The Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Vette Ever! | TEST DRIVE

The new ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette ever with 765hp from a 6.2l Supercharged V8 and capable of a top speed up to 212mph! The ultimate track-focused variant of the C7 Corvette packs radical carbon fibre aero in a car that comes in at $124,000 - but, what's it like?
Join me at SMS Design and Performance to take a Corvette ZR1 with ZTK package with the low-drag wing for a drive to discover all about it. Kicking off with a walkaround to take in details like the engine bay where the carbon top cover makes part of the bonnet, to the facts and figures, it's then time to bring it into life. Out on the roads in a small convoy with a 911 GT3 and a WRX STi we go exploring and can take in the thunderous V8 grumble as well as the sheer ferocity of the power with 755bhp (765PS) and 969nm - incredible numbers and substantially up from the 650PS and 881nm of the previous Corvette Z06.
The most impressive thing though has to be the sheer amount of power and performance that's available for the money, with the fixed roof ZR1 starting at $120k and the convertible at $124k.
Thanks goes to SMS Design and Performance for hosting my visit:
/ smsdesignandperformance
Thanks for watching, Tim
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[@Shmee150]

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 packs a fairly incredible punch for its price tag! As the fastest Corvette ever made, it produces 765PS and 969nm which can get it to a top speed of 212mph (341km/h). Since seeing it at the reveal I've been looking forward to an opportunity to get behind the wheel to find out what it's really like - join me to find out!

[@Shmee150]

Johan, you can follow the Instagram stories and you will always know

[@millcherbendanillo8517]

Shmee which one would you choose between this zr1 or the new gt500?

[@olivermaier8675]

@@johansorensen8234 Models until 31.08.2018 should be possible. It dures still a couple of months, then will the first zr1's be on the road in EU.

[@NewHandle_]

Why is there paddles if it's manual

[@morpheus232001]

@@NewHandle_ They aren't for shifting. They're switches for rev matching

[@nicklaw2807]

Shmee!!! You missed it. You need to press the traction control button twice rapidly to put the car in performance traction management. There was still more power left on the table.

[@davidjames6247]

I purchased a manual ZR1 last October...over the past six years I have owned and tracked at Road Atlanta or Daytona Rolex: 2014 Porsche TTS 2014 Audi R8V10+ 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo Spider LP570-2 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia 2015 Lambo Huracan 610-4 2015 McLaren 650S Spider 2018 AMG GTR Some very impressive performing supercars BUT NOT ONE of them created the RUSH that this ZR1 gives me! It just simply checks ALL my boxes for me. The short throw Tremec 7 speed manual with rev matching is just OUTRAGEOUS! Don't pass up a chance to experience this car if you get the chance to drive one. Back to Road Atlanta in three weeks with a new set of Michelin Cup 2 tires and can't wait 😁

[@mtnvalley9298]

Hmm. Porsche TTS? probably meant Audi, and Instagram is better for bragging than YT.

[@davidjames6247]

@@mtnvalley9298 In car "lingo" TTS for those that understand means Porsche TWIN TURBO S. The Audi TTS doesn't quite make the supercar list.

[@mtnvalley9298]

Thanks for clearing that up. lol.@@davidjames6247

[@gamezahoy712]

@@davidjames6247 twin turbo s bro your ssuch a troll. First of all yhe prosche is called a turbo s. And turbo. The turbo has 1 the s has 2. Please dont be spreading around bs.

[@localsharkboy3866]

David James XD

[@GTIracerr]

124.000 dollar. If only. In Holland this car would be over 200.000 euro's. Due to our car hating government. Awesome that these cars exist. I enjoy them through your video's! ;)

[@jamesedwards1284]

GTIracerr netherlands* holland is a province The Netherlands is the country.

[@angelanaya5964]

Pfft! I live in Puerto Rico, a small island in the Caribbean, a US territory and that Corvette here, is $229k.

[@jamesedwards1284]

angel anaya that’s actually less than 200k euros

[@angelanaya5964]

@@jamesedwards1284 isn't it a bit over 200k euro? My point by what the original poster wrote complaining about his government hating cars, where I live, being a US territory and closer to where he is, the cars get ridiculously taxed here making them way too expensive.

[@smminco]

@@jamesedwards1284 no it's not

[@sgtjay]

More like $149,000 for the right spec. I just specked one out yesterday. May be the best corvette ever made!

[@Shmee150]

Still, amazingly impressive for the money

[@gamecock2465]

Sgt Jay 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sgtjay]

Agree 1000%! Love your reviews!

