Chevrolet have revealed the most performant version of the mid-engine C8 Corvette - the ZR1. Incredibly, it packs 1079 metric horsepower from twin turbo V8 engine, without any help from electric motors.

The new twin turbo flat plane crank engine is called "LT7" and Chevrolet claims it is the most powerful V8 car engine ever produced in United States. If it wasn't for Sweden's Koenigsegg, perhaps Chevrolet would have the worlds most powerful V8 road car engine outright. If you consider the low production volume and astronomical price of Koenigsegg cars, or the fact that 1000 horsepower used to be only attainable in 16 cylinder quad turbo Bugatti just couple decades ago, this C8 ZR1 seems like a new major achievement in automotive engineering. Also proving that progress in combustion engine design is still ongoing and the best days of piston engine performance cars are still ahead - think of the recently presented V16 Bugatti engine, flourishing of V12 in Ferrari lineup, high RPM V12 Cosworth engine in Gordon Murray T50 or rumored return of the V8 for Mercedes AMG.

I can not wait to see first performance data from independent testers and first signs of what this 1000+ horsepower Corvette can do on race track. I do not expect it to match 4 wheel drive electric motor assisted cars in straight line performance, but I do expect it to pull extremely hard at high speed and deliver incredible lap times, upsetting cars twice or 3 times its price.

Official performance data is sparse - Chevrolet are promising sub-10 second 1/4 mile time (on drag strip and without reaction time) and 215 mph top speed. Specifications are detailed - 5.5 liters, twin turbo flat plane crank V8 with 1079 PS at 7000 rpm and 1112 Nm at 6000. 1200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Full specifications and up-to-date performance data sheet available at Fastestlaps ZR1 page.