The 1064 HP, 215-Plus MPH 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: All the Details with Tadge Juechter

The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 has a 1064-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8, making it by far the most powerful Vette to ever reach production.

The ZR1's LT7 engine also makes it the first turbocharged Corvette, and its myriad upgrades distinguish it from the Z06's naturally aspirated LT6.

With an estimated top speed of 215-plus mph, an available aero kit that nets up to 1200 pounds of downforce, and other exotic bits, the C8 ZR1 is set up to slay supercars.

The GM engineers who developed the new C8 Corvette ZR1 said it was obvious early on that they were dealing with something special. During its first drag-strip launch, the rear-drive mid-engined monster roared through the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. During its first lap at GM's Milford Proving Grounds, it posted a faster top speed than the previous-gen ZR1. At Germany's famous Nürburgring racetrack, all four Corvette test drivers eclipsed 200 mph on their first laps. And the firsts don't stop there. The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is also the first turbocharged Vette and the first production model to produce 1064(!) horsepower.

00:00 Going 200-plus mph
00:53 The ZTK Track Performance Package
01:32 1064 hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8
03:17 Turbo boost management
03:58 Torque
05:17 "We've burned up a lot of dynos."
06:16 The exhaust generates thrust (and flames)
07:52 Air inlets and management
10:35 Top speed and quarter mile
11:35 Carbon ceramic brake rotors and carbon fiber wheels
14:59 ZR1 Convertible
17:54 Differences in ride quality
19:00 Sacrificing the front storage area
20:03 A window for the engine
20:40 Coupe vs convertible performance differences
21:43 Tadge Juechter on retiring and working on the first ZR1
23:30 ZR1 versus powerful EVs
24:01 80 mph to 200 mph and back
25:23 Convertible operation
26:54 Availability

[QuietDriver]

For all the flak they get for the high volume models, GM maintains such a dedicated and passionate group of madmen in the performance division to showcase the best of what they can offer on the road. That's why my heart will always be with these nameplates.

[bert]

Man, GM has done it again. The looks and performance are amazing. I never thought the new ZR1 would have 1, 064 HP.

[calicolin]

Clint Eastwood sure knows his Corvettes

[BizAutomationU]

Tadge is one of a kind. He's a template for the rest of us to emulate. What a pro, and so humble despite his place in the pantheon of Corvette history.

[toddgreene]

So nice to see a true “car guy” got the green light to build what was possible. He was like an excited little kid on Christmas morning describing everything that went in to the car! Nicely done GM!!

[Jonny_O]

37lbs of thrust from the exhaust? Which shoots flames 18 inches out the tailpipes? Does that mean this thing has... an AFTERBURNER?!

[someyoungguyjohnson]

Damn this engineer is a hell of a likeable guy.

[bobsmoot]

Holy smoke, over 1, 000 hp this thing is going to be 8nsane

[SUCCESS_]

Thank you Tadge Juchter for your love and passion over the past three decades.

Enjoy your rolling builds during your retirement.

Just great work. I still love the shape of the C7 from every angle.

[nealivers]

Tadge...as a Car Guy my for entire life, and one who truly appreciates Motorsport Performance...you Sir, are at the Pantheon, the Apogee of it all; you should be rightfully proud of this, one of THE Greatest Automobiles Humankind will ever design.
Your name will be mentioned for Generations, right there with ZORA, and Smokey Yunick.

I thank you for your contribution to this amazing vehicle

[quattroconcept]

500 hp base Vette, 670 hp Z06, 1064 hp ZR1, 1300 hp Zora... the future looks nice

[skizilla]

Whoever this guy from GM is, he did a great job at explaining everything. Well done sir.

[BigDaDo]

If you would have told me 30 years ago Corvette's would be this bad ass I'd never believe you !

[RobertMacCready]

Tadge gave me a ride in the new C5 at the Birthday Bash many years ago. He was not the head guy then. When I got out, I told a friend of mine (at the then C5 Registry), that I thought Tadge would be an amazing chief engineer someday. Very proud of all he's done for Corvette.

[broncobill]

The convertible looks pretty classy with that blue and tan combo.

[YAAHURRR]

imagine, buying a car out of a dealership already being able to shoot flames about a foot long - insane

[tjab]

Tadge Juechter will be missed by all!!! Tadge for President!!! The man is a living legend. He’s an absolute genius!!! God Bless him and his team “The Brain 🧠 Trust “ for all of their contributions to an American icon “The Corvette.” From a huge admirer, THANK

[onquarter]

Bitter sweet Tadge is leaving! Interviews with him are the highlight of any corvette launch. What a great engineer that always gives an interesting insight into the engineering process of this great vehicle!

[robertboone]

The king is back.. long live the king !

[skipgumphrey]

Not a GM guy, and I’m not particularly fond of the looks of this latest iteration of the Vette, but you gotta give credit for such an amazing performance ! That’s just sick from the factory on pump gas !!