by Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s Power May Be Higher Than Official Figures
The C8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has pushed the boundaries of the American supercar, achieving a level of performance that was recently the preserve of expensive European exotics. Now, thanks to recent dyno tests, suspicions are emerging that the ZR1 may be hiding even more power than Chevrolet claims.
Officially, Chevrolet states that the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the new ZR1 produces 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the car to accelerate to 60 mph in an impressive 2.3 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds. However, independent tests have already shown it is capable of covering that distance in less than 9.3 seconds.
Independent Tests Show Impressive Results
Recently, Hennessey Performance received a black 2026 Corvette ZR1 and will likely use it as the basis for developing a range of tuned upgrades. To check the real power, the car was placed on a dynamometer. In fifth gear, it showed an incredible 1,050 horsepower and 821 lb-ft of torque, with these readings taken specifically from the driven wheels.
The exact drivetrain losses for the new ZR1 are unknown, but if they are around 15 percent, it could mean the car’s engine is actually producing about 1,200 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding Chevrolet’s claimed figures. The tests were conducted at a temperature of 77°F and 26 percent humidity, indicating standard conditions.
This is Not the First Discrepancy in Figures
This is not the first time the new ZR1 has demonstrated results significantly higher than factory specifications. Back in June, another American tuning atelier recorded 1,028 horsepower and 839 lb-ft of torque at the wheels during a similar test.
Of course, dyno results can vary due to different variables: from equipment calibration to ambient conditions. With only a few data points, it is still too early to conclude that Chevrolet intentionally underrated the car’s engine power.
An Undisputed Supercar at an Accessible Price
What is undisputed is that the new ZR1 is a true supercar, capable of competing with hypercars, but at a significantly more accessible price. And with the arrival of the ZR1X version, which adds an electric motor to the front axle, the Corvette family continues to expand the horizons of capability.
Such discrepancies between official manufacturer data and independent test results often become a subject of lively discussion among car enthusiasts. They may be related to the manufacturer’s conservative approach to power rating, which provides a safety margin for the engine and transmission, or to the specifics of measurement methodologies. Regardless of the reasons, the actual performance of the Corvette ZR1 only confirms its status as one of the most outstanding sports cars of our time, offering incredible sensations for relatively reasonable money. It also creates an excellent foundation for tuning ateliers, which can unlock even greater potential of this platform.
