Chevrolet has been spied putting the forthcoming Ferrari-beating Corvette ZR1 through its paces at the Nurburgring with minimal camouflage.

    At first glance, this spied Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 prototype appears quite similar to the Corvette Z06 with the Z07 Performance Package, though there are a couple of minor differences.

    Comparing the two side by side, the spied Corvette ZR1 prototype has a vented bonnet, a smaller vent just in front the rear wheels, as well as another vent on either side of the mid-mounted engine.

    Another difference between this spied Corvette ZR1 prototype and a Z06 fitted with the Z07 Performance Package is the former’s rear wing appears to be considerably larger and more aggressive.

    At this stage it’s unconfirmed what will power the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, though a report from 2020 outlined it will by powered by a hotter, twin-turbo version of the Z06’s 5.5-litre flat-plane-crank V8 engine.

    The leaked documents say this boosted version of the Z06’s engine has 634kW of power and 1119Nm of torque. For context, the Australian-specification Corvette Z06 produces 475kW and 595Nm.

    This isn’t all though, as the leaked documents suggest there will be a more powerful Corvette variant to follow the ZR1.

    The so-called Corvette Zora is understood to receive an front-mounted electric motor which will give the flagship variant total system outputs of 746kW and 1322Nm.

    The Corvette Zora will be neither the first electrified nor first all-wheel drive Corvette variant. The Corvette E-Ray was revealed earlier this year and is confirmed for an Australian launch at an undisclosed time.

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    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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