Corvette ZR1 Superlatives across Every Generation

The 2025 Corvette ZR1—just revealed today—promises a level of performance that was almost inconceivable just a few years ago. But let’s not forget, the ZR1 moniker has steadily been pushing the envelope of Corvette performance. The twin-turbo, 1064-hp flat-plane crank LT7 engine makes the 2025 ZR1 the most powerful Corvette ever, and by a long shot. Let’s see how the best of the rest of prior Corvettes stack up, plus what important superlatives we can assign to the other four generations of ZR1.

C3: The First Corvette ZR1

When the ZR1 debuted in 1970, as an RPO-code option, it didn’t come with a bespoke engine—a commonality for all subsequent ZR1 models. Instead, the RPO-code ZR1 built upon the 350-cubic-inch LT-1 that was available in non-ZR1 Corvettes (and also in the Camaro Z/28). Think of the original LT-1 engine as the successor to the 1967-1969 Camaro Z/28’s 302. With a lumpy, solid-lifter cam and a high-flowing dual-plane intake, the 370-hp engine was the most potent small-block Chevy produced in the muscle car era.

The 1970 ZR1 package included the LT-1, a standard M-22 four-speed manual, an aluminum radiator with a unique shroud, and upgraded suspension and brakes. Almost as important is what the ZR1 package did left off: power steering, the radio, air conditioning, and the defroster were all absent to keep the car light and eliminate parasitic power loss. Over three years of production, just 53 C3-generation ZR1s were produced, 25 in ’70, 8 in ’71, and 20 in ’72. The ZR1’s solid performance reputation and scarcity make it the most collectible of all small-block C3s.

C4: The Most Affordable Corvette ZR1 (In This Case, ZR-1)

The most affordable #2 (Excellent) condition ZR1 in the Hagerty Price Guide (HPG)* is the LT5-powered C4 ZR-1 with a #2 (Excellent) value of $43,300. We’ve pointed out before that top-dog C4s were bargains considering the performance they offer, but the market is catching on; values are up 36 percent since 2021, while the C6- and C7-generation cars are staying flat.

Offering 375 hp at launch and then increasing output to 405 hp in 1993, the C4 ZR-1 was the first—and up until this new C8-gen Z06, the only—Corvette without pushrods, or with dual overhead cams, depending on how you’d like to look at it.

*The HPG doesn’t break out prices for C3 ZR1s, but LT-1-powered C3s exceed the C4 ZR1’s value.

C6: The First Forced-Induction Corvette ZR1

The C5 Corvette saw the return of the Z06 moniker (2001–04), bringing back a name from Corvette’s racing past and shelving the ZR1 badge for a generation. With the C6, Chevy gave buyers both a snorting, naturally aspirated Z06 and, a couple of years later, a ZR1 that established the Corvette performance hierarchy as we still know it.

It was the first-ever forced-induction Corvette from the factory, as the 6.2-liter LS9 V-8 was fitted with an Eaton 2300 supercharger that boosted output to 638 hp. Chevrolet gave the C6 ZR1 (2009–13) a window on the hood to show off the LS9’s supercharger, so the C6 ZR1 is also the most transparent Corvette ZR1 ever.

C7: The Most Expensive Corvette ZR1 Sale

When this 148-mile 2019 Corvette ZR1 was sold at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale in January 2023, it took the crown as the most expensive ZR1 ever sold. Final price: $363,000.

The C7-generation ZR1 was only produced for one model year, and its 755-hp supercharged LT5 V-8 made it the most powerful Corvette ever. (Until now, of course.) Its low mileage and scarcity, combined with a fantastic selection of color choices and options, made this the ZR1 to have. Considering the new C8 comes with no manual transmission, the C7 ZR1 will stand as the last of its kind to offer a three-pedal driving experience.

C8: The Most Powerful Corvette ZR1

The 2025 Corvette’s LT7 V-8 takes the already impressive LT6’s 670-hp, naturally aspirated output and boosts power with twin turbos into the four-digit range. That monumental upgrade represents the biggest jump in output. compared with the relevant Corvette’s base horsepower, in the five generations that the ZR1 has existed. As you can see in this chart, the trend has been growing, but we certainly weren’t expecting to need a fourth digit to express the Corvette ZR1’s horsepower output. What a time to be alive!

The delta between the horsepower found in base Corvettes and the ZR1 (and ZR-1 in the case of the C4) has grown dramatically over the years. In 1970, it was 23 percent for the C3. The final iteration of the C4 ZR-1 saw the difference rise to 35 percent. The C6 and C7 saw it rise to 48 and then 66 percent, respectively. Then came the 1064-horse C8 ZR1, which has a whopping 117 percent more horsepower than the base Stingray. One thing’s for sure: These are heady days to be a Corvette fan.