C8 ZR-1 Has Additional Side Air Intakes

The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 will up the ante for the mid-engine C8 Corvette lineup with yet more go-faster goodies, including a new forced induction engine matched and a wealth of aerodynamic enhancements. Per previous GM Authority coverage, a prototype variant of the 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 was recently spotted at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, giving us an early look at some of the features in store, including a massive rear wing, and a new front hood air extraction vent. Now, we're taking a closer look at the ZR1's new side air intakes.

One of the C8 Corvette ZR1's most notable features is its widebody stance, with the extra width provided by extended body panels that are similar to those of the C8 Corvette Z06. However, unlike the C8 Z06, the C8 Corvette ZR1 incorporates an additional air intake placed just behind the primary side air intake.

For the moment, the purpose of these additional side air intakes remains unclear, but there are a few possibilities to consider. For those readers who may be unaware, the new Corvette ZR1 will feature a forced-induction variant of the 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine cradled by the C8 Corvette Z06, labeled as the LT7, and it’s possible the new side intakes could be related. For example, the new intakes may provide fresh air to side-mounted intercoolers.

Another possibility is that the intakes feed air to additional radiators, which may be required by the forced-induction LT7. After all, the main side intakes already feed air to large side-mounted radiators, so perhaps the ZR1 is running yet further radiators in the flanks.

Finally, it's possible the new side air intakes are only there for show, and don't actually provide any sort of performance benefit, but rather help the widebody C8 Corvette ZR1 stand apart from the C8 Corvette Z06. That said, the new ZR1's clear focus on aero leads us to believe this is unlikely, as the new intakes likely create additional drag that wouldn't justify simple visual differentiation within the C8 lineup.

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Source: Jonathan Lopez - GM Authority

Posted 11/24/23