First rumors and spy photos of the new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 are here. Corvette might be one of the most sought for American sports cars, especially in its higher echelon. C7 models (seventh generation) are available since last year and it is still too early for C8 Corvettes. However, this doesn’t mean that C7’s couldn’t become guinea pigs for their successors.
Thing is that front engine – rear-wheel drive layout can’t really produce much more than it currently does. That’s why mid-engine layout might be introduced. This, however, demands all-new car structure and would play best if bowtie brand bides their time. Whatever they choose to do, 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 is already being produced and should feature mid-engine layout which was Zora Arkus Duntov’s passion during his days in Chevrolet.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 Engine
Needless to say, V-8 is the only thing that Zora nameplate will consider. With that in mind, 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 is supposed to receive the updated version of Corvette Z06’s 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine. This power mill is supposed to generate as much as 700 horses and similar number in torque figures. Thanks to this, Zora ZR1 will become the fastest Corvette ever with top speed soaring well above the 200 mph mark.
As you can to suppose, more details about engine we can expect in fall this year.
Design – Interior & Exterior
In order to produce it, however, Chevy’s engineers will have to adapt current model’s chassis for the mid-engine layout. This actually means that they need heavily modified or all-new platform for their project. Together with underbody changes, car will feature different exterior as well. Don’t expect Corvette to stray too far from its long-established design language, however. Changes will be minimal, but some strengthened and fatter body parts with more air intakes would (and will) make wonders here.
As far as interior goes, things are pretty straightforward here. As a flagship model in the family, 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 will get the best materials that currently exist. Expect leather/suede Recaro sport seats, racing steering wheel, sporty, leather-covered dashboard and plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum all over the cabin.
It will also get all available tech features that Corvettes currently offer, and they will most likely all be standard from the get-go. Still, we don’t know what kind of comfort space-wise we should expect from it as mid-mounted engine is supposed to take some room from the cabin.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 Price
Corvettes were always about sped and performance, never about fuel efficiency. Needless to say, Zora ZR1 is epitome of speed and performance, and should guzzle fuel like there’s no tomorrow. Still, that’s the price one has to pay in order to have this kind of a street performer, and believe us; it is worth it. Price tag of “only” $150,000 is also worth it considering all the figures and specs you get from it.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Zora ZR1 is definitely happening. The question is: “Will it be C7 or C8 model”? Whatever the case, flagship racer will be different than its siblings in many ways including structure, design and performance. It could establish Corvette as an exotic car which could easily compete with the best of them.
