[Z-NEWS] ZORA Spotted Testing At The 'Ring With Breaking Videos! And More...

Welcome to this week’s edition of CorvSport’s Z-NEWS, where we recap some of the top news surrounding the remarkable 2025 Corvette ZR1 and the highly anticipated (and mysterious) ZORA. As you may recall, it was originally assumed and speculated that the ZORA would be the most expensive and highest horsepower variant of the Corvette. But that was shattered when the tarmac-tearing 1,064 horsepower 2025 ZR1 was revealed on 7.25.2024, and shortly after, Tadge Juechter casually remarked that the 2025 ZR1 would be the most expensive Corvette. If you missed any factoids surrounding the new C8 ZR1 or missed any prior news articles, we will include our full overview and CorvSport archives below.

1) Key Details From The Latest ZORA Spotting

The short quote that shook things up recently came from now-retired Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter when he said, “The Corvette ZR1 is the Most Expensive Corvette We’ll Be Doing.” The remarks were made during a Car and Driver video, and you can read our news recap on Tadge’s revelation here.

That declaration from Tadge led enthusiasts and journalists to ask the next obvious question: “If the ZORA won’t be the most expensive Corvette, thus logically not the highest horsepower variant, what powertrain will it have?”

Several clues have led many in our community to speculate that the ZORA will have the hybrid system from the E-Ray powering the front wheels while the LT6 will be tucked behind the driver (it’s important to note this setup is not the only powertrain speculation). That being said, the latest spy photos and videos from the ZORA testing at the ‘Ring confirm at least one speculation.

CONFIRMED: The yellow sticker located on the left rear window (required for the ‘Ring) indicates a hybrid powertrain for the ZORA.
More Evidence: The vertically oriented radiator from the E-Ray (for electric motor cooling) can be found on the ZORA’s driver’s side front air intake.
Four ZORA prototypes were spotted.
The prototypes do not have the ZR1’s resurrected rear Split Window treatment.

Now, here is a quick sneak peek at the latest spy photo, with a link below to view more.

Screenshot image is fully credited to GMAuthority

Click here to go directly to GMAuthority’s article on the newest ZORA spotting

2) Two Brand-New Videos Showcase The ZORA In Action At The ‘Ring

Video Preview From CarSpyMedia:

“SOUND ON! I have taken a new spy video of the all new Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZORA during some hot laps on the Nürburgring. The test team arrived with four Zora prototypes at the Nürburgring earlier this week. Rain, cold temperatures and a wet racetrack stopped them in the last two days, but the team used each single moment when the track was dry.”

*CorvSport noticed CarSpyMedia’s indication of a 2025 ZORA and presumes it is a typo on their behalf.

Video Preview From 912fordgt:

“On the 10th September 2024 I filmed what appears to be the brand new Corvette C8 Zora testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany!”

3) 2025 Corvette ZR1 Overview

Powertrain: A flat-plane crank (FPC) twin-turbocharged 5.5 liter LT7,
Power: A whopping 1,064 HP with 828 lb-ft of torque! Record milestone numbers for the brand.
Performance: “Significantly faster than 212 mph” and “under a 10-second quarter mile,”
Pricing: Car and Driver reports a starting price in the range of $180,000 to $205,000,
Transmission: A “strengthened” 8-speed TREMEC DCT (from Stingray & Z06),
Dry Weights: 3,670 lbs (Coupe) and 3,758 lbs (Convertible)
Availability: The 2025 model year is confirmed.
Torque Monster: Nearly all its torque, 800 lb-ft, is available from 3,000 to 6,500 RPMs!
The first turbocharged Corvette ever!
The first factory Corvette to surpass 1,000 HP!
The most powerful V8 ever produced in America by an auto manufacturer.
No electric motors are on the front wheels; speculation is the hybrid will be reserved for the ZORA.
There is an 8000 RPM redline (down 600 from the C8 Z06’s LT6 to accommodate the turbos).
According to Tadge Juechter, the LT7 has numerous engineering upgrades, including thicker forged titanium rods, and there is no cylinder deactivation.
The iconic Split Window design is back!

Full Archives Below!

As always, a big thanks to our faithful CorvSport readers for continuing to join us on this adventure of all things Corvette! If you want to keep up to date with all the fresh Corvette news and maintain a pulse on the lifestyle and culture of this exciting, iconic brand, CorvSport has the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 171,000 followers (52,000 since January 2023!). Come join other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello, Douglas B.