TheRobSJ

So I believe the tagline for the teaser of the C8 ZR1 is “unthinkable” or something like that. If what they’re getting at is that they’ve slapped a couple of turbos on the Z06 engine and added more aero, then sorry I’ve already thunk it. I’m sure it will be a very formidable car, but those upgrades would not be any kind of surprise to me in the slightest bit.

Like many of you, the C7 ZR1 is the last stop on the Corvette train for me. I think a lot of you soured on the C8 due to its only transmission offering. Some of you may be more like me and just would rather have the look and proportions of a front engined car. Maybe both.

But what if GM was able to keep a big secret and they surprised us all by debuting the 2025 ZR1 with an all new manual transmission? And I would imagine that transmission would be offered on all C8 models as well. Still keeping the C7 or would it be time to trade or just outright add the C8 to your garage?

rob62

I just got my Z06 deposit back from Ciocca. I'm now glad I got a bad # as I haven't warmed up to the looks of it at all. I think it's safe to say I will feel the same about the ZR1 and in this new world order of higher end Vette buying it won't much matter. BUT I never say never.

Basil2000

I know I keep saying I would never sell but I am old enough to learn that saying never is a big mistake. I’m not a fan of the mid engine corvette looks but 900hp and crazy downforce…………may make me forget about my manual pedal favoritism

danm1

I owned a C8Z, sold it after four only four months of ownership, car was lemon and total POS. So, I'm keeping my two ZR1's for now. I'll never go near another C8 again, I don't' care how fast or how powerful the ZR1 version is. It's a poorly engineered, and shoddily built car.

94Lt1Vette

I may be ordering a C8 Z06 HTC, but if I do it’ll be the car that I trade in for a ZR1. The C7 ZR1 shall remain.

DebRedZR1

Never selling / trading the C7ZR ONE and done. And most likely never buying a C8.

Factoid

No, it’s a keeper. The C8 offers no appeal.

Hib Halverson

I'd be interested to hear more as I'm thinking about a C8 Z06 because my Wife is big into the ME exterior design.

Jtschnel

I'm waiting for the C8 ZR1 and really looking forward to it. This will be the 3rd ZR1 in the garage. I hope I don't become as disenchanted as some here, but if so it just won't get driven as much as the C7.

range96

When the C4 ZR-1 came out I got really excited about it, got one, loved it. When the C6 ZR1 came out I got really excited about it, got one, loved it. When the C7 ZR1 came out I got really excited about it, got one (7M), love it.

When the C8 ZR1 comes out I'll see if I get excited about it enough to get one or not to keep my C7 ZR1 company. I guess a few owners will replace their C7 ZR1 with the new generation and I predict they will regret it.

I highly doubt GM will revive the manual transmission.

frodoz737

My 2019 ZR1 is the first and only Corvette of any kind I have ever owned. Unless it is stolen or totaled...it will also be my last. Guess I'm just to easy to please.

TheRobSJ

Holy crap. Just swung for the fences in the first at bat. Much respect.

I’ve had Corvettes before. But when I picked up my ZR1, it was the first time I’d even driven a C7.

1Sikstik

I'm getting a new ZR1 eventually manual or not. It would be pretty cool if GM managed to build them with a manual but I don't think its in the future for the C8. I've got an early C8 Stingray and I like it a lot. Even though I enjoyed driving manual sports cars most of my life I've never been the type of driver that must have all cars manual. I will be a future C8 ZR1 owner but my C6 & 7 ZR1s aren't going anywhere. Each one of my Corvettes has its own sort of "personality" and I like that about them. But my Stingray will be the one I will reluctantly sell to make room for the new beast.

449er

You pretty much hit a home run with that purchase

TB427Z06

So I’ve been thinking about what is meant by the unthinkable is coming. My guess is the ZR1 Is really the Zora, a hybrid, twin turbo car with over 1000 hp and will be called the ZR1, so no variant called Zora. Kinda doesn’t make sense to have both at this point. I don’t think there will be a manual transmission either. If it is a hybrid the price will be over $200K, so too high for most people. I for one would not be willing to spend that much on a Corvette, nor would I want a hybrid. Just taking a guess at what unthinkable means for the C8ZR1.

TheRobSJ

Glad I’m not the only one who’s probably read too much into that “unthinkable” thing. This is a pretty good theory that they’ll just not bother with Zora and just make ZR1 the maximum effort car.

Not sure how strong the demand is for E Ray. I’m sure there’s quite a few customers out there that don’t want AWD and/or electrification. So forcing that setup onto the ZR1 could be a mistake. It would be better to keep them separate and still have a Zora.

Same thinking happens over at Porsche. Some people want the super screamer 9k redline GT3, but they don’t want the boy racer wing, so they have the Touring. Some want the full race car experience, so they have the RS. And now there’s some S/T version which is like a RS Touring. Porsche seems to be king of having so many variants of the same car.

TB427Z06

I give you credit for planting the seed about what is meant by the unthinkable is coming then I watched a video by horsepower obsessed speculating on the engine whether it was cross plane crank or flat plane crank. Sure sounds like a flat plane crank in recent spy videos. What kind of engine it has I don’t know but it sure doesn’t sound as good as the C7 ZR1. This got me thinking about what unthinkable meant. And you may be right that we’re reading too much into this unthinkable wording lol.

Lights ZR1

C6 ZR1 here, nothing about the C8 appeals to me.

Thomasmoto

I couldn't agree more. The C7's are the end of the road for me as well.

3rdgrey

Probably not. I'm not into paying gotta have it markups. ZO6'S are now being sold at MSRP at most dealers and tend to be available. I've never driven a C8. They look kinda of cramped . I'd rather have an Escalade V over a C8 ZR1.