[@michaeljkasnter]

Has to be, just wish the feel was Porsche like

[@byates59]

@Janusha ... There have been 7 generations of the Corvette since 1953 when the first Corvettes rolled off of the assembly line, so when Sgt Jay says it's the best Corvette ever made he is comparing this C7 ZR1 to all the other Corvettes from the beginning in 1953 until now!

[@gamecock2465]

The ZTK package with the big wing looks so much better on the ZR1.

[@Shmee150]

The problem with the big wing is that it reduces top speed

[@gamecock2465]

Shmee150 so true. Great review Shmee!👍🏻

[@gamecock2465]

How much exactly does the big wing decrease the top speed by anyway? 1-2% is what I’d imagine.

[@convex7456]

@@gamecock2465 keeps it under 200mph i think. Idk

[@leagoproductions2367]

It looks like the C7 ZR1 has two wings placed on top of each other.

[@Watsonincorporated]

I'm SO glad you did this video, as it's my dream supercar! People might say it's the poor man's supercar since it's 3x less money than a Lamborghini, but if I had the money, this would be my first choice for a supercar because of that beautiful American V8 sound, quick acceleration, detachable roof, and a manual transmission. I like the manual transmission because you feel like you're in total control of the car and it's more engaging than just some simple paddle shifters or an automatic.

[@DJones476]

There are only three things that make a car a supercar: performance, performance, and performance. The ZR-1 definitely qualifies.

[@DanielSadjadian]

Great sounding V8.

[@EclipseShotz]

No joke someone drove a bright orange ZR1 with the big wing to my community college this past Wednesday. Walked past it in our parking garage

[@jamespugh]

Finally a American car. Yes Corvette zr1 is top of the line love what u get from them. Buy them know before c8 drops and go mid engine

[@AButlerr]

That thing is a monster

[@malcolmar]

Simply BEAUTIFUL and with a proper 7 speed manual gear box. Bravo GM. Bravo.

[@ryanbarr2977]

What a beautiful piece of machinery. They nailed it on this one. I want this exact color combo to.

[@tculture3670]

As a corvette owner for 40 years, the interior is typical, the power the ride and the price is what sets it apart from other cars in its class, I've been in porsches, ferrari and jacquars and the corvette offers a different feeling, drive one for a while and you'll understand the difference. looking forward to your next video.

[@slickrick2392]

Its about time we see some serious American supercars!!!

[@glenn-erikhernar2494]

Slick Rick You would see American supercars if USA built supercars. But they dont.

[@burgerbandit3646]

@@glenn-erikhernar2494 slap yourself

[@Andi_Knight]

@@glenn-erikhernar2494 Except they do. The Ford GT, C7 ZR1 and Viper ACR are just a few examples

[@Rev_1776_]

@glen: 😳Hello?🔥Hennessy Venom, Saleen S7, SSC Aero 🔥 ->USA!!😳

[@laloxboxful]

Looks waaay better with the high wing

[@truthserum9456]

Naah it does not.

[@ShadowGodOfDarkness]

@@truthserum9456 it kinda does. Low drag set-up kinda defeats the purpose of this car

[@truthserum9456]

Sure it does if you plan on going 150 mph. Very doubtful as most owners are trophy drivers on their way for a latte lol

[@localsharkboy3866]

grae rg no it dosent makes it look like it just visited Japan.

[@truthserum9456]

Can you not spell correctly? Doesn't not dosent. Maybe you need to hto Japan to learn proper English.

[@raullasvegas]

That place behind the screen is for a handgun. The cars from Merica after all.

[@michaelsullivan1703]

or safe, secure storage for a cell phone, but we're too busy shooting people to use them.

[@thomascampr]

STICK SHIFT BABY!!

[@patrickr8890]

That car is a beauty! I would definitely buy one, because you get a lot of bang for the buck.

[@TheGreener121]

I think you should get one of these over the GT500. This is the last front engined/ RWD Corvette, probably not a bad investment.

[@HeliSal700]

Yes, it sounds great, but sorry, it's just old school. It's just OLD! I will get some hate comments here, but I'm living on a planet, which cannot sustain such cars anymore. I love supercars and I love great engine sound. Don't get me wrong. But we have to move to the next level. Please go ahead and let behind such sexy, cool sounding monsters, as they are from yesterday. I would love to see more of modern stuff, like the NIO EP9 or other more modern stuff. Tim, did you look what Audio and Abt is doing during the last 12 months with electric and hybrid cars? There is awesome stuff around.

[@jonesmcooper1]

I had the chance to drive a Z06 on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, in North Carolina, it's a very powerful car and extremely loud!

[@Keagan-Z06]

I wish you could do another short review of it while really getting into it. You unlocked maybe 65% of that cars potential. I know your not trying to get locked up, so I understand. The ZR1 is America’s bad boy! Probably the last highest HP manual available in a coupe and vert!

[@sicebim1]

This is actually beautiful. Black and silver colour combination works very well.

[@MrTimeless101]

Low wing actually looks better.

[@LucidFlameX]

That huge, roaring V8 is a thing of beauty.

[@Blackout_1692]

Don't see a lot of American cars on the channel but this one I'm truly proud of

[@Shmee150]

Exactly why I was keen to drive it!

[@miguela.alvarez7284]

You forgot it's gorgeous. 😁😎

[@daviddavid3007]

Shmee you never sleep. Everytime i a m in there goes a new video. Still really thanks because i am watching them. Sorry for my english.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

The ZR-1 is the BEST bang for the buck when it comes to Hyper Cars. !! I just drove a 2019 that had every option as well as a modified super charger. Dyno runs over 850 HP..!! This is a track car just by changing wheels and sticky tires..!! Yes Tim.. the interiors are high quality from the USA..!!

[@OxygenGenetics]

The ZTK big wing aero pack also has slight differences in the front with even more aggressive aero. Makes it look 10x better imho. Been waiting for your drive in one of these, glad it was a manual too!

[@JnixMarshel]

Still have a mans'mission that's awesome.

[@JamesYoung61]

Tim, most Corvette owners consider them as project cars from the git go, my C4 ZR1 has a 4:10 ratio rear end (with speedo correction gears in my ZF gearbox), Morrison Racing EPROM, cold air, etc. Hook up with Kyle form 1320 video and go for a ride in his ZR1 or SuperSpeeder Rob, or Matt Farrera.

[@DZRIDEZ]

Great review Shmee..as you can probably see by my profile pic I just took delivery of my ZR1 a little over a month ago. Because of weather here on the east coast of the US of course it’s winter so haven’t been able to enjoy it much but the one time that I have driven it I’ve had a smile on my face non stop! This car is just so powerful that it demands respect! I will be doing a review of it on my channel once the weather breaks to give my impressions of this beast!

[@calinpopescu191]

This has to be one of my favourite Shmee episodes. Basically what I wanted SaabKyle's videos to be.

[@JerryJrsGarage]

This Vette has turned things up a notch once again the ZR-1 is breaking records.

[@svtxj9921]

The C7 z06’s gurney flap wing is the best looking.

[@gsmith207]

I got one and she will scare the livin’ bleep outta ya! It’s a beast for sure. Thanks for review Shmee!

[@greigsanderson9673]

Stunning car and performance, honking interior though. It looks like a car from the 80's. Honking. With the low wing the top speed is close to 220 mph.

[@limulus61]

It may seem strange to have the paddles for rev matching on a manual car, but at least they still have a function. Think about a Porsche: I have one and they all have blank buttons on the console. At least 991 series and older. I've never been able to figure out what could go into some of the dead button slots and I have most of the options that would occupy those button slots. For cars that cost so much money, why did they do that?

[@boots_n_coots]

Just FYI, there are dealers in the US now offering brand new 2018 C7 Corvettes (in basic 460HP 1LT spec) for $50K. If that ain’t the performance car bargain of the century then I don’t know what is. Oh and thanks Shmee for all your hard work, it is appreciated!

[@Shmee150]

That's genuinely ridiculous as a concept for us here in Europe; nothing like that for the money out there

[@allensaunders449]

To bad you didn't get a shot at track version with thee big wing still nice for the money especially. Knew you'd be driving this car at sometime. Sometime on the track hopefully

[@tariq7408]

Says that the car has a lack of steering feel... but is only switching lanes on a freeway... I don't- I don't understand...

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome Corvette ZR1. Thanks for showing it Shmee.

[@stuch77777]

you could have tighten up the steering in the computer on the display. for instance if in sport mode you could put the steering in track mode.

[@snuggleseal]

look at you with your carbon fibre sunglasses, lmao

[@topgun8683]

This car is like your GT8, but with more power! 😎

[@DarkTranqz]

ZR1 is the fastest Corvette. In other news, water is wet and the sky is blue. Back to you, Tom. Also, I don't care what anyone says, you just can't beat the sound of a V8. I love the way Lambos and V12's sound, don't get me wrong. But, there's just something so animalistic and primal about how a V8 sounds, like the Corvette's. It just makes you feel so god damn manly and powerful, it's unbelievable lol.

[@CHUUMPASS]

it is not just "incredible for its price tag", it is simply incredible in any regard ! but of course, that so much power, and hypercar humiliating performance can be had for that little amount of money makes it all the more so incredible !

[@nickdrivesamiata7767]

I love this car and hope to own one some day. For now i'm looking into a c7 grand sport or c6 z06 as my first sports car. Would totally get a zr1 if i could afford it!

[@mycorvettelife]

Good luck on your search!

[@nickdrivesamiata7767]

@@mycorvettelife Thanks! I'll probably wait til after the C8 arrives and prices on the older gens will drop a little.

[@paulletchworth8127]

Best job anyone has done reviewing the ZR1 , great car for the money 👍

[@leagoproductions2367]

That’s my most favorite Chevy ever so far and I see the normal Corvettes more often since I’m in America... I don’t know how many 2019 ZR1 Corvettes are in Washington, I wish I could see one.

[@Lightfu11]

Add to the garage ZR1 sounds so good :)

[@jamespugh]

Not advaliabe in uk

[@1991SupraTTR]

I was hoping you'd say. "I just ordered one"

[@TheSmitty62]

I don't think you can own a ZR1 in Europe

[@Arthagnou]

hood height kills the cars ability to be sold in europe...but they probably wouldnt have sold more than a few hundred in europe anyway.

[@ebglua6804]

$124,000 is just about 80 to 90 Grand here in the UK. That's what I love about muscle cars from the USA. You get a lot of performance and car for your money so when people come to the US, screw supercars and go for V8 muscle.

[@rickb9238]

Very nice car especially for the money. It might not be a Ferrari or Lamborghini or any number of other so called Super Cars but if I was younger, I’m 73, I would love to own one. As usual nice test. Too bad you couldn’t really get into it though.👍👍

[@MrSlash00r]

I'm not a huge Corvette fan but this is certainly a monster - love the fact that you can still get it in manual, whereas most of it's exotic contemporaries have eschewed .. which effectively keeps it on my wish list. That sound when you ran out 2nd gear .. oh man

[@brandonpayne7240]

That storage behind the screen is cool. I know what I would have there but that’s just me lol

[@gaven0110]

It's a good place to keep a pistol, if you have your concealed carry license.

[@brandonpayne7240]

Agreed. But unfortunately as medical marijuana user can’t have their concealed carry. Because I would be such a danger.. it’s ridiculous and a way to take rights. I don’t have ccw yet but want to eventually and “self medicate” for lack of Better words until my stages laws change.

[@brandonpayne7240]

I imagine being caught with both in their would be used as evidence as a negative or some crime when it’s just safe keeping if two things that can be used responsibly.

[@gaven0110]

@@brandonpayne7240 I can see how that could be an issue lol.

[@bmx687]

Condoms?

[@TheDopestMr]

To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of American supercars but this one has a lot of impressive numbers

[@youcdtube]

Hello hello Mr. Shmee, Yes and the C8 midengine Zora Twin Turbo will be of even by far greater value my European wife who shops for value always, will probably approve of this one some day.

[@JasonJolo98]

Reading how you need your wife's approval to buy a car? A little piece of me died reading that. @Cobratate, @andrewtate

[@repairdrive]

Looks much better with that spoiler than the ridiculous boy racer one.

[@philipguacci6452]

I have always wanted a corvette. They would be seriously expensive in Australia. Already $200k is being talked of for a base model from a Holden dealership. You can get a lot better for a lot less money as you have shown us. Cheers.

[@FalconXE302]

From the inside, the ZR1 is always one of the best sounding cars on Video's. Killer looks on the outside to boot.

[@Bluenose372]

Sweet ride, especially for the money, finish inside getting better and better too... yes please

[@DreamCarsPro]

Wow! One of the fastest serial American cars!

[@billthompson9595]

i most certainly would buy one, however i purchased a new grand sport model. This model has everything with the exception of the 750hp which i would never use legally. thanks for your time.

[@jferro113]

this video put a smile on my face

[@themonk1327]

With Rev Match on, it not only blips the throttle on down shits, when up shifting it keeps the revs from dropping too.

[@GhostHawk76]

Believe it or not, with this car he was able to take tour in the whole of Kingdom of Bahrain in less than one hour and one filled tank..

[@05milmachine90]

Thank you for finally driving one of these on your channel. I would have a ZR1 right next to a Ford GT in my dream garage.

[@byates59]

The Corvette ZR1 is one of my favorite cars, thanks for the video!

[@black_hearted6925]

Doesn’t use all horsepower until after 500 miles & low wing speed is rated at 218.73 mph with some left. 😍

[@iabarrera]

It sounds so good!! Shmee driving American muscle 😎

[@SkynetGeneral]

*supercar.

[@glenn-erikhernar2494]

Ian Fedele But he will never buy one.

[@Andi_Knight]

The Corvette has never been a Muscle Car. It was always a supercar

[@mycorvettelife]

ZR1 is King

[@redtesta]

its fantastic and its track times are insane

[@Guptajixo]

Guys at texas have one in the making

[@luisroig8884]

Far as options I notice the Corvette gives you more bang per buck then almost any other super car out...

[@lukeslater3469]

The ZR-1 is SICK😎👍🏻👍🏻. 755hp Yes Pls.

[@ibarryuno4107]

1:40 So satisfying when you start rambling on al those figures

[@GabrielBourke]

Did you just spittle twice onto the dashboard at 5:09 and 5:10 on the video counter??

[@nn-hz5cp]

Haha yes he is spitting while talking 😅

[@rasmusagerholm3177]

And 3:58.

[@michaeljkasnter]

He forgot to swallow

[@sonnyreddevil69]

He does it all the time I’ve noticed so many times,so off putting lol

[@hyattgotti3052]

Naaah that's what happens when you around such a sexy beast,.. You drool

[@cywoods60]

My, My, My, Shmee you did it again another outstanding review. What I really love about your reviews is how excited you truly get in some of your reviews. This review you hit that level. You really sold me on a car that I really want. TFS

[@asuraborn]

If it's a manual what are the paddles for then??

[@giraffesofluffy8070]

They just didn't bother to make two steering wheel so they put the paddle for the auto rev match on the manual

[@ewanshackleton2897]

To control the Rev match for the gearbox

[@tltl8461]

You surprise us with variety of models and makes that's cool.... Such an easy simple car but that windscreen speedo G force display is epic All cars should have it as an option on/off.

[@NoirSavant]

you were spitting everywhere this video

[@studio-flash]

Your smile when hearing the Corvette V8..haaaa...cool...

[@alonsopadilla9803]

What camera do you use for inside the car??🔥

[@kumarankarth86]

Most potent legendary american road weapon thrashing around in style.

[@georgechisholm3723]

You can adjust steering in settings on the screen.

[@victorvandyke9898]

Hey Shmee, another great video. The only comment I have about the car is the camera setting. You showed forward and backwards views, it needs to show the ground in front of the car showing curbs and other objects that might damage that expensive carbon front spoiler. I can only imagine hassle you'd have to go through constantly replacing that thing.

[@Bahraini_Carguy]

It's funny seeing shmee recording a video in the same garage that one of my relatives works there. That and meeting the garage owner along with some of his friends that I met before. That being said, I haven't seen this current gen ZR1 yet but knowing how popular corvettes are in Bahrain, I might see one someday.

[@jrgenjrgen1165]

Look in the background! The Mother of all trailers. Oh the Vette is also cool.

[@sanjaymehta6948]

To be clear, this version is not equipped with the Zed TK track package. If it were, it would have the high wing, front splitter extensions, and Cup2 tires.

[@localsharkboy3866]

The thing is beautiful!!! Sounds great looks great performs great!!!

[@ChasingGiants23]

THAT THING IS TOTALLY SICK. I SO WANT ONE!. WOULD RICK IF YOU GOT ONE. SUITS YOU BIG TIME

[@HIlovejourney]

My Dream car😍

[@styleemusic]

Ahh the sweet sound of Texas roads

[@KollektorKahn]

It would be cooler if it had the ZTK carbon fiber preference package.

[@CCGR-2024]

Shquad! What’s not to like? Sounds like the perfect car for someone to keep in Abu Dhabi for occasional trips out there? Just saying, it is something you could think about? Great video and it is always fun watching you play with American muscle. Cheers!

[@JamesK1963]

I used to be a Porsche snob, but I think I like the ZR1 better than any 911 except maybe the GT2 RS.

[@zmc6774]

Gotta love some good ol American v8