Overview
The Corvette is probably Chevrolet's most iconic model. The two-seat sports car has been around in some form for more than 70 years, and 2020 brought historic changes to the iconic machine. Its transformation from a front-engine to mid-engine layout led to massive performance gains, and Chevy has carried on refining the formula since the C8's launch. It's also comfortable, features a well-laid-out interior, is easy to drive slowly, and is a joy to drive up twisty mountainsides or on racetracks. The 2023 model year saw the introduction of the Z06 and the E-Ray, the first hybrid Corvette. The rumor mill is now churning about the existence of a mega Corvette ZR1, and it's entirely possible that it will debut for the 2025 model year
Edmunds spotlight: An even faster Vette for 2025?
The Z06 is the current top-of-the-line Corvette. It packs an incredible 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine and supercar levels of performance. The E-Ray adds an electric motor to the front axle and hides a hybrid battery pack inside the spine of the Vette. If you were to combine the two, the result would be the rumored ZR1. It's expected to pair the E-Ray's hybrid drivetrain — specifically its two electric motors — and the monstrous V8 from the Z06 to bring on all new levels of performance to the Corvette. Some reports have said the new ZR1 will have more than 900 horsepower, making it easily the most powerful production Corvette ever made.
Competitors to consider
Though sports cars are a dying niche, the ones that do still exist are better than ever. Those who seek more refinement and more seats might look to the Porsche 911 — it offers up similar performance (in some trims) in a more everyday-friendly package. Mercedes also recently announced the new AMG GT, which keeps its front-engine layout and classic grand-tourer proportions.