The 10 Fastest Corvettes MotorTrend Has Ever Tested – Ultimate Speed List (2025 Update)

For over 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been the beating heart of American performance. From big-block beasts of the ’60s to today’s high-tech, mid-engine marvels, every generation has pushed the boundaries of speed.

MotorTrend has been testing Corvettes for decades, measuring 0–60 times, quarter-mile runs, and top speeds under strict SAE-certified conditions. After combing through their archives, here’s the definitive list of the 10 fastest Corvettes ever tested — plus some legendary outliers.

---

🏁 Quick Comparison Table – Fastest Corvettes at a Glance

---

1– 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1 – A Rare Muscle Car Legend

The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1 isn’t just another classic muscle car—it’s a near-mythical machine that combined the Corvette’s already impressive design with a race-ready, all-aluminum big-block V8. Built primarily for competition, only a handful of ZL-1 units ever saw the streets, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Corvettes in history.

Originally intended for racing under the FIA and SCCA regulations, the ZL-1 option package was never meant for mass production. Those lucky few who ordered it ended up with a street car that could outperform almost anything else on the road in 1969.

---

Key Features & Specs

• Engine: 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) all-aluminum big-block V8

• Horsepower: Officially rated at 430 hp, but actual output was closer to 500+ hp

• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox

• Performance: 0–60 mph in about 4.0 seconds (extremely quick for its time)

• Top Speed: Around 170 mph (273 km/h)

• Body & Chassis: Lightweight fiberglass body with upgraded suspension for racing stability

• Special Features:

  • Aluminum engine block and heads for reduced weight

  • Heavy-duty cooling system

  • Positraction rear axle

  • F41 performance suspension

• Production Numbers: Estimated only 2 factory-built ZL-1 Corvettes in 1969 (plus a few converted race cars)

• Original Price: Around $10,000 (extremely expensive for 1969)

💡 Fun Fact: The ZL-1 engine option alone cost more than a standard Corvette coupe, making it one of the most expensive performance upgrades of its era.

---

2 –2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible – 70th Anniversary Edition

Marking seven decades of Corvette heritage, the 2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible (70th Anniversary Edition) combines exotic supercar performance with the elegance and craftsmanship worthy of the brand’s milestone celebration. This special edition not only carries the C8 Z06’s cutting-edge technology and design but also features unique styling elements, premium materials, and exclusive badging to commemorate Corvette’s legacy since 1953.

The Z06 for 2023 is powered by one of the most impressive naturally aspirated V8s ever put into a production car, and the convertible body style means you can enjoy that symphony of power with the open sky above. This isn’t just a Corvette—it’s a rolling tribute to 70 years of performance innovation.

Key Features & Specs

• Engine: 5.5-liter LT6 naturally aspirated V8

• Horsepower: 670 hp @ 8,400 rpm

• Torque: 460 lb-ft

• Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

• Performance: 0–60 mph in just 2.6 seconds

• Top Speed: Around 189 mph (304 km/h)

• Body & Chassis: Mid-engine layout, lightweight aluminum structure, and active aerodynamics for maximum track performance

• 70th Anniversary Special Features:

  • Unique White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat or Carbon Flash Metallic exterior paint options

  • Ceramic leather GT2 or Competition Sport seats with sueded microfiber accents

  • Red stitching and 70th Anniversary logos throughout the cabin

  • Distinctive wheels with commemorative center caps

  • Special trunk and interior badging

• Convertible Advantage: Fully retractable hardtop that operates at speeds up to 30 mph, maintaining sleek lines even when down

• MSRP (Base Z06 Convertible): Starting around $112,000 (Special Edition cost higher)

💡 Fun Fact: The LT6 engine in the 2023 Z06 has a flat-plane crankshaft, giving it a Ferrari-like exhaust note and the highest horsepower rating for a naturally aspirated V8 in production car history.

---

3 – 2024 Corvette E-Ray

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray doesn’t just impress on paper—it delivers serious results on the strip. During testing, the E-Ray blasted through the quarter mile in just 10.6 seconds at 128 mph, putting it within striking distance of the second-fastest Corvette ever recorded.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the E-Ray’s curb weight—just shy of 4,000 pounds. On paper, that’s heavier than most Corvettes before it, but the E-Ray more than makes up for it with its instant electric torque and the relentless grip of its all-wheel-drive system.

This performance isn’t purely about raw horsepower—it’s the perfect demonstration of how smart engineering can outshine bigger numbers. Many Corvettes have packed more peak power, but few have been able to deliver such consistent, repeatable acceleration in real-world conditions. The combination of electric assist and AWD traction means the E-Ray launches with brutal efficiency, rocketing forward without a hint of wheelspin.

In short, the E-Ray proves that electrification isn’t a compromise—it’s an advantage. By blending the best of electric and gasoline power, Chevrolet has built a Corvette that can challenge supercars costing several times more, all while being comfortable enough to drive every day.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 10.5 sec @ ~129-130 mph (claimed); 10.6 sec @ 128 mph (tested)

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L LT2 V8 (495 hp) + 160-hp front electric motor = 655 hp total; 592 lb-ft combined torque.

