A pair of Corvette prototypes have been spied at the Nurburgring, revealing what to expect for the new range-topping ‘Zora’ version.
The Chevrolet Corvette range is set to grow its array of high-spec hero models even further, if the latest prototypes caught testing at the Nurburgring are any indication.
While the Corvette Z06 sold in Australia is the current hero model locally, buyers overseas have access to an even more powerful ZR1 version of the Corvette, but even its top-dog status looks set to be only temporary.
Suggestions of an even higher-performance Corvette Zora have circulated since the current generation C8 Corvette was first revealed in 2019.
The ultimate Corvette is named after Zora Arkus-Duntov, the engineer who led development of the Corvette in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Arkus-Duntov championed the switch to a mid-engine layout through a pair of concepts in the 1960s, hover did not get to see the eventual adoption of a mid-engine layout for the C8 Corvette.
Using the Corvette ZR1 as a starting point, the Zora will likely combine a version of the ZR1’s 793kW 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, driving the rear wheels, with the 119kW electric motor from the Corvette E-Ray, powering the front axle.
Tell-tale signs of the additional electric motor system include high-voltage warning stickers on the back window, and the E-Ray’s left-hand secondary radiator visible through the front bumper, not seen on the regular ZR1, and used for the hybrid system’s cooling.
Final outputs may be further tweaked, but based on the two powertrains in their existing applications, the result would be a combined 912kW of power.
The cars photographed at the Nurburgring appear to utilise the aggressive aero package developed for the ZR1, featuring the same vented bonnet, front bumper canards, rear guard intakes, and tall carbon-fibre rear wing.
The ZR1 already claims a 0-97km/h (0-60 miles per hour) time of 2.2 seconds, while the E-Ray takes 2.5 seconds, a 0.4-second improvement over the regular Corvette Stingray.
While the improvement for the Zora is unlikely to be as pronounced, it’s still likely to push the Zora close to, if not under, the 2.0-second mark.
The extended quad exhaust tips are the only part that doesn’t look ready to enter production, but these may be present either for emissions test cycles, or as a makeshift solution for compliance with tighter European noise regulations than those the North American model will need to meet.
Chevrolet is yet to offer any official confirmation of the existence of the Zora, but with track testing taking place at the Nurburgring, the brand could be looking to reveal the new model with a lap time benchmark.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
