When Chevrolet introduced the C8 Corvette ZR1, they promised it would redefine the brand’s performance standards. The ZR1 was not only the latest in the iconic ZR1 lineage, but also the first Corvette to surpass 1,000 horsepower, with its 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 producing 1,064 hp.
Also, one of the biggest questions surrounding the new ZR1 when it was introduced was how fast can it go. Chevrolet put that to rest when the car reached 233 mph on the high-speed oval track at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) facility in Germany, proving it could compete with the world’s top supercars.
This impressive feat was achieved with a fully stock ZR1, including the original chassis, aero kit, and performance parts, which is unusual for record-breaking cars. The car was in “Top Speed” mode, a feature that adjusts chassis controls for maximum speed.
Interestingly, GM President Mark Reuss drove the car during the test, with an engineer as a passenger. The ZR1 hit 233 mph at redline in sixth gear, setting a record not just for an American car, but also for vehicles under $1 million.