• Drivetrain: Hybrid AWD, 8-speed dual-clutch auto

• Weight & Handling: Weighs ~3,912 lb; features all-season or optional summer tires; Stealth Mode for silent electric driving up to 45 mph; Charge+ mode keeps battery primed for drag launches.

What Makes It Unique: It’s the first AWD Corvette and fastest hybrid yet—blending combustion and electric power to outperform many predecessors while staying streetable.

---

4. 2019 Corvette ZR1 (C7)

Before the arrival of the hybrid-powered E-Ray, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 (C7) stood as the pinnacle of raw, old-school Corvette performance. Nicknamed the “King of the Hill,” the ZR1 represented the most extreme expression of Chevrolet’s front-engine Corvette formula—and it made no apologies about it.

Under the hood was a 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8, producing a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. This engine wasn’t just powerful—it was ferocious, delivering instant thrust with the shrieking whine of a massive 2.65-liter Eaton supercharger forcing air down its throat. The ZR1’s power was channeled to the rear wheels through either a seven-speed manual transmission (for purists) or an eight-speed automatic (for those seeking maximum speed).

Performance was every bit as wild as the numbers suggested. In testing, the 2019 ZR1 rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds and covered the quarter mile in roughly 10.8 seconds at speeds exceeding 130 mph. Top speed? An astonishing 212 mph, making it the fastest production Corvette of its era.

Visually, the C7 ZR1 was impossible to mistake for anything else. A towering carbon-fiber rear wing (optional in the ZTK Performance Package), aggressive front splitter, and expanded cooling ducts gave it an unmistakable track-focused presence. Inside, the cabin mixed driver-centric ergonomics with modern tech, though luxury was secondary to performance.

Where the ZR1 truly shined was on a race track. With magnetic ride suspension, massive carbon-ceramic brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, it could attack corners with surgical precision—though taming its rear-wheel-drive fury required a skilled driver.

Today, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 stands as the last front-engine, purely gasoline-powered flagship Corvette before the C8 mid-engine revolution. It’s a car that distilled the essence of American muscle into a package capable of running with Europe’s best, and for many enthusiasts, it remains the ultimate expression of Corvette’s traditional formula.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 10.8 sec @ 133.1 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L supercharged V8; 755 hp, 715 lb-ft

• Top Speed: 212 mph

• Feature Highlights: Supercharged “LT5”, aggressive aero including a massive rear wing, carbon-fiber components, and a chassis engineered to handle track-level stress.

Why It’s Legendary: The most powerful gas-only Corvette ever, it smashed through the 10-second barrier, boasting both drag-strip dominance and track credibility.

---

5. 2020 Corvette Stingray (C8)

The 2020 Corvette Stingray (C8) marked one of the most dramatic shifts in the Corvette’s history. After decades of front-engine tradition, Chevrolet made the bold move to adopt a mid-engine layout—a decision that instantly transformed the Corvette from an American muscle sports car into a legitimate rival for European exotics.

Powering the C8 Stingray was Chevrolet’s 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LT2 V8, producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the optional performance exhaust. While the numbers were slightly less than the C7 ZR1’s outrageous output, the mid-engine design fundamentally changed how the power was delivered and how the car handled.

Thanks to the improved weight distribution—around 40/60 front-to-rear—the 2020 Stingray could launch off the line with surprising ferocity. Equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, it hit 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and ran the quarter mile in roughly 11.2 seconds at around 121 mph. That’s supercar territory from a base Corvette, and it was achieved without forced induction.

The new layout also allowed for sharper handling and more precise cornering. With the engine behind the driver, the Stingray had a lower center of gravity, more planted rear traction, and improved stability at high speeds. Magnetic Ride Control, optional on the Stingray, further enhanced ride comfort and track composure.

Visually, the 2020 Stingray looked like no Corvette before it—low, wide, and exotic in proportion. The aggressive air intakes, sculpted side panels, and short, sloping nose gave it a presence more akin to a Ferrari or McLaren than its predecessors. Inside, the cabin was more premium than ever, with higher-quality materials, a digital driver display, and a driver-focused cockpit layout.

The 2020 C8 Stingray wasn’t just a new Corvette—it was a declaration that Chevrolet was ready to play on the global supercar stage. It set the stage for more extreme C8 variants like the Z06 and the hybrid E-Ray, proving that a Corvette could evolve radically while still staying true to its performance roots.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.1 sec @ 123.2 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L NA V8; 495 hp

• Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

• Significance: The first mid-engine Corvette. Superior weight balance, modern launch tech—and even the base model outpaces older top-tier Corvettes.

---

6. 2009 Corvette ZR1 (C6)

When the 2009 Corvette ZR1 (C6) debuted, it was nothing short of a shockwave in the performance car world. Codenamed the “Blue Devil” during development, this Corvette was the most powerful and fastest production car Chevrolet had ever built up to that point—and it wasn’t afraid to challenge Europe’s best.

At its heart was the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8, an engineering masterpiece producing 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. The Eaton TVS supercharger provided massive boost without excessive lag, giving the ZR1 a tidal wave of power from low RPM all the way to redline. Power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, reinforcing its pure driver’s car identity.

