With almost 50 years of experience in manufacturing this amazing powerhouse, Chevrolet introduces the 4th generation of the iconic ZR1 Vette and packs even more heat than any previous versions. A car that was built to dominate and leave most of its competitors in the dust. The 2020 Corvette C7 ZR1, takes this completion to another level by offering an unbeatable price to performance ratio that makes this car more desirable than most other expensive supercars out there.
With the latest iteration of this outrageous performance-centric car, the Corvette has treaded deep into the supercar territory, leaving some iconic legends of the past well behind in the sandstorm. The ZR1 is ready to take on rivals like the Lamborghini Aventador and the McLaren 720S. Its American build might not match up to the impeccable European finish but it is more than capable of clocking in a faster lap around the track.
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Expert Review
7.3
Overall Rating
Chevrolet made its own unique place both in the automobile industry and the hearts of the masses by introducing a powerful car that can appeal to most people and was quite affordable. Treading on the same path, Chevy offers its pinnacle of Corvette line-up, the ZR1 and that too with a drop-top avatar. Over the years, Chevrolet has improved the ZR1’s overall dynamics, performance and aesthetics to make it an even more aggressive performance-oriented car with a pinch of practicality.
With a new supercharged engine churning out more power than any Chevy before it, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 can take on any supercar in its home turf. With a drop-top and a ton of carbon fiber-infused into its body, the ZR1 becomes more than just an ace on the track. It can take the form of a weekend getaway car that can make a dramatic entrance anywhere with a hypersonic missile-like instinct.
9.0/10 Features
10/10 Engine and Performance
3.0/10 Fuel Economy
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Features
9.0/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is available in two separate trims that share the same powertrain. The1ZR variant is the base that comes pretty much loaded with everything except for some additional personalization options and some interior features. These can be opted as optional for the 1ZR or you can skip all the red tape and go straight to the 3ZR that includes all the tech as standard.
Trim
1ZR
3ZR
MSRP
$126,495
$136,495
Key features
9-speaker Bose audio system
10-speaker Bose premium audio system
1 seat color option
Front curb view cameras
Two 8-inch touchscreens
Universal home remote
Visible body-colored Carbon-fiber roof panel
Napa leather seating surfaces
HID Xenon lighting with LED park and turn signals
Factory navigation system as standard
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Even though both the trims are very similar, the 3ZR is a better pick since it gets you more features as standard. Shelling out an extra $2995 will get you the ZTK track performance package that will add a large 9” rear spoiler along with some additional mechanical upgrades that will make the ride even more thrilling and fun.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Engine and Performance
10/10
“The ZR1’s over-caffeinated heart is a progression of the Z06’s LT4 powertrain. A significantly larger supercharger port and direct fuel injection, and internal tweaks give birth to the ZR1’s LT5 V8.” –Digital Trends
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood lies the over-caffeinated motor of the ZR1 that produces an outrageous 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque, making it the fastest production Corvette ever. With its mind-boggling engine stats, this car has enough oomph to make any car think again of going on track against this beast. As soon as the engine is turned on, the hidden beast gets ready to unleash its wrath upon the tarmac and lay waste to its rivals out there. The burbling sound from the exhaust feels even more refined and full of bass than the LT4 Corvettes.
Like its coupe variant, this car is a crowd magnet but on a larger scale due to its top-down feature. When taken to a track, this car acts like an angry monster every time you throttle it up. The 7-speed manual transmission comes with active rev-matching, so you are never too overwhelmed when downshifting. There is plenty of power available at all ranges.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR Convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
MSRP
$126,495
$125,850
$158,850
$327,130
Engine
6.2L LT5 Supercharged V8
5.0L Supercharged V8
4.0L AMG V8 Bi-Turbo
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Transmission
7-speed Manual with Activ Rev-Matching
8-speed ZF Automatic
7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Horsepower
755
575
550
710
Torque (lb-ft)
715
516
502
568
The McLaren 720S is what comes closest to matching the immensely powerful V8 of the Vette. Even though it costs nearly three times as much, it still falls short of matching the power figures offered by the Corvette ZR1. Both the Merc and McLaren feel smoother with their dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The manual surely offers a hands-on approach but is not as slick when shifting gears.
Acceleration
The massive power output of the Corvette ZR1 is put to good use. The new Vette is a throttle happy car and gets the rider to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The gas pedal feels natural and has a great response that enables it to spit power even with the slightest push. Though it has some wheel spin when the pedal is mashed in, it manages to make up for this with ease. The acceleration is breathtaking, keeping you in awe of the supremely powerful engine. Before you can gather your senses, you are already on the way to 100 mph.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
0-60 MPH (sec)
2.85
3.5
3.6
2.9
Quarter mile (sec)
10.6
12.0
11.4
10.4
Engine
6.2L LT5 Supercharged V8
5.0L Supercharged V8
4.0L AMG V8 Bi-Turbo
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
11.8
11.36
12.84
9.50
It is unsurprising that a supercar like McLaren 720S wins over the Corvette ZR1 in a drag race. What's surprising is that it doesn't win by much. The split second of difference can be easily overlooked once you consider the price gap of both the vehicles. No vehicle that costs below the $300,000 can hope to match the ZR1 n terms of speed, as the numbers for the Merc and Jag clearly show.
