Cut-price Ferrari rival installs monster V8: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 uses the most powerful American V8 in history to steal the Dodge Demon's crown

Move over Dodge Demon, the Chevrolet ZR1 is here. The ZR1 has stolen the crown as the most powerful-ever American production V8 in history.  

The ZR1 derives its power from a 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 engine, which Chevrolet dubs the LT7, and produces an astonishing 783kW, or 1064 horsepower, and 1123Nm.

All that grunt is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.

Chevrolet says the mid-engined ZR1’s top speed is 345 km/h, well above the Z07’s top speed of 314 km/h, and more than enough to compete with some of the world’s fastest hypercars from brands such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

It also features uprated tyres in the form of fat sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber that measure 20-inches up front and 21-inches on the rear.

Chevy has upped the stopping power with giant ceramic brake rotors with six-piston calipers at the front and four on the rear.

The hand-assembled LT7, an evolution of Chevrolet's LT6, the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine ever, is distinguished by new head castings, unique ports, a larger combustion chamber and a new intake system.

The Corvette ZR1

Vice President of Chevrolet, Scott Bell, said the ZR1 was all about taking the Corvette “to the next level”. 

“Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation. From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration — and challenge the best in the world,” said Bell. 

Considering the Corvette’s previous top-spec model – the Z06 – produced what can only now be considered a meagre 492kW, “pushing the envelope” can’t help but feel like a major understatement. 

Aside from the mechanical details, it’s design is sleek, boasting a number of additional features to maximise aerodynamics and performance.

A flow-through hood increases the engine's cooling power and creates greater downforce, while carbon fibre side-profile air ducts funnel air through to the rear brakes for cooling without impacting rear wheel travel.

The Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet have also revived the iconic split rear window especially for the ZR1, a design which hasn’t been seen on a Corvette since the C2 generation more than 60 years ago. 

But whether or not this car will make its way to Australia remains to be seen. 

In a statement, GMSV – Chevrolet's Australian branch – said there were no plans to bring the ZR1 to Australia, but that they would monitor demand and assess domestic interest over time.

The Corvette Stingray and Z06 are available in Australia and the pair will be joined by the E-Ray later this year.