Performance figures were staggering for the time. The 2009 ZR1 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at over 130 mph, and reach a top speed of 205 mph. These numbers placed it firmly in supercar territory while costing a fraction of what European competitors charged.

Visually, the C6 ZR1 was distinguished by its clear polycarbonate hood window, which revealed the top of the LS9’s supercharger—a design flourish that became instantly iconic. Carbon-fiber body panels, including the roof, hood, and front splitter, helped keep weight down while giving the car a purposeful, aggressive look.

Handling was equally impressive thanks to Magnetic Ride Control, which provided a near-magical balance between track precision and road comfort. Massive carbon-ceramic brakes ensured the ZR1 could stop as hard as it could accelerate, making it a truly well-rounded performance machine.

The 2009 ZR1 represented the peak of the C6 generation and was a milestone for American engineering. It proved that a Corvette could go toe-to-toe with Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches—not just in a straight line, but on the track as well. Even today, it remains a beloved icon among enthusiasts for its blend of brute force, advanced technology, and unmistakable Corvette character.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.2 sec @ 130.5 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L supercharged LS9 V8; 638 hp

• Distinctive Touch: Exposed supercharger through hood’s polycarbonate window, carbon-fiber body panels, and advanced magnetic ride control systems.

---

7. 2015 Corvette Z06 (C7)

The 2015 Corvette Z06 (C7) is a high-performance American sports car that blends supercar-level speed with everyday drivability. Powered by a 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 producing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, it can accelerate from 0–60 mph in about 3 seconds. Available with either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, it features advanced aerodynamics, magnetic ride control, and aggressive styling. It’s one of the most track-capable Corvettes ever made, yet still comfortable enough for the street.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.2 sec @ 127 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L supercharged V8; 650 hp

• Major Upgrades: Track-capable aero (including Z07 package), and an 8-speed auto that matched power with refined control.

---

8. 2013 Corvette ZR1 (C6)

The 2013 Corvette ZR1 (C6) was the ultimate performance model of the sixth-generation Corvette and the fastest production Corvette of its era. Equipped with a 6.2L supercharged LS9 V8 producing 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, it could reach 0–60 mph in about 3.4 seconds and exceed 200 mph. Featuring carbon fiber body panels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, magnetic selective ride control, and a track-focused chassis, it delivered supercar performance while retaining the Corvette’s grand touring comfort. 2013 marked the final year of the C6 ZR1 before the C7 generation debuted.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.4 sec @ 128.8 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L supercharged V8; 638 hp

• Visual & Functional Edge: Carbon-fiber bodywork, huge wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and the “Blue Devil” persona—made to turn heads while topping the speed charts.

---

9. 2021 Corvette Stingray (C8)

The 2021 Corvette Stingray (C8) marked the second year of the revolutionary mid-engine Corvette design. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 producing 490 horsepower (495 with the performance exhaust) and paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, it delivers 0–60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds. With its exotic supercar proportions, advanced aerodynamics, and driver-focused cockpit, the C8 offers world-class performance at a fraction of the price of European rivals. The 2021 model also introduced new colors, tech upgrades, and the available Magnetic Ride Control without the Z51 package.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.4 sec @ 120.4 mph

• Engine & Power: 6.2 L NA V8; 495 hp

• Note: Same C8 platform as the 2020 model, but slight performance variance due to track conditions, tires, and setup.

---

10. 2006 Corvette Z06 (C6)

The 2006 Corvette Z06 (C6) was the first high-performance Z06 of the sixth-generation Corvette, engineered with a strong focus on track capability. It featured a 7.0L naturally aspirated LS7 V8 producing 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever in a production Corvette at the time. Weighing around 3,130 lbs thanks to an aluminum frame, magnesium roof structure, and carbon fiber body panels, it could sprint from 0–60 mph in about 3.7 seconds and reach over 190 mph. The 2006 Z06 combined raw power, light weight, and precise handling, earning a reputation as a true driver’s car.

• Quarter-Mile / Trap Speed: 11.5 sec @ 127.1 mph

• Engine & Power: 7.0 L LS7 V8; 505 hp, 470 lb-ft

• Signature Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, a high-revving big-block, and near-perfect driver engagement—making it a favorite among purists.

---

Unlocking the Secrets of Corvette Speed

1. Weight Distribution & Traction

The leap from front-engine to mid-engine in the C8 generation proved transformative—Corvettes could now put power down with the same confidence as global supercars.

2. Power Density & Boost Tech

Supercharged V8s in the ZR1 and Z06 models pushed horsepower into high-six-figures, while forced induction delivered punchy torque that translated into insane midrange punch.

3. Next-Level Launch Systems

Dual-clutch transmissions paired with launch control systems deliver consistency and brutal starts—even from these beasts, it’s all zero-fault delivery.

4. Evolution of Tires

Remember, horses are nothing without traction. As tire technology advanced, so did the Corvettes’ ability to hook and shove.

5. Legacy vs. Innovation

From 1969’s race-bred ZL-1 to 2024’s hybrid E-Ray, the Corvette has never stopped evolving—each chapter rewriting what we expect from a performance legend.

---