A Quick History of the Corvette ZR1 (aka Corvette ZR-1)

GM doesn’t always use a “hyphen” in the ZR1 name, but regardless of spelling, the Corvette ZR1 is the halo car of its generation. 

The ZR1 name first appeared without a hyphen during the 1970 model year, when it was a performance package for the C3 Corvette. This package included the 5.7-liter LT1 small-block V8, a heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission, stronger brakes, improved engine cooling, and a performance-tuned suspension setup. The package could not be ordered with luxury options such as power windows, power steering, air conditioning or a radio and it seems as though less than 60 examples of the original ZR1 were built between 1970 and 1972.

The red 1970 pictured above was offered-up at the 2013 Mecum Indianapolis auction.

C4 ZR-1

The next ZR-1 came in 1990, adding the hyphen and an array of features that made this C4 very different from the others. The most significant difference was the Lotus-engineered 5.7-liter dual overhead camshaft V8, which was a rarity among the pushrod V8s throughout Corvette history. This engine delivered 375 horsepower in 1990 through 1992 and in 1993, output increases to 405 horsepower. This package also featured adjustable active suspension, upgraded braking components, and a specially tuned steering system. In addition to offering incredible handling, the C4 ZR-1 could hit a top speed of 180 miles per hour and sprint from a stop to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. Around 7,000 examples of the C4 Corvette ZR-1 were between 1990 and 1995.

The green 1990 ZR-1 pictured above sold at the 2018 Mecum Kissimmee auction for an undisclosed price.

C6 ZR1

The ZR1 returned again during the C6 era, once again without the hyphen, but it packed all sorts of power. The supercharged LS9 V9 delivered 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Corvette to date and one of the most powerful American production road cars ever. Many of the body panels were comprised of carbon fiber to reduce weight while magnetic suspension, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and huge, sticky tires came together to make this one of the best performing American cars ever. This machine could dash to 60 in just 3.3 seconds, running the quarter-mile with an 11.2 at 130.5 miles per hour and stop from 60 in just 97 feet.

C7 ZR1

Finally, the most recent Corvette ZR1 was introduced for the 2019 model year and it was offered only for that year, as 2020 brought about the new C8. The C7 ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette and the most powerful Chevrolet road car ever, offering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged LT5. Of course, the C7 ZR1 featured a state-of-the-art magnetic suspension system, huge carbon-ceramic brakes, enhanced engine cooling components, and extensive aerodynamic tuning. The result is the best-performing Corvette ever, but the ZTK package takes that performance a step further, adding extreme aero bits, unique suspension tuning, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The latest ZR1 will blast from a stop to 60 in just 2.85 seconds, covering the quarter-mile in the high-10-second range.

Editor’s note: this content was originally published in a longer singular post about four Corvette trim level histories. We’ve divided them up to help people find them easier. 

Glossary

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A Quick History of the Corvette ZR1

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com