Coming in 2024 will be the model every supercar blogger is waiting for: the ZR1. It will reportedly use a 5.5-liter V-8—this one called an LT7 and differentiated from the Z06’s LT6 by twin turbochargers. It will reportedly pump up to 850 horsepower and either 750 or 825 pound-feet of torque. When paired with still-fancier suspension, active aerodynamics, and additional technological “surprises,” it will be a true American supercar.
But wait, there’s more! 2025 will allegedly see the launch of the ultimate C8: the Zora. Named for Zora Arkus-Duntov, who originally suggested the Corvette go mid-engined, the Zora will be a monument to the man who always wanted the most for the Corvette, and if its rumored performance specs are real, a damn fine tribute the Zora it will be. It will reportedly combine the ZR1’s twin-turbo V-8 with the Grand Sport’s or E-Ray’s hybrid system for 1,000 horsepower, up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel drive.
The bad news: the same source Hagerty cites as the origin of its C8 rollout info alleges that GM’s Executive Director of Program Management, Michelle Braun, has ordered that all product development at GM—the Corvette included—be frozen while the company searches for the brightest outcome to the pandemic-driven economic downturn. GM’s Senior Manager for Product and Brand Communications Kevin M. Kelly confirmed the developmental pause to The Drive, though he emphasized that no products—Corvette or otherwise—have been canned.
“As you would expect under these unprecedented circumstances, all of our development teams around the world are looking for opportunities to conserve resources by adjusting program timing and deferring spending,” Kelly told us. “We are not cancelling any programs, but we are making some adjustments. Importantly, near-term programs like our full-size SUVs, and our EV portfolio including the new Chevrolet Bolt EUV, GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Cruise Origin and the Ultium battery program will see little or no impact. Once the business returns to normal, we will reevaluate programs as appropriate.”
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