Chevrolet’s upcoming 2025 Corvette ZR1 has made an emphatic statement before even hitting showroom floors. With four experienced General Motors engineers behind the wheel, the pre-production ZR1 set five new production car lap records at some of America’s most demanding road courses. This track tour, conducted with a ZR1 equipped with the optional ZTK Performance Package, reinforces the model’s standing as the ultimate expression of Corvette performance.
The ZR1’s record-breaking tour saw it rewriting lap time history at five renowned U.S. tracks:
Each of these times demonstrates the ZR1’s capabilities on tracks that demand speed, precision, and balance. What’s even more impressive? These records were set by engineers, not professional race car drivers—showcasing how accessible the ZR1’s performance is to enthusiasts.
The pre-production ZR1 used for these record runs was outfitted with the ZTK Performance Package, an optional upgrade that takes the car’s aerodynamic and handling capabilities to new heights. Key highlights of the package include:
Combined with the ZR1’s 1,064-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter LT7 V8, this package transforms the Corvette into a track weapon capable of rivaling hypercars that cost several times more.
The engineers responsible for these record-setting laps aren’t just desk-bound designers—they’re seasoned performance drivers with a collective 65 years of GM Level 6 driving experience. Each of them has earned Nürburgring Industry Pool certification, a testament to their ability to push performance cars to their limits. Their diverse driving styles further validate the ZR1’s capabilities, proving that this car is both adaptable and confidence-inspiring at the highest levels of performance driving.
With a top speed of 233 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 9.6 seconds, the Corvette ZR1 isn’t just fast—it’s a world-beater. No other production car under $1 million offers this level of speed, downforce, and lap-time potential.
Starting at $174,995 for the 1LZ coupe and $184,995 for the 1LZ hardtop convertible, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 offers hypercar-level performance at a fraction of the price. Chevrolet will begin accepting orders later this month, with production set to commence at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky in Q2 2025.
With five lap records to its name before even reaching customers, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 proves that Chevrolet isn’t just keeping up with the performance car elite—it’s leading the charge. Whether on the street or the track, the new ZR1 sets a new benchmark for American supercars, proving that the Corvette name continues to push boundaries with every generation.
If these lap times are any indication, the ZR1 is more than ready to take on the world.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
