Rumors Confirmed: C8 Corvette ZR1 Will Be Hybridized
MotorTrend confirms rumors that the ZR1 will, in fact, be hybridized. But not for the reasons you may think.
Before all Hell breaks loose in the comments section, let us just clarify: the C8 hybrid isn’t at all inspired by the Mustang Mach-E. Chevy has no plans to re-purpose the design and the name to make an all electric SUV. They do, however, plan on adding some electronic goodies (aka a motor or two) to the already healthy V8 from a C8 Z06 to make an even 900 HP. Yes, you read that right. 900 HP. For the hybrid part of the equation, MotorTrend’s Scott Evans reports that the magazine’s source, a senior official from GM, confirmed the rumors about a hybridized C8 Corvette ZR1 race car..
They have an excellent idea, but Evans think that actual execution may be tricky. Adding more weight to an already powerful car may cause more trouble than it’s worth, especially when considering just how much weight hybrid technology adds to any car. Which is why their source reassured the magazine that the motor(s) would add so much power, that it would happily make up the difference in weight. Hence why the power is proposed to jump up to, once more, an even 900 HP.
Additionally, the electronic technology was chosen for the ZR1 to provide more power to the electronic limited-slip rear differential—making the C8’s incredible all-wheel drive system just that much more responsive. After all, adding just a little more spice to an already successful recipe never hurt anyone, right? Z06 with a dash of electricity makes for a spicy ZR1.
MotorTrend wasn’t able to squeeze specific specification figures out of their source, so Evans took to speculating on where exactly they’d put all the extra technology. He speculated they may squeeze it in between the engine and the transmission, or place it in the frunk of the car. Wherever it ends up, Evans is keen enough to throw in that GM would want to keep the added weight as low to the ground as possible to keep the center of gravity low.
Regardless of what other information is left out, it’s exciting to see the leaps in technology GM has been so quick to make. Even GM said that hybridizing the ZR1 was absolutely not for the sake of efficiency—but power, and power alone.
Photos: Chevrolet Media
Join the LS1Tech forums now!
