Corvette ZR1 Sets Record as Fastest American Car at 233 MPH

At 233 mph, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is now the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. Preproduction model shown.Photo byGeneral Motors

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 breaks speed barriers, hitting 233 mph and becoming the fastest car ever produced by an American automaker.

Corvette ZR1 Blazes to 233 MPH, Surpassing All Expectations

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has set a new benchmark for speed, becoming the fastest production car ever made by an American manufacturer. Reaching a staggering 233 mph at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) track in Germany, the ZR1 not only shattered previous Corvette records but also established itself as the fastest production car priced under $1 million.

Behind the wheel for the historic run was General Motors President Mark Reuss, whose effort pushed the ZR1 past expectations, achieving what lead engineer Chris Barber described as an "overachievement" for the Corvette team.

“This car actually overachieved,” Barber said. “We didn’t think 233 mph was in the cards.”

Engineering Excellence Drives the Record-Breaking Speed

The ZR1's incredible speed comes from its 1,064-horsepower, 5.5-liter twin-turbo LT7 V8 engine. Initially, the development team targeted a top speed of 220 mph. As testing progressed and the engine surpassed early projections, the team recalibrated their goal to 230 mph. Despite the demanding challenge, the decision to aim higher was unanimous among the Corvette engineers.

“Everybody said, ‘Let’s do the best we can do,’” Barber recalled.

The ATP track, located in northern Germany, was chosen for its high-speed potential. Its 7.6-mile course features curves banked nearly 50 degrees, creating a driving experience unlike any other. "Even NASCAR tracks don’t come close to 50-degree banking,” Barber noted. “At speeds over 200 mph, it’s incredibly intense—it feels like you’re glued to the ground.”

In practice, Barber himself hit over 230 mph on a one-way run. But official top-speed records require two runs in opposite directions to eliminate wind as a factor. That’s when Reuss took the wheel.

Top Speed Announcement | Corvette ZR1 | Chevrolet

Precision Performance with Factory-Stock Configuration

The ZR1 that set the record was completely factory stock, equipped with production-spec engine software, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and the standard aero package. According to Barber, the car’s stability made the extreme speed feel deceptively easy.

“It just feels like you’re going pretty fast on the highway,” Barber said. “Which is crazy to say, but that’s how good the car is.”

Reuss and Ken Morris, GM’s senior vice president, both accomplished race-car drivers, ran initial warm-up laps at 150 mph before taking on the high-speed test. Reuss reached 233 mph on both required runs, surpassing the team’s expectations.

“We actually didn’t think 233 was possible,” Barber admitted. “The fact that we exceeded the goal speaks to the confidence the car provides. It just felt easy to do something that sounds insane.”

A Historic Moment for Corvette and GM

The excitement was palpable as Reuss climbed out of the ZR1 and received the news of the official top speed. “Everyone was clapping—the excitement level was crazy,” Barber said. “This was one of those moments where the team was ecstatic. Having Mark Reuss as the driver made it even more special.”

The achievement not only cements the Corvette ZR1 as a symbol of American engineering excellence but also marks a historic moment for General Motors and the Corvette team. "It’s a big deal,” Barber said. “This is about more than setting a record—it’s about what the Corvette represents.”

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