The Chevrolet Corvette has been an American icon since its debut in 1953, representing the spirit of innovation and high performance. It was the first sports car built by the company and is its own brand in various parts of the world, such as Europe and Japan.
Although manufacturers such as Ferrari and Porsche dominated the high-end supercar market for years, the Corvette offered Americans the chance to own a great car without having to pay an exorbitant price; allowing in a certain sense to fulfill the American dream.
It can be said that for more than six decades and seven generations, the Corvette has been a conventional sports car; attractive and good features, but normal.
However, that image began to be strengthened from this eighth generation (presented in 2019), when the model moved its engine from the front to the center of the vehicle, behind the backrests and in front of the rear axle. A setup that unlocked new levels of balance and performance, allowing you to reach new limits.
A few days ago, the Corvette climbed to the category of hyperdeportivo. Your version ZR1 became the fastest automobile ever built by an American manufacturer, achieving exceed 370 km/h on a test track in Germany. And with its president, Mark Reussbehind the wheel.
The Corvette that doesn’t run, flies
Within the Corvette range there are subdivisions. For example, the standard version already offers 490 horsepower, but the Z06 ups the ante to an impressive 670 horsepower. Not everything is there, because one step higher is the Corvette ZR1the version that brought everything to a new extreme.
Equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine, fed by a twin turbocharger, the ZR1 delivers an astonishing 1,064 horsepower and 1,123 Nm of torque.
It also has an aerodynamic package that includes carbon fiber parts. Combined with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a chassis designed for maximum stability, this hypercar was designed specifically for speed, handling and control.
Mark Reuss himself, president of General Motors, was the pilot of the feat. These characteristics allowed it to achieve the 375 km/h at the Papenburg Test Track (ATP), establishing the speed record for a current vehicle priced under $1 million.
ATP’s high-speed oval track is 12.3 kilometers long; In curves it has inclinations of almost 50 degrees.
“Achieving the top speed record with the Corvette ZR1 is a true triumph for Corvette and Chevrolet, and also an exciting and surreal experience for me personally,” said Reuss.
Ready for the slopes
The mark achieved in Germany was not an isolated feat. General Motors’ engineering team ensured that every aspect of the vehicle was optimized for high-speed performance.
Chevrolet’s new “Top Speed Mode” adjusts the chassis and aerodynamic controls to achieve top speed on closed courses. During testing, several ZR1 development vehicles exceeded 370 km/h, cementing the vehicle’s place among the fastest in the world.
The Papenburg test track has cambers of almost 50° inclination. - The record-setting Corvette ZR1 features a standard chassis and aerodynamic package, a standard spoiler, carbon fiber spoilers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and aluminum wheels.
- The brand’s engineers developed the “Top Speed”exclusively for use on closed circuits, which adjusts the chassis control systems to achieve maximum speed.
- The ZR1 entered the select “375 km/h” club with the engine at maximum revs and in sixth gear.
- During testing, including Reuss’ record-breaking run, an engineer was in the passenger seat analyzing data in real time.
- Five engineers and two other ZR1 development cars exceeded 370 km/h during previous laps.
