Next year, Chevrolet is expected to launch the C8 Corvette ZR1 as a 2025 model, so GM engineers are currently covering the final development aspects. This includes testing at the Nurburgring, where the 2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette got a prototype titanium exhaust to meet the Green Hell’s noise limit. Oh and while we’re talking future Americana, here’s the 2025 Ram TRX testing with a twin-turbo Hurricane straight-six.
The C8 Corvette ZR1 prototype spied before the recent Nurburgring test showed quadruple tailpipes similar to what we’ve seen on C8 production models. However, the prototypes tested on the Ring pack downward-facing exhaust tip extensions. Watch these closely in the spy video below and you’ll notice they turn blue, which indicates they’re made of titanium.
Titanium exhausts turn blue when exposed to high temperatures due to the formation of a thin oxide layer on the surface of the metal. Some people actually prefer this coloration, but even if you don’t, titanium is superior to stainless steel for exhausts, as it’s lighter and stronger—it will face high temperatures and corrosion better—while also making for an excellent conductor of heat.
For the record, this practice isn’t new—a couple of years ago when GM was testing the C7 ZR1 at the Nurburgring, prototypes also got exhaust extensions, albeit with those units pointing to the side.
This means the 2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 is louder than 130 dB, which is the noise limit during Nurburgring‘s public track days (tourist days or Touristenfahrten). And there’s no reason to believe the Green Hell lowers this limit for the kind of industry pool testing seen here.
2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 LT7 twin-turbo 5.5L V8 specs
The base C8 Stingray features an LT2 6.2L V8, while the C8 E-Ray hybrid adds electric assistance to the LT2 with eAWD. However, the 2025 C8 ZR1 is expected to introduce a new engine called LT7 by adding a pair of turbochargers to the LT6 5.5L flat-plane crankshaft V8 powering the C8 Corvette Z06. The LT6 is based on the engine used for the C8.R and Z06 GT3.R race cars, with its flat-plane crankshaft and its 8,600 rpm redline delivering a characteristic soundtrack.
The C8 Z06’s natural aspiration sees the LT6 delivering 670 hp and 460 lb-ft (626 Nm) of torque. Well, the twin turbos expected for the C8 ZR1 mean the LT7 V8 should offer up to 850 hp and over 800 lb-ft (1,084 Nm) of torque. And, as stated above, we have proof that the twin turbos haven’t silenced the flat-plane crank V8, with the LT7 being loud enough for the badge.
As far as the gearbox goes, the C8 ZR1 will get a beefed-up version of the Tremec-supplied eight-speed, dual-clutch transaxle found in the other mid-engined Corvette models.
C8 ZR1 pricing
The C7 Corvette ZR1, with its supercharged 6.2L V8, came with a starting price of $119,995. Now, even with the added technology of the current mid-engined generation and the heavy inflation of recent years, the rumored $150,000 starting price of the newcomer seems a bit steep, so perhaps a $135,000-$140,000 MSRP for the 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1 is a more realistic expectation. Of course, this is before the dealer markups that have reached ridiculous levels for the C8 Z06, for instance.
Of course, if you’re willing to spend your money on a C8 Corvette with a starting price of over $150,000, GM will give you that opportunity.
For one, the automaker has confirmed it will build an all-electric Corvette on its Ultimum platform. And if that doesn’t go past the $150,000 MSRP, the expected C8 Corvette Zora hybrid range-topper certainly will, as this should match the LT7 with electric assistance for an output of at least 1,000 hp.