Chevy Claims the Corvette ZR1 Delivers 1,064 HP, But Dyno Tests Tell a Different Story | Carscoops

      Chevrolet’s 2026 ZR1 boasts exceptional performance figures on paper, but recent dynamometer tests suggest it may actually deliver more power than what is officially stated.

      According to Chevy, the 2026 ZR1 generates 1,064 hp at the crankshaft, while a test by Hennessey recorded 1,050 hp at the rear wheels. Another facility measured the output at 1,028 hp and 839 lb-ft at the wheels.

      The C8 Chevy Corvette ZR1 has redefined the capabilities of American supercars, achieving performance levels previously associated mostly with high-priced European models. New dyno tests indicate that the ZR1 might possess even greater power than Chevrolet claims.

      Officially, Chevrolet states that the ZR1’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft (1,122 Nm) of torque at the crankshaft, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.3 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds. Independent assessments have already demonstrated its ability to break below the 9.3-second threshold.

      Assessing the Accuracy of the Official Figures

      Recently, Hennessey Performance received a black 2026 Corvette ZR1, likely to serve as a basis for developing various performance enhancements. To measure the vehicle's power, it was tested on a rolling dyno, producing an impressive 1,050 hp and 821 lb-ft (1,113 Nm) of torque in fifth gear at the rear wheels.

      The exact powertrain losses of the new ZR1 remain uncertain, but if they hover around 15 percent, it could mean the engine is actually generating closer to 1,200 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,279 Nm), significantly above Chevy's claims. The dyno test occurred under conditions of 77°F and 26 percent humidity, indicating relatively normal circumstances.

      This isn't the first instance of a new ZR1 showcasing figures exceeding factory specifications. In June, another American performance shop reported 1,028 hp and 839 lb-ft (1,137 Nm) at the wheels during a similar evaluation.

      Of course, dyno results can vary due to numerous factors, including equipment calibration and environmental conditions. With only a few data points, it may be premature to assert that Chevrolet has underestimated the power of the V8 engine.

      What is undeniable is that the new ZR1 represents a legitimate hypercar contender at a more accessible price point. Furthermore, with the introduction of the ZR1X, which integrates an electric motor into the front axle, the range continues to expand its potential.