Rob Loszewski
Late last week, spy photos of a 2019 Corvette ZR1 convertible were posted by Motor Trend showing the interior and an automatic transmission.
As expected, the automotive media community caught on fire with excitement that an automatic transmission would be an option and the interior will be all carbon fiber.
It shouldn’t be any real surprise that an automatic transmission will be available as an option in the ZR1. If you listen to any of the numerous spy videos on YouTube showing various prototypes running around the Nurburgring race track, you can easily tell that a couple of the prototypes are running automatic transmissions.
Some folks are speculating a new 10-speed automatic transmission will replace the 8-speed, but Corvette Engineering has stated numerous times that the 10-speed automatic would not fit within the current C7 chassis. If a 10-speed automatic was going to be an option, it’s highly likely, that Corvette Engineers would have had the “speed” on the transmission stick, covered up.
The carbon fiber interior trim is nothing new in the ZR1. It’s nothing more than the high-gloss carbon fiber interior trim package that’s new for the 2018 model year.
In summary, these latest spy photos really don’t reveal anything new about the upcoming ZR1 with the exception of the side gills under the hood. Due to the camouflage, it’s a little hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like the ZR1 may get a slightly unique side gill design.
The engine still remains a mystery. Some believe it will debut a whole new supercharged engine called the “LT5” – reminiscent of the 1990 – 1995 C4 ZR-1 Corvette, while some believe it will sport a higher output LT4 engine from the Z06 with a larger supercharger.
Whatever GM has planted under the hood, the ZR1 is expected to be a screamer.
An official unveiling at the North American International Auto Show this coming January is expected, but not confirmed by GM.
In the meantime, head on over to Motor Trend and enjoy the spy photos!
If you’re looking to be placed on a waiting / ordering list for the new ZR1, check out one of the world’s top-selling Corvette dealers in the world – MacMulkin Chevrolet.
