Powerful 2025 Corvette ZR1 demonstrates remarkable wheel horsepower of 1028 in its initial dynamometer test
The latest dyno test conducted by Paragon Performance on the 2025 Corvette ZR1 has raised eyebrows within the automotive community. The test, which was livestreamed and conducted in a controlled dyno cell, revealed that the stock C8-generation Corvette ZR1 produced a staggering 1,028 rear-wheel horsepower (rwhp) and 839 lb-ft of torque in fifth gear.
This translates to an estimated 1,155 to 1,180–1,200 horsepower at the crank (flywheel horsepower), based on typical drivetrain loss calculations. This dyno result exceeds GM's official rating for the 2025 C8 ZR1, which stands at 1,064 horsepower at the crank and 920 lb-ft torque.
The test, which was performed on a stock unit with just over 500 miles on the odometer, has provided a valuable baseline for evaluating the actual horsepower figures of the Corvette ZR1 against factory claims. The results suggest a loss of just three percent, implying that the factory figures may be somewhat conservative or underrated.
The Corvette ZR1, which is one of a pair of new models recently delivered to Paragon, reached 234mph in independent testing, surpassing the initial claim of exceeding 215mph. This, combined with the dyno results, has sparked new discussions around drivetrain efficiency and GM's power ratings.
Paragon Performance, a company that powers live supercar auctions on the SBX Cars website, will be testing the second Corvette ZR1 in the coming days. The C8 platform, on which the ZR1 is based, is evolving based on data rather than speculation, with more testing and parts development in progress.
The upcoming hybrid ZR1X, which pairs the twin-turbo V8 with a front-mounted electric motor to deliver an extra 186 hp, promises to push Corvette performance into new territory. If the base ZR1 is capable of over 1020hp at the wheels, the ZR1X may redefine the boundaries of high-performance sports cars.
In summary, the Paragon Performance dyno test provides compelling evidence that the 2025 Corvette ZR1 may be more powerful than GM's official rating suggests. The test results have sparked new discussions and have set a high bar for future performance tests.
| Source | Horsepower (Crank) | Horsepower (Rear-Wheel) | Torque (Rear-Wheel) | |---------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|---------------------| | GM Official Rating | 1,064 hp | N/A | 920 lb-ft | | Paragon Performance Dyno| ~1,155–1,200 hp (est.)| 1,028 rwhp | 839 lb-ft |
- The dynamometer test conducted by Paragon Performance on the 2025 Corvette ZR1 reveals that it may actually have more power than General Motors' (GM) official rating suggests, as the stock unit achieved an estimated 1,155 to 1,200 horsepower at the crank, exceeding GM's official rating of 1,064 horsepower.
- In addition to the increased power output, the Corvette ZR1's performance has also been tested at high speeds, reaching 234mph in independent testing, which is beyond the initial claim of exceeding 215mph.
- The results of the dyno test and top speed test have brought up discussions about drivetrain efficiency and GM's power ratings, challenging the industry's norms in the automotive lifestyle and transportation sectors.
- Looking forward, Paragon Performance will be testing the second Corvette ZR1 in the near future, as the C8 platform, on which the ZR1 is based, is constantly evolving through data-driven testing and parts development.
- With the upcoming hybrid ZR1X, which combines a twin-turbo V8 with a front-mounted electric motor to deliver an extra 186 hp, the Corvette is poised to redefine the boundaries of high-performance sports cars, offering automotive enthusiasts an exciting step forward in technology, performance, and lifestyle.
