cars news 10: Spied! Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Prototype Channels its Inner Race Car

The Corvette will fill the street-legal race car void left by the Dodge Viper ACR, judging by these spy shots that show a test mule for the upcoming ZR1. Fitted with a massive rear wing and unique ground effects, the ZR1 looks like it will be the most potent model in the front-engine Corvette range.

We’ve known for some time now that the ZR1 would have a large fixed rear wing, and here we get a better look at the park-bench-sized spoiler. The car is barely covered at all, revealing a sculpted hood with different heat extractor vents compared to the Z06. The front valance is also completely unique, with three large intakes that spread out to the very edges of the front fenders. The front splitter appears even larger than the one available on the Z06.

This mule wears clear taillight lenses just like the Z06 and also has that model’s four bazooka-sized central exhaust tips. The wheels appear to be large split five-spoke alloys, though it’s unclear if those are production-correct. A second prototype was spied equipped with a more modest rear wing, so perhaps the larger one is a higher-spec option. The ZR1’s powerplant is still unknown, but it will likely surpass the 650 hp of the Z06 and induct the C7 into the 700-hp club. A more potent version of the Z06’s supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V-6 makes a lot of sense, but a twin-turbo LT5 V-8 has also been rumored.

We could find out what the ZR1 is packing as early as the Detroit auto show in January. Check out the spy shots and stay tuned for more info on what could be the most extreme ‘Vette yet.

Photo source: Chris Doane Automotive