Braking
The new ZR1 comes fitted with Brembo Brakes as standard that offers exceptional braking performance. The Brake pedal is well-tuned, feels natural to use, and is quite easy to modulate. While decelerating, the brakes work really well, no matter if you are stopping from 50 mph or 100 mph. There is never a moment when the the Corvette's thrust becomes uncontrollable.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
Front Brake (in)
15.5
15
15.4
15.3
Rear Brake (in)
15.3
14.8
14.2
15.0
Curb Weight (lbs)
3642
3729
3660
3247
70-0 MPH (ft)
134
150
151
132
Yet again, it is the McLaren 720S that comes closest to the Corvette ZR1. There is only a minor difference between the 720S and ZR1. The Corvette's massive brakes and lightweight body gives it an advantage that other performance convertibles simply cannot compete with.
Ride and Handling
As soon as the steering wheel is taken into the hands, the rider feels quite confident because of its firmness and control. The car is quite responsive at corners and translates the feedback from the ride really well. Like its younger sibling, the Z06, the ZR1 has a well-balanced steering column and comes with 3 driving modes to give the rider a unique driving experience in each mode.
Kudos to the well-balanced chassis, steering wheel, and suspension system, the car has great road manners. The suspension system feels stiff but the magnetic ride control does a good job in making the ride smooth by filtering out harsh parts of the road. The car stays glued to the tarmac while cornering. The negligible body roll makes the ride even better. The engine noise is the only noise that fills the cabin, even at highway speeds. It is a good thing since that 755-hp behemoth sounds better than any rock n' roll song.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Fuel Economy
3.0/10
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can be expected to not deliver much on the fuel efficiency side. Still, it fares fairly better than its rivals in delivering a few miles per gallon of premium fuel. It can become your ca of choice for a weekend excursion, although the engine grunt will constantly remind you of the true purpose of this beast. For maximum driving range, it evens up to the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C by having a smaller fuel tank.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
MPG (highway)
23
24
20
22
MPG (city)
16
16
15
15
MPG (combined)
19
18
18
18
Tank cap. (gal.)
15.4
18.5
19.8
19.0
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Interior
“This two-seater is cozy but wide enough across to allow enough wiggle room so that it never induces claustrophobia.” -Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
It’s a common notion that a 2-seater vehicle can’t be spacious and comfortable. Chevrolet breaks this notion, offering a comfortable cabin with much space left to stretch. Though not for relaxing, this car will definitely make the ride comfortable after a long day at work, making the driver feel what it is like to drive around a couch. The build quality could be better. While there are a lot of premium materials that line the panels inside the car, there are a few plastic bits that tone down the interior.
All thanks to the well-bolstered seats, sitting in the car feels quite comfortable. There is just enough space not to let the cabin feel claustrophobic. The dual-zone climate control system works well in tandem with heated and ventilated seats, providing a pleasant atmosphere inside the car regardless of the outside climate conditions.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
Passenger Capacity
2
2
2
2
Front row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
37.9/55.2/43.0
37.0/56.5/43.0
38.7/55.2/43.0
N/A
Weight Distribution(F/R)
50/50
51/49
47/53
42/58
Getting in and out of the car is not a problem with the top down. With the roof present, the sharp edges along the sloping roofline might pose a problem for taller drivers. The doors are no-nonsense, unlike some fancy supercars that open in seven different directions before letting anyone in. The seats and steering wheel offer a wide enough range of adjustments to suit a driver of any body shape and size.
Infotainment
With so many gizmos that inhabit the inside of the car, the interior looks far from being simple. With lots of angles and curves incorporated, it looks more akin to a fighter jet cockpit than a high-performance sports car. The dashboard incorporates a large 8-inch touchscreen that uses Chevrolet's tried and tested SYnc3 infotainment system. Also, there is a hidden storage space behind the touchscreen which can be accessed by just a button press.
The car comes equipped with all of the features to keep both the driver and passenger entertained. There is a transparent HUD, which displays all of the necessary data like car speed, time, etc., helping the rider to keep the focus on the road. Its positioning, though is not that great as it competes for visibility with the hood bump. Some other infotainment features include:
Bluetooth Connectivity
Auxiliary Cable Input
USB Port
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
AM/FM/HD Radio
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
Performance Data Recorder
Voice Recognition System
Proximity Sensing Keyless Entry
9-Speaker Bose Audio System
Cargo space
Another notion that many people share is that the convertibles aren’t as practical as the coupes since they don’t offer a substantial cargo space for storage. The Corvette tries hard to prove this notion wrong. The cloth top occupies very little space in the trunk. So, you can easily get 10 cubic feet of storage. The trunk can be opened remotely and opens wide to let in taller items. The low height of the lid further makes it easier to load in any luggage.
