Few, if any, American vehicle nameplates are more legendary than the Corvette. Originally a solid-axle muscle car that debuted in 1953 to a mixed reception, it has become a genuine supercar synonymous with speed, competition, American innovation, and sheer power. The 2025 model year marks the 73rd anniversary of the Corvette, making it the longest-running sports car of all time.
But in the modern automotive landscape, it’s all about choice, and the 2025 Chevy Corvette is no exception. When you head to your local Chevy dealer, you’ll find four Corvette models ready for a spin: the Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1. All of them are high-performance machines that will be the envy of your neighborhood—but which one should you be salivating over? I went under the hood with this guide to the 2025 Corvette lineup, showing how each delivers the adrenaline rush you’re looking for.
2025 Corvette Stingray: The Icon Lives On
Part of the eighth generation (“C8” to Corvette enthusiasts) for this mythical sports car beast, the 2025 Chevy Corvette Stingray remains a stalwart almost anyone would be proud to own. Every Stingray has a 6.2L V8 engine offering up to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, outpacing rivals like the Porsche 911 Carrera, Lotus Emira, and Lexus LC. With its eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, you’ll zip from zero to 60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds, leaving puny sedans and SUVs in the dust.
The suspension is equally impressive. The double wishbone control arms are made of aluminum for lightweight rigidity. Monotube shocks, a direct-acting rear stabilizer bar, and alloy wheels keep you glued to the pavement. You get a kickin’ cabin as well with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and the latest Chevy driver assistance technology. Want an even smoother ride? Add the Z51 Performance Package with Chevy’s Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) damping, upgraded cooling, Brembo brakes, and a high-downforce rear spoiler.
There are three trims of the 2025 Corvette Stingray: the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. Each is mechanically identical with the differences in the details. The Corvette Stingray 1LT has (by Corvette standards, anyway) the most basic setup. The Stingray 2LT steps up creature comforts with performance data and video recording, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Bose Audio system, a head-up display, and other goodies. For the most comfortable and stylish driving experience, get your hands on the Stingray 3LT with its leather and suede-wrapped interior and GT2 sport bucket seats.
2025 Corvette E-Ray: A Classic Goes Hybrid
The groundbreaking Corvette E-Ray first hit the streets for the 2024 model year and is back for another go-round. It combines an electric motor with the Stingray engine, bumping the total output to 655 hp and 595 lb-ft of torque that will take you from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Thanks to the electric motor on the front wheels, the E-Ray is the first Corvette ever to have all-wheel drive. If you want more traction and stability through corners—especially if the skies suddenly open—the E-Ray is your car.
The suspension and chassis are almost identical to the Stingray, but there are a couple tweaks. Notably, the MSRC system and carbon ceramic brakes become standard features for the E-Ray. A performance exhaust with an aggressive growl is included, too. Although you’re almost certainly not buying a Corvette for its fuel mileage, it’s worth pointing out that the hybrid technology gives the more powerful E-Ray almost identical fuel mileage to the Stingray, with both returning an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined. Getting 34% more horsepower while spending virtually the same amount on gas? Sign me up.
Like the Stingray, the Corvette E-Ray has three trims, this time called the 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ. The interior and exterior differences between these trims are the same as the Stingray—the higher the number, the more amenities you get to make your time behind the wheel unforgettable. There’s also a performance option for the E-Ray called the ZER Performance Package, which includes Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance summer tires instead of the standard performance all-seasons.
2025 Corvette Z06: A Race Car for the Streets
The Z06 has woven in and out of Corvette history since 1963, and Corvette fans were ecstatic when it rejoined the C8 family in 2023. It’s remained ever since, with the 2025 Corvette Z06 continuing the tradition of being an exotic race-ready street vehicle. It has the smallest engine in the lineup with a 5.5L naturally aspirated V8—but it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever offered in a production car. The Corvette Z06 has 670 hp, though torque drops slightly from the Stingray to 460 lb-ft. Still, this is one fast car, shooting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. You’ll feel yourself pushing into the seat as you press the gas pedal to the floor.
The Z06 also adds some suspension tweaks and style quirks. You get active handling stability and all-speed traction control to solidify the car-to-road connection, a performance-ratio rear axle to improve torque transfer, the performance exhaust from the E-Ray, and enhanced aero. Among the many customization options are racing stripes and front stinger stripes in multiple colors to give the Z06 a retro look. You can also switch to carbon fiber wheels to improve the power-to-weight ratio.
The available trims have the same naming convention and features as the Corvette E-Ray, with the 1LZ representing the “base” Z06 package and the 3LZ the ultimate “sport luxury” ‘Vette. Want more? Chevy offers the aptly named Z07 Performance Package with MSRC, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2R tires, and Brembo carbon ceramic brake. Add it up, and the Z06 is a car that can challenge European giants like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
2025 Corvette ZR1: The Fastest Corvette Ever
You never know when the ZR1 will pop up on the Corvette timeline—but when it does, it arrives with a bang. The sports car community went berserk when Chevy teased the 2025 Corvette ZR1, and now that more information has come out, I think the reaction was justified. The 5.5L V8 from the Corvette Z06 has been given a twin-turbocharged boost for mind-numbing power. Chevy is pegging the new ZR1 at 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque. Yes, that’