Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 MY25
A new record that far exceeds catalog specifications
Chevrolet has adopted a mid-engine layout for the current Corvette. The 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine produces more than 1000 PS, and in this test it achieved a top speed that far exceeded the catalog specifications.
Chevrolet took the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 model to the high-speed oval track at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany to conduct top speed tests.
The Chevrolet ZR1 is equipped with the rear-mid mounted 5.5-liter V8 “LT7” twin-turbo engine, the most powerful engine manufactured in the US, which produces a maximum output of 1078 PS and a maximum torque of 1123 Nm, and boasts a 0-400m acceleration time of under 10 seconds.
This time, Chevrolet engineers utilized GM’s deep knowledge of software, modeling, and hardware development to achieve a top speed of 233 mph (approximately 374 km/h), far exceeding the catalog specification of 215 mph (346 km/h). General Motors (GM) President Mark Reuss, who participated in the test, expressed his delight:
“Setting the Corvette ZR1’s top speed record is a true victory for Corvette and Chevrolet. It was also an exhilarating and surreal experience for me personally. I knew the switch to a mid-engine setup from the current model gave us superior performance and balance. This record was achieved thanks to the performance of the ZR1 and the incredible work of the talented team that developed and built it.”
Performance far exceeds initial expectations
Two Corvette ZR1s were brought to the high-speed oval track at Papelenburg for the top speed attack, with Ruth himself at the wheel achieving a top speed of 233 mph.
The record-setting Corvette ZR1 Coupe is equipped with a standard aero package, including a standard front spoiler with short wicker, a carbon fiber ground effects package, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Chevrolet engineers developed a “Top Speed Mode” specifically for the track, fine-tuning the chassis control system for top speed attacks.
During the oval course run, including the record run by President Mark Reuss, engineers sat in the passenger seat and analyzed data in real time. The 233 mph top speed was not a one-off performance; two Corvette ZR1s, including a development vehicle, have exceeded 230 mph multiple times.
Papelenburg’s high-speed oval track provides ideal conditions for high-speed testing, including temperature and air density. Chevrolet has used this facility to record top speeds for the sixth and seventh generation Corvette ZR1, as well as the sixth generation Camaro ZL1. Chris Barber, Chief Development Engineer for the Corvette ZR1, reflected on the top speed attempts:
“The Corvette ZR1 driven by President Ruth reached 222 mph (357 km/h) in the curves, beating the Corvette’s top speed record by 10 mph. From there, the Corvette ZR1 continued to accelerate. Honestly, it performed better than we expected.”
