Rob LoszewskiLast week, we reported that references to the ZR1 were showing up in GM’s Workbench Order System when building a 2018 Corvette Z06.
Yesterday, we received some fantastic spy photos of the 2018 Corvette ZR1 taking on the Nurburgring during a little light snow.
Now that the black camouflage is gone and this prototype is sporting a little less cladding, we can get a better idea of the ZR1’s overall shape – particularly in the front as well as that massive rear wing perched out back. So what can we tell from these new photos?
The first thing that’s readily apparent are the enormous air intake in the front-end along with the much larger front spoiler with side winglets, just ahead of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Moving to the side of the car, we can see the signature-blue brake calipers such as the ones used on the C6 Corvette ZR1 “Bluedevil”. The other thing to take note of here is the black B-pillar.
We can see that the car is silver in color, but the B-pillar is black; same as most of the spy shots we’ve seen the past few months.
The C6 Corvette ZR1 had an exposed carbon fiber B-pillar as well as a fixed, exposed carbon fiber roof. As we’ve said all along, it’s our belief that the C7 ZR1 will also feature a carbon fiber B-pillar and potentially sport carbon fiber doors as well.
Moving to the back of the car, you really get a good idea of just how large that rear wing is.
Given all the increased front and rear aerodynamics we’re seeing here, as well as the redesigned hood with a more pronounced hood scoop, we’re going to stick our necks out on a limb and predict that we could be seeing at least 725 – 750 hp from this beast.
It’s highly unlikely that we’ll be seeing an official unveiling of the ZR1 at the National Corvette Museum’s annual Bash next week, but we could see it unveiled at one of the larger ALMS races that Corvette Racing will be participating in, later this summer.
For now, click on the images below for a larger view!
Chime in with your thoughts in the forums >>>
