The roar of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 as it hit the track was more than just the sound of a powerful engine—it was the sound of history in the making. This Corvette was about to set new speed records for the iconic sports car brand, proving that the legacy of Corvette’s performance continues to push boundaries.
Chris Barber, lead development engineer for the ZR1, reported that the car was clocking in at 222 mph while taking on the banked turns at the high-speed test track in Papenburg, Germany. At this point, it had already beaten the previous top-speed record for any factory-stock Corvette by 10 mph, but the ZR1, with its mighty 1,064 horsepower, wasn’t done yet.
Available now at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, this revolutionary machine represents the pinnacle of Corvette engineering. Its performance capabilities are second to none, allowing thrill-seekers the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. But it wasn’t just its incredible horsepower or sleek design that made waves—it was the heart-pounding moment when the ZR1 reached an astounding 233 mph on the straightaway, solidifying its place as the fastest Corvette ever built.
A New Chapter for Corvette Performance
When the ZR1 transitioned from the banked curve to the 2.5-mile straightaway, General Motors President Mark Reuss was behind the wheel. As Reuss pressed the pedal to the floor, the car unleashed its full potential, rocketing to a record-breaking top speed of 233 mph. This remarkable achievement crowned the ZR1 as the fastest Corvette ever produced and also made it the fastest production car from any American automaker and the fastest car available for under $1 million.
Barber reflected on this feat with pride. "The car really outdid itself," he remarked, noting that when development on the C8-generation Corvette began, the engineers had initially set a top-speed goal of 220 mph. But as testing progressed, it became clear that the car’s 5.5-liter, flat-plane-crank, twin-turbo LT7 V8 engine exceeded all expectations.
After seeing the engine surpass its original horsepower target, the team decided to push the ZR1’s top speed goal even further, raising it to 230 mph. For Barber and his team, there was no hesitation. "Everyone was eager to push the car to its limits," he said. And that’s exactly what they did.
Papenburg: The Perfect Testing Ground
The team chose ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg, a high-speed oval test track in northwest Germany, as their proving ground. With steep, nearly 50-degree banked curves, the track was designed to test vehicles at extreme speeds. While the banking makes driving at 150 mph feel almost like cruising on a flat road, those banked turns become much more intense at speeds over 200 mph.
Barber took the ZR1 for a test run at Papenburg, reaching over 230 mph during practice. "Going into the banking was the most intense part," Barber recalled. "The force just pushes you into the ground. Even NASCAR tracks don’t come close to this."
Despite the extreme speeds, the ZR1 felt surprisingly stable throughout the test. Barber noted how composed the car was, even as it soared past 230 mph. The record-breaking vehicle was completely factory-stock, featuring standard engine software, the production aero package, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, which further demonstrated the car’s capabilities as a street-legal supercar.
"It honestly felt like driving fast on a regular highway," Barber remarked, highlighting how smooth the experience was at such high speeds.
A Historic Moment for Corvette
To help make history, General Motors President Mark Reuss and GM Senior Vice President Ken Morris—both experienced race-car drivers—participated in the testing. After a few warm-up laps at 150 mph to get comfortable with the car, Reuss was ready to push the ZR1 to its absolute limits. In two official runs, he managed to reach an incredible 233 mph, a speed that even surprised the development team.
"We didn’t think 233 was possible," Barber admitted. "That’s why the team was so excited. We not only met our goal—we went beyond it. The car gave us the confidence to push harder, and it felt natural."
As soon as Reuss stepped out of the car, he was met with applause and cheers from the Corvette team. The excitement was palpable.
"We’ve achieved a lot, but I’ve never seen the team this excited," Barber said, describing the atmosphere. "Having Mark Reuss behind the wheel just made it all the more special. This was a truly historic moment for the Corvette."
Own a Piece of History
Now, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is available for purchase at Jim Butler Chevrolet of St. Louis, offering car enthusiasts the opportunity to own a vehicle that has redefined American performance. With a top speed of 233 mph and world-class engineering, the ZR1 stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets passion. If you’re ready to experience the thrill of a record-breaking supercar, this is your chance to bring a piece of Corvette history home.