Chevrolet has stunned the world with the C8 Corvette. As a culmination of the internal combustion engine, the Chevrolet Performance team gave the C8 project their all when designing the mid-engine platform as a way to both improve the Corvette by a vast margin, but also pay homage to the man responsible for the overall success of the Corvette.
That man is Zora Arkus-Duntov, and he had a vision of a mid-engine powered Corvette back when the original was first introduced as a six-cylinder front-engine car. He was responsible for the Corvettes change from six to eight cylinders, but never got to see his dream of a mid-engine car come to fruition.
Not only is every C8 a subtle reminder of Duntov’s vision, but Chevrolet wanted to take the C8 a step further, and they are expected to release a “Zora” specific model that will serve as the Corvette halo. The Corvette ZR1 Zora is rumored to put out near (or above) 1,000 horsepower. Seeing what the car can do with half that number is sure to put the Corvette Zora ZR1 right in line with the world’s quickest, and fastest supercars.
This includes cars like the Bugatti Pur Sport, Porsche’s GT3 RS, Ferrari’s Daytona SP3, and Mercedes’ F1 powered AMG ONE. In one or more measurable ways, we expect the Zora Corvette to beat the competition as the base C8 already punches far above its class. We hope Chevrolet uses the “Zora” name to proudly represent a flagship supercar to challenge the rest of the world. Here’s what we hope to see from the ultimate Chevrolet Corvette.
10 Forced Induction For More Power
While the naturally aspirated LT6 of the current Z06 is impressive, ZR1 models have always included a hefty step-up in power, and Like ZR1 models of the recent past, we expect the new car to feature forced induction of some kind. While a twin-turbo solution seems likely, we are secretly hoping for a supercharged engine like the high-strung LT5 from the C7 ZR1 or LS9 from the C6 corvette ZR1.
Boost comes on much quicker in these applications, and tends to accentuate engine noise, rather than muffle it. Typically, when seeking high horsepower at any cost a twin-turbo system is used, and considering the project, it seems likely the engineers will choose that over a supercharged engine. Either way, massive power is to be expected as it will most likely be combined with electrification to achieve astronomical power and torque figures.
9 Active Aero Will Be Inevitable
Downforce and drag are never the best of friends and to help the two play nicely, active aero could (and should) play a role in the C8 ZR1’s journey. It wasn’t too far back that we saw a glimpse of GM’s plans to incorporate active aero elements in the C8 platform. Patent drawings hinted at mechanically operated side gills allowing a pressure change from the sides of the car.
Although companies file patents often just for the sole reason of future-proofing technology, We may see some iteration of active aero employed in the ZR1 after all. Along with the potential active side-body aero elements, we would expect an active rear spoiler or diffuser to better manipulate the pressures on the car and ultimately strike the perfect balance between grip and drag.
8 High-Speed Specific Modes
With all that power and configurable aero, the Zora model should have a “top speed” mode where the car makes aero/chassis/engine adjustments to best attain a high top speed. When supercars approach and surpass the 1,000 horsepower mark, it isn’t uncommon to see these types of high-speed specific modes built into the vehicles drive mode system.
Bugatti, Tesla, and McLaren all offer versions of high-speed run modes and a specialized mode would surely offer something exciting for the most powerful Corvette ever. With aero as aggressive as the Z07 package already is, there is no doubt the ZR1 will have to have some type of DRS system that plays into the car's highspeed mode that allows the drag to be reduced for maximum speed.
7 Further Weight Reduction
This one will be tough, but hopefully, Chevrolet can at least keep weight at bay by replacing current parts with ultra-lightweight replacements as they will inevitably add weight through forced induction and other features. A great goal would be to use more exotic materials so that they can break even in weight with, say, a C8 E-Ray.
It is through a combination of light weighting measures that the C8 team will be able to reduce enough to keep the ZR1 agile enough while utilizing all of its beefed-up components. This may prove to be a challenge as Chevrolet performance has built the C8 platform with high-powered models in mind making even the base Stingray an already extremely weight-efficient vehicle.
6 Special Colors / Visual Themes
The ZR1 Zora’s looks should match the uncanny performance it will undoubtedly provide. Chevrolet has used bold colors such as a fiery hot orange on the new Z06 and C7 ZR1, and they should continue to develop that color palette. Corvette has also included graphics packages including racing stripes, some of which may be a welcomed addition to the Corvette Zora halo model.
Competitors like Lamborghini have brought special color-shifting full-car paint schemes to their exclusive models adding an extra element to the supercar experience. Chevrolet could add graphics or color accents to the extra equipment they may add to the Corvette ZR1 as a way to highlight aspects such as the active aero.
5 Unique Seats
While the competition seats found in the Stingray and Z06 are supportive and very bolstered, there seems to be room for a full carbon bucket or some type of extra aggressively bolstered seat similar to the likes of McLaren or Porsche. For this special model, a specific racing-style seat would be appropriate to differentiate the ZR1 from both the lesser C8 models, while offering a solution to the extreme G-forces on track.
Specialized seats have become increasingly important in this type of upper echelon vehicle where the handling limits have been elevated to such a high degree. Special carbon seats would be, yet, another way to lighten the weight on the ZR1.
4 Wider Track
While the Z06 is already a widened version of the C8 Stingray, There could still be more room for an even wider track or at least a wider (closer to square) set of tires to use on the Corvette ZR1. Zora himself wanted to push the Corvette to the limit and beyond, so making the car as stable and more importantly, as grippy as possible would only broaden the Zora ZR1’s capabilities. Throwing more firepower at the C8 Chassis will inevitably require more grip. More stability, whether at high speed or under extreme lateral forces, is always a welcomed attribute.
3 Carbon/Magnesium-Only Wheel Options
A special lightweight wheel package is a must for the Zora Corvette. Perhaps the standard wheel could be a magnesium alloy, while the optional wheel could be a full carbon fiber design. GM has played with magnesium lightweight wheels in the past and has a carbon option on the current Z06 with Z07 package.
Wheels made of exotic materials such as magnesium, carbon fiber, or a combination of special alloys can help elevate the Zora Corvette to the supercar status the C8 aims to compete in. Additionally, having less unsprung weight always helps a car to corner quicker and carve into turns harder, while also improving braking.
2 Configurable Suspension Modes
If Corvette wants to be competitive at the track level, Chevrolet should take notes from Porsche as they have just added a super slick adjustable suspension to the 911 GT3 RS. In essence, it allows complete control of all aspects of the behavior of the suspension, a new level of adjustability that can shave precious seconds off you next lap time.
Not all racetracks are the same, this is why Porsche allows drivers to control compression, rebound, and other aspects of the driving experience at the click of a rotary on the steering wheel. This type of on-the-fly adjustment is game changing, and Chevrolet should add it to the ZR1 Zora model.
1 A Manual Transmission For The Ultimate Corvette Experience
Obviously we're just dreaming here, but a complete flagship experience would be all-encompassing with a proper manual transmission. Yes, the DCT in the C8 is a truly impressive gearbox, but knowing how well GM can integrate fantastic manual transmissions has made the C8 platform a bit of a tease. Drive either of Cadillac’s Blackwing models, and you’ll walk away feeling like a hero. The same goes for any manual equipped Camaro.
They know what they are doing with the Tremec six-speeds, so please GM, give the Corvette the transmission it deserves. With Camaro production ending in 2023,Cadillac’s Blackwing models will be the only vehicles from GM to utilize a manual transmission. Chevrolet, being a performance-oriented brand could better appeal to it’s younger audience as the manual has regained interest within young drivers within the last few years. Go ahead Chevrolet, give it the transmission we deserve!