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
Maximum interior cargo volume (cu.ft.)
10.0
7.3
5.8
7.3
Most of the other performance convertibles utilize a metallic roof that can only be segmented and folded into a rack that occupies a lot of the trunk space, thus limiting the car's cargo capacity. This is especially noticeable with the Merc's AMG Roadster, as the Coupe version can carry a class-reputable 11 cubic feet of luggage.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Exterior
“Around town, the ZR1 draws a crowd when parked, unsolicited questions from grocery store employees retrieving shopping carts, and even more thumbs-up reactions on the road. It is as over-the-top as they come, as it should be.” –Motor Trend
Dimension and Weight
The engineers at Chevrolet did a great job in making the Corvette not just light and fast but also
Models
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible
Jaguar F-type SVR Convertible
Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
McLaren 720S Spider
Curb weight (lbs)
3642
3792
3825
3247
Length (in)
179.8
176.2
179
178.8
Width (in)
77.4
74.2
81.7
81.0
Height (in)
48.7
51.5
49.6
47.0
Ground clearance (in)
4.0
4.2
3.8
4.2
Wheelbase (in)
106.7
103.2
103.5
105.1
Track width (in) F/R
64.4/63.6
62.4/63.4
66.3/66.7
65.9/64.1
Exterior Features-
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 comes with a host of exterior features-
Optional ZTK performance package
Visible carbon fiber weave hood insert
Removable Body-colored Carbon fiber roof panel
HID headlamps
Body-colored heated power outside mirrors
Pearl nickel painted aluminum wheels
Solar-Ray light-tinted glass
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Safety
Even though it is great value for performance, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is still out there enough to avoid crash tests by federal authorities. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has granted any version of the Chevrolet Corvette a safety rating. There are also no advanced safety features aboard the Vette, which certainly makes you drive a little cautious when out on the open road. Nevertheless, several systems in place keep this mean machine in control of the driver at all times.
Safety Features
Active handling stability control and traction control
Jaguar F-type, when pitted against the Corvette gives it a tough competition in almost all of the segments listed. Be its seating space, cargo space or fuel economy, the SVR really takes the battle to its American counterpart, but ultimately loses out. A car that balances out between luxury and performance, the F-type is definitely for those who want luxurious and plush interior. The ZR1 is a pure performance-oriented car that focuses on going fast than anything else. Considering their price tags, the Corvette is certainly the better deal. It is the one with the bigger engine, more practicality, and better road performance.
Corvette ZR1 1ZR convertible v/s Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster
When pitted against the AMG GTC roadster, the ZR1 takes a clear victory as it beats the AMG GT C in almost all aspects. The AMG GT C roadster gives a high-end luxurious experience but lacks the power that the ZR1 so overtly flaunts. The Merc may be a more comfortable and composed cruiser, although the Corvette is not something that would tire you out over an extended drive. The AMG GT C invests its tech in safety, making it near impossible to crash the car at city speeds. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Corvette demands respect when trying to master its handling. The Merc can be considered by those who want a comfortable cruiser with the added benefits of some weekend track fun. For pure performance enthusiasts, the Corvette ZR1 is the better deal.
Just the fact that the Corvette can go toe-to-toe with an expensive supercar like the McLaren 720S is enough to prove that the car has met its goal. Both cars don't back away in style, with sharp edges and many carbon fiber components on the body. Of course, the 720S is better than the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in terms of track performance, but just barely. It makes you question whether you want to purchase one 720S when you can get your hands on two Corvettes for the same money, and still have enough left to get yourself a luxury sedan to cater to all your commuting needs.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Final Verdict
With an out of the world performance along with a drop-top that justifies its 6-figure price tag, this car really becomes desirable and will definitely attract attention to its presence. It never fails to lack attitude and has the agility to back it up. It definitely lives up to its predecessors, filling the mantel of the 'supercar killer' in an honorable manner.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How fast is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1?
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 2.85 seconds and is capable of doing a quarter-mile run in 10.6 seconds. On a long enough straight, the ZR1 can reach a top speed of 212 mph, making it the fastest Chevrolet in history.
Is the Corvette ZR1 a supercar?
Yes. The Corvette has always been considered as a fast car. Its performance figures certainly put it above any regular sports car, making it able to compete with most supercars that cost much more than its price tag. This has earned the Corvette the nickname of 'supercar killer'.
What does the "ZR1" stand for?
The designation of "ZR1" stands for "Zora Racer 1". It is named after Zora Arkus-Duntov, who is widely regarded as the 'Father of Modern Corvettes'. The first ZR1 badge was seen on C3 Corvettes in 1970.
Do Corvette Convertibles depreciate in value?
Yes. Corvettes depreciate in value like most other automobiles over time. Although the curve of depreciation is not as steep as Chevrolet trucks and sedans, you can very well start losing substantially after the first three years of ownership. There are a few Corvettes that have made the vintage list. A 1966 Chevrolet Corvette L88 was auctioned recently for 3.85 million dollars.
