Jay Leno Gets the Scoop on the Corvette ZR1 From Mark Reuss
The road between the birth of the Corvette in 1953 and the newly announced eighth-generation Corvette ZR1 is filled with the twists and turns that only 72 years of production and several clean-sheet redesigns can provide. General Motors President Mark Reuss is fortunate to have been close to some of the Corvette’s evolution during his father Lloyd’s tenure at GM, and then to have played a role in it himself. He paid a visit to Jay Leno to share a little bit of history as well as talk about the new flagship Corvette.
The pair chatted alongside two power-packed Corvettes: a 1967 convertible motivated by a 427, and a 2025 ZR1. Reuss’ Corvette roots run pretty deep—the white second-generation car belonged to his dad. The big block is backed by a Powerglide two-speed automatic, an unusual choice but one that hearkens back to the elder Reuss’ time as a Powerglide engineer.
During the visit, Reuss shared details about the ZR1 itself but also shared some cool facts about the C8’s development, including how the team used a Holden Ute body on a development mule to camouflage the mid-engine chassis. He also proudly shared how the mid-engine design solved packaging problems, enabled more drivetrain variants, and allowed engineers to more easily incorporate turbochargers.
Among the tech and features the two discussed was the charge cooler located where the “frunk” is in other Corvette models. Cooler air is better as far as maximizing turbo efficiency and horsepower is concerned, so to that end, the ZR1 employs a water-to-air charge cooler.
Air comes in through the front grille, passes through the charge cooler, and exhausts through a vent in the hood. This serves the dual purposes of maximizing the engine’s efficiency and reducing front-end lift—something second-generation cars like the white 427 were prone to at higher speeds.
Unfortunately, this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage was filmed before the ZR1 was able to be seen in public, which means Jay didn’t get to drive it and let us know his thoughts. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long to hear Jay’s thoughts about the ZR1, and maybe get behind the wheel ourselves. For now, though, we’ll enjoy this ZR1 and its older compatriot from afar.
A 427 with a Power Glide. Wow. I thought the big blocks would at least have a Turbo 400 coupled to them. No specs on the ZR1. Strange as the piece mentions the Prez discussed them with Jay.
My last drag car had a 565 cubic inch big block with a power glide which handled the 1160 HP and 7.16 @190 mph quarter mile.
Yep! Built PGs were the trans of choice for a long time
Yep, with enough horsepower, you only need to shift once
Yep, the THM400 didn’t debut until ‘68. I once test drove a 427/ 390hp with Powerglide and though it was a smooth shift, there was only one shift. I ended up getting an L79 with the close ratio 4spd.
It was a nice episode, but yeah we want to know more about it.
What more do we need to know besides 99.99999% of us could never afford one and the same percentage do not have the skills to drive one.
Turbo 400 wasn’t available in 1967, all new C3 in ‘68 was the first year for those. Powerglides are still the favorite in lots of classes of drag racing today, so they aren’t all that bad. Besides, Jays ‘67 won’t see much tire shredding anymore. He will take it out on the ZR1 ASAP!!!
Turbo 400.s became available in 64-65.
My ’67 GTO had a TH 400
Sounds like product placement to me. Jay has been in bed with GM for years.
I personally am not drawn to the Corvette, it’s a little over the top styling wise. But as Jay said, it’s built in a union shop and you will need to pay 10 times more for the same performance. I tip my hat to that.
Jay has done segments with many different bands.
GM first introduced the THM in Cadillac in 1964 and Corvettes in 1968.
I personally am not drawn to the Corvette, it’s a little over the top styling wise. But as Jay said, it’s built in a union shop and you will need to pay 10 times more for the same performance. I tip my hat to that.
Im sure the guys on the line are the reason it is so expensive. After their shift I’m sure they jump in there SUV’s & head to the club for dinner. 😂😂
When labour makes up about 10% of the cost of assembly? I don’t think so.
My 65 Has the 3 speed 400 original with the 396.
Does anyone know what that “embargo” jazz is about? Some new California law? Or is it a corporate policy?
Another suspicious Floridian writing from The Villages. Relax. There is no left-wing conspiracy to wrest the ZR-1 from your fingers. maybe it is as simple as GM making sure everything is operating as intended before thay go out on public roads.
Jay, what a great episode. You know your car guy audience. And the candid talk with Ruess. It’s as if I’m right there with you. Your craft and passion for cars and good jokes, ( I saw you at Interlochen near Traverse City a while ago.) helps me keep going in my home shop. In 1970 just before I graduated high school I bought a 64 Silver Blue coupe with 327/365 hp close ratio 4:11. The car was a blast. I miss it. Had it for fifteen years. Trade it recently. I sold it when I lived in Colorado Springs. From the to California and now in Fla. My 93 will be on next years Power Tour with my grandson. I do most of my own work on it but am having a specialty shop make sure it’s ready for a long trip. If you are ever in Traverse City on Friday mornings, Cars and Caffeine at Hagerty insurance.
WELLLL as an old timer
let us not forget this new gen of corvette vehicle is quite out of reach – a reality
the tooling, operating systems, component costs are beyond abysmal
a platform for jobs for engineers and spending gobs of cash
the requirements to disassemble and service are beyond the pale
paddle trans as opposed to 3 pedal rowing machine verrryyy disappointing in all respects
the last decent ride was built in 1996 – it was FUN!!!- except that opti spark debacle
it had posture …
We had fun tormenting Lambos, Porsches and Bimmers
in a private conversation w an icon
what do i need this for when I can get er dun with 2 valve heads, basic ignition and a carb
seriously — these are use once and throw away elitist glam vehicles
what a low down dirty shame
lots more to say tho
IMHO-
Did you have an issue with Opti-Spark? It was redesigned for the 1995 to have better protection against water ingress and had improved ventilation to prevent moisture from collecting in the case
I can confirm a failing water pump will still take out a ’95+ optispark.
I bought a 1963 split window in 1964 after graduating college & landing a good job. It was used & one of the first 200 built. I still have it despite several offers to part with it. Power nothing but I still enjoy driving it. I rebuilt the original engine, most recently about 3 years ago with many aftermarket parts but I kept all the original ones if someone wanted to restore it to original. I have had thoughts of selling it & buying a c8 but just couldn’t do it. I dated my wife in it & she threatens to leave me if I do.
You have to listen to your wife, she is a smart woman.
I`d take the old one.
I believe 64 full size Buicks also had turbo 400, but w/two stage converter. Friend’s dad had one one…smoked the tires for blocks. Recently parted with my warmed over 74 t-top 4spd vette so to buy a Camaro LT1 6spd. 3 pedal. Many smiles per mile.
Ah Reuss. The ultimate TLS ( the lucky sperm). At least he’s notvsnadhingvpace cars like did at the 2018. Detroit Grand Prix.