Return Of The King: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Officially Unveiled With Supercharged 755HP LT5 V8

Chevrolet is kicking off the week by crowning a new king, one that is now "stronger than ever," in the 2019 Corvette ZR1. Armed with an exclusive LT5 supercharged engine, Chevrolet blissfully proclaims its newest model Corvette takes the brand's legacy to a new level with the highest power, greatest track performance, and most advanced technology in its production history, and that is saying a lot.

"I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there’s never been one like this before," said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Its unprecedented performance puts all other global supercars on notice that the ZR1 is back."


Yes, the ZR1 is back with a familiar looking chassis, only this time it has a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 755 horsepower and 712 lb-ft of torque, an insane amount of power that firmly establishes supercar status. It also boasts a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger system that offers 52 more displacement than the Z06's LT4 supercharger, and is outfitted with GM's first dual fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection.

All of that power is harnessed with a seven-speed manual transmission, or drivers can opt for an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. It is the first time that an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1. Chevy says the top speed of the ZR1 is over 210 miles per hour.


Buyers who are eager to hit the track can choose between two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages, including a High Wing that provides an estimated 950 pounds of downforce. The 2019 ZR1 also sports a new front fascia designed to channel towards cooling the propulsion system and drivetrain, with four new radiators bringing the heat-exchanger total to 13.

"As the highest-performing Corvette ever, the ZR1’s design supports its capability in every way," said Kirk Bennion, Exterior Design manager. "The new wings, for example, help generate more downforce without adding drag, enhancing road holding and top speed."

Summed up, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is a beast, and it will be available to purchase next spring. Pricing has not been announced, though expect it to be in the range of $120,000, with various options and packages pushing it to $130,000 and beyond.