Next-Generation Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Could Offer 700 Horsepower

Just when you thought that the horsepower wars were over and that sports cars couldn't get more over-the-top in terms of engine production than they already were comes a report from Motor Trend that claims the next-generation edition of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will offer as much as 700 horsepower.  The C7 ZR1 will swap out 2013's LSA engine in favor of a supercharged edition of the new 6.2-liter LT1 V8 found in the base model 2013 'Vette.

If the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 attains such lofty horsepower heights, then the Z06 model Corvette is sure to follow.  In fact, rumors persist that the revised Corvette Z06 will feature a 600 horsepower naturally-aspirated version of its existing 7.0-litre V8 engine, which would be a fearsome package approaching the current ZR1's output and performance.  It will be at least a year, however, before the Z06 will debut, and the ZR1 isn't planned until after the Z06 'Vette has made a splash.

The biggest question associated with such exaggerated engine power is what effect it will actually have on performance.  The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a fearsome track weapon, but in the real world its ability to accelerate off of the line is severely limited by a lack of traction, which means it's no that much quicker to 100 km/h than the Z06 despite enjoying a 100-plus horsepower advantage.  Adding even more grunt to the mix would seem to exacerbate the physics problem associated with delivering rear-wheel drive grip in the face of such awesome output.