2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will crack 100km/h in less than three seconds

THE Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the biggest, baddest ’Vette to be released before it transforms into a mid-engined (and potentially hybrid) supercar slayer, will tap the 0-100km/h sprint in less than three seconds.

Corvette product manager Harlan Charles Harlan let slip to corvetteblogger.com the ZR1’s yet-unreleased performance figures during a presentation with the new car at last week’s 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida.

The numbers, if accurate, are startling: 0-60mph (97km/h) in 2.85 seconds; 0-100mph (160km/h) in 6.0 seconds flat; and a quarter-mile ET of 10.6 seconds with a trap speed of 215km/h. For context, the 588kW/718Nm Ferrari 812 Superfast will do 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, before cracking 160km/h in 5.5 seconds, and completing the quarter mile in 10.4 seconds.

The ZR1 will become the most powerful ’Vette yet, with 563kW and 969Nm sent to the rear wheels from the supercharged 6.2-litre LT5 V8 that lurks under the bonnet. Owners can spec their ZR1 with either a seven-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s unclear if the figures quoted by Harland were achieved with a ZR1 fitted with the ZTK Performance Pack, or the “High Wing” optional aero kit that provides an estimated 430kg of downforce on the rear treads.

While the aggressive bodywork adds drag, the ZTK Performance Pack also brings with it sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and a special chassis and suspension tune. The ZR1’s rubber measures in at 285/30 R19 up front, while 335/25 R20 treads have the unenviable job of putting all that power to the road.

The standard Z06 also does 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, but does so without the large drag-inducing rear wing and front splitter, and can do the quarter mile in 10.95 seconds. When fitted with the same Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the Z06 can reportedly pull 1.2G on the skidpad, and reach a standstill from 97km/h in just 30 metres. Expect those numbers to get even more impressive with the track-focussed ZR1.

While this generation ZR1 won’t be coming to Australia, its replacement could well make the trek. The next-generation C8 Corvette will ditch the traditional front-mounted supercharged V8 engine layout for a mid-mounted, possibly twin-turbo V8. Expect it to bring even more impressive supercar slaying performance when it lands circa 2020.