The C7 generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was already a formidable machine, a performance benchmark that challenged supercars at twice the price. However, for the engineers tasked with pushing the Corvette to its absolute peak, the Z06 served as merely a starting point. Enter the 2019 Corvette ZR1, conceived as a Z06, but amplified in every conceivable way.
The most significant distinction between these two high-performance Corvettes lies beneath the hood. The Z06 is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine, delivering an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The ZR1, however, boasts a 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8, unleashing a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. While both engines begin as naturally aspirated LT1 small-blocks before being enhanced with a supercharger, the LT5 takes the forced induction formula to an entirely new level.
Corvette’s engineering team equipped the LT5 with a larger Eaton supercharger compared to the LT4. This upgrade allows the ZR1 to inhale a remarkable 52% more air per combustion cycle than the Z06. Despite sharing the same deck height, the ZR1’s LT5 engine stands 2.9 inches taller, necessitating the iconic shaker-style hood with its top-mounted intercooler visibly protruding through. To manage the increased heat generated by this enhanced forced induction system, the ZR1 features a significantly upgraded cooling system, incorporating four additional heat exchangers compared to the Z06, totaling an impressive thirteen.
Further enhancing the LT5’s performance is a new dual-fuel injection system. This innovative system combines both direct and port injection, resulting in a more efficient and potent combustion process. Mechanical refinements also include a substantially strengthened crankshaft and a larger throttle body, all contributing to the ZR1’s elevated power output and responsiveness.
In terms of transmissions, the ZR1 mirrors the Z06, offering the same choices: a 7-speed manual and an optional 8-speed automatic. These transmissions are mechanically identical between the two models, including the final drive ratio.
The suspension setup is also largely shared, with both the Z06 and ZR1 utilizing Magnetic Ride Control to dynamically adjust the damping of the transverse leaf-spring suspension at both the front and rear. While the fundamental hardware is the same, the ZR1 benefits from unique performance tuning optimized for its higher capabilities.
The ZR1 distinguishes itself slightly in tire sizing, featuring front tires that are half an inch wider than those on the Z06. However, the available tire compounds remain identical for both Corvette models. Notably, all ZR1 models come standard with the Z06’s optional carbon ceramic brake rotors, providing superior braking performance right out of the box.
Visually, the ZR1 maintains a close resemblance to the Z06, sharing the same bodywork from the A-pillar rearward. Key visual differentiators for the ZR1 include subtly widened front fenders, the distinctively raised hood to accommodate the taller engine, and a Corvette-first underwing. Opting for the ZTK Performance Package on the ZR1 replaces the standard Low Wing aero kit with a High Wing setup, generating a substantial 950 lbs of downforce and offering 10 degrees of adjustability for optimized track performance. Both wing configurations are robustly mounted directly to the chassis’ rear structure rather than simply relying on the rear decklid. ZTK-equipped ZR1s also gain a prominent, race-inspired front splitter.
ZR1 buyers have the option to select a striking Sebring Orange Design Package. This package bathes the car in Sebring Orange Tintcoat paint and incorporates numerous orange accent elements along with unique bronzed aluminum interior trim.
Interestingly, the ZR1 did not follow the Z06 into the European market. The exposed engine and increased hood height of the ZR1 unfortunately conflicted with Europe’s stringent pedestrian crash safety regulations. Finally, a defining and highly visual characteristic of the ZR1 is its centrally mounted quad exhaust tips, rumored to occasionally spit flames, a fitting exclamation point to its performance pedigree.
In conclusion, while both the Z06 and ZR1 represent exceptional performance Corvettes, the ZR1 elevates the C7 platform to its ultimate expression. It’s more than just a Z06 with “nicer stuff”; it’s a meticulously engineered and comprehensively enhanced machine designed to dominate on both the road and the track.
