The range-topping Corvette can’t come soon enough
The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the most powerful iteration of the C7 generation, will soon arrive in production specification.
Our spies caught the American supercar during a cold weather test in Canada and, as you can see, the camouflage can't hide the fact that this is not your average Vette.
While the body looks very similar to the Z06, the massive rear wing blows away this prototype's cover. That may be because the car doesn't wear all the final production body parts. The camouflage covering the rear wing itself may be trying to hide small but essential aero bits.
Other Corvette ZR1 prototypes have been spotted with an even larger rear spoiler, and rumor has it the production model will have an active aerodynamics package including an adjustable rear wing.
As expected, the 2018 Corvette ZR1 will deliver more performance than its C6-based predecessor. Power should come from a force-fed V8 engine, which could be a 6.2-liter LT5 DOHC V8 that leaked GM documents recently confirmed for the 2018 Corvette family.
The engine is expected to deliver more than 700 hp but, unlike the Z06, it may not use a supercharger to reach such output levels, going for two turbochargers instead. A standard manual transmission will be responsible for sending all that power to the rear wheels. An automatic option may be offered as well, but it's unlikely that the 10-speed auto box from the Z06 will find its way into the ZR1.
Unfortunately for Corvette fans, it appears that the 2018 ZR1 will not make an appearance at the Detroit Auto Show next week, with an official reveal expected later on this year.
Image credits: AUTOMEDIA