Corvette ZR1 Prototypes Spotted at Laguna Seca
Sounds of Chevy’s four different test-‘Vettes is music to our ears. And that may be thanks to a 6.2 liter DOHC LT5 V8.
Chevrolet has been testing out its all new Corvette ZR1 prototypes for a while now, but only on public roads. Now, thanks to this video posted by Corvette Blogger, we get to see the ZR1 in its natural element: on the race track. Chevy brought a total of four different ZR1 prototypes to Laguna Seca for testing; two with small wings and two with large ones.
The sounds produced by these prototypes is rather fantastic but a bit different than what we’ve heard from other ‘Vettes, like the Z06. And that could be for good reason: a new power plant may be headed for Chevy’s range topper, as hinted at in an internal GM document that leaked last year. That engine is a 6.2 liter DOHC LT5 V8 with direct injection, an aluminum block, and variable valve timing.
The sounds produced by these prototypes is rather fantastic but a bit different than what we’ve heard from other ‘Vettes, like the Z06. And that could be for good reason: a new power plant.
Eschewing the Corvette’s traditional pushrod V8 for a DOHC unit makes sense, as the original ZR1 used such an engine. As far as cosmetic differences go, these prototypes feature a number of aerodynamic tweaks. They include the small/large wings and a front end that looks completely different from any other current Corvette.
The big question that remains is just how much power the new ZR1 will produce. The moniker has traditionally placed it atop the Corvette heap, but you can clearly tell from the video that these prototypes aren’t forced induction. And it would be hard (but not impossible) to top the Z06’s 650 hp with a naturally aspirated engine. Regardless, we should know more about the ZR1 soon.
