The C8 Corvette Is Set To Become A Monster: Rumors Abound Regarding Huge Horsepower Hypercar Versions In The Works


The C8 Corvette Is Set To Become A Monster: Rumors Abound Regarding Huge Horsepower Hypercar Versions In The Works

(By Tom Lohnes) – The newly redesigned mid-engine C8 Corvette is already a fantastic car with the base Stingray models dipping into the 2 second range for 0-60, and  some guys are already running low-11 second quarter mile times. But, will  happen in the next 6 years for the new ‘Vette? That’s our topic today.

We have already spotted video of a ZO6 prototype of the C8 Corvette a few days ago, and it sounded like a Ferrari 458. Speculation and guessing over the engine powering the ZO6 is Chevy’s new 5.5-liter, flat-plane crank, naturally aspirated V8. This engine has been a rumored developmental project for some time now.  The C8 ZO6 will likely pack the same eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that the Stingray has and should rev over 8,000 rpm from the factory. Horsepower? We’re guessing at least 600. The ZO6 might start around $80,000 and compete with the Mclaren 570s, Lamborghini Huracan, and Acura NSX.

So, what’s in store for the ZR1 model? Well, this time around, it won’t be the top dog on the porch. This model will likely use a turbocharged version of the aforementioned 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, which should make at least 700 horsepower. The ZR1 will be set to rival the Ferrari F8 Tributo, with its own 700+ horsepower twin-turbo V8. The difference between these cars though, is that the ZR1 will likely start at around $120,000 as the Ferrari starts at around $300,000

I know the question you all have in your heads right now. “What’ll be the top model then?” Well, that’ll be the Corvette Zora. The Zora should be a limited-run, extremely high horsepower Corvette with at very least 800 horsepower. The Zora is rumored to use the ZR1’s engine, but hybridized with electric motors and all-wheel-drive is likely because of that. The Zora should be insane and I won’t be surprised if it starts above $200,000.

The Zora will be in a class of its own.


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9 thoughts on “The C8 Corvette Is Set To Become A Monster: Rumors Abound Regarding Huge Horsepower Hypercar Versions In The Works

  1. stitchdup

    There’s someone planning a 4 rotor wankel engine in one. I saw it mentioned somewhere and it was directly inspired by mr duntovs plan for a mid engine vette. I can hear the purists crying into their cornflakes already

  2. Singapore Hot Rod

    I have a Ron Fellows Z06 that I love as much today as I did when I bought it 8 years ago. However, that C8 Z06 could get me to upgrade.

  3. tracey

    Awesome car. Awesome technology.

    It’s a shame that the drivers only requirement is being able to afford it.

    1. Robert Berry

      But again they will be behind everyone else are they scared of horsepower now!

  4. Anthony

    The current C8 has been shown on videos to hit 2.6 seconds in 0 to 60. The rumored 600 to 700 hp in upgraded models will not significantly increase performance to 60 mph. Therefore the increase in $ will yield diminishing returns. Chevy may have achieved too much with the base Z51 model to net big returns on future models.

  5. Raymond A Anselmi

    I have a 1964 corvette resto mod with 454 cubic inch 600 horse power 5 speed tremec transmittion hooker side pipe headers has loads of power and can’t wait to buy a new mid engine corvette.

  6. Dino Dawa

    If Chevrolet decides yo use the LS Twin Cam engine developt by MERCURY Marine Racing Offshore Program which is 750 hp & 750 lbs of torque thats Naturally Asperated to 8000 + RPM then bets are off about who wins the horsepower wars ! This endine is only 3 inches wider measured from outer head to outer head. So it will fit the new C8 Corvette. Look it up people ???

  7. Dave Maty

    Anthony, 0-60 is a worthless read in actual vehicle performance. Any automaker could make gears 1-3 so short that you could achieve fast times. The real test is that 60-120 that completely changes how a car drives on ANY Track. When I saw the rotary mid-engine vette at Amelia 2 years ago, it broke down after idling for about 10 minutes. It is a wankel afterall.

    Tom Lohnes is a freckled face southie, aspiring to be a writer with grammer and punctuation already better than his father, most of the time….. jajajajaja

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