When it comes to first-world problems, buying a new supercar can be frustrating. Why? Because a better version is usually just around the corner. That may be the case here since the Corvette ZR1 just came out, but Chevy appears to be testing its true C8 flagship, the Zora. A fully camouflaged prototype of the mid-engined American has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring.
Our first impressions are of a ZR1 undergoing final evaluation. After all, it’s not unusual for automakers to launch a new model and still be testing weeks or even months after its official launch. The ZR1 debuted in late July, but production won’t begin until next year, so there’s still time to iron out any rough edges. However, there’s a yellow sticker on the engine cover that indicates the prototype is electric, whereas the ZR1 is not.
There are other, less obvious changes compared to the ZR1. Up front, the test car appears to have a vertically mounted cooling radiator, like the E-Ray all-wheel-drive hybrid. Zora or not, whatever it is, it’s a very fast car as it cruises down the Nordschleife at speed, passing several other prototypes in the process.
If you’re wondering why the engine is so quiet, there’s a logical explanation. See those downward-pointing quad exhaust tips? That’s to keep the prototype from violating track noise regulations that dictate cars can’t exceed 130 decibels. Many other Corvette test cars have had that in the past, and this Zora-to-be follows suit.
During our time with the ZR1, we noticed a gap in the center tunnel that could house the E-Ray’s 1.1 kWh battery. Additionally, the front cooling hoses bend around the area where you’d normally find an electric motor on a hybrid ‘Vette. Chief engineer Tadge Juechter even hinted at the prospect of other versions beyond the ZR1: “We’re still working on some things in the future.”
Pricing for the ZR1 is still a mystery, but Tadge Juechter has said that it will be “the most expensive Corvette we’ve ever built.” That doesn’t mean the Zora will be any cheaper, though. Since the chief engineer is retired, he won’t be part of the team when the Zora launches, so he won’t be included in “we.” Given the upgrades that come with combining the ZR1 with the E-Ray, the Zora will likely command a significant premium.
The ZR1 is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $180,000, so the Zora could easily reach the $200,000 range. Even at that price point, it would be hard to find another ICE-powered supercar with similar performance that isn’t significantly more expensive.
