an interior shot. Notice that the controversial “wall of buttons” is still there.
4) CorvSport 2025 ZR1 Archives (Newest First)
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Breaking Chevy Tease: Will The 2025 ZR1 Really Be Revealed At The NCM Bash?
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ZR1 News Recap: 2025 vs. 2026 Debate Put To Rest With Teaser Video From Chevy
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News Recap C8 ZR1 Edition: First EX-VIN Assembled; 2025 Model Year Likely
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New Camouflaged ZR1 Photos Blasting Across The Internet Reignite Engine Debate
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[Weekly News Recap] ZR1 Diesel Disinformation, Corvette EV Slated For 2027?
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[News Recap] ZR1 Engine “Confirmed”, UAW Strike Ends, Plant Temporarily Shuts Down
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[News Recap] More ZR1 Engine Rumors, Baffling C8 Trips to MI, C8s Under MSRP!
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Notable Magazine Stirs Up More ZR1 Powerplant Debates With 6-Year Old LT7 CAD Image
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Does This Compilation Of Every C8 ZR1 Video Settle The Great Engine Debate?
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The 2025 ZR1 Undresses for Nurburgring Testing And Stirs Up More Engine Rumors
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[Weekly News Recap] Another ZR1 Video, UAW Tightens Grip, Video Of New Z06 Falling Off Lift
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[Breaking C8 News] Video Of Quiet ZR1 Prototypes Shakes Up Engine Rumors, Wheels Revealed!
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C8 ZR-1 News: Caught On Video! More Spy Photos, New Rendering, Leaked Wheel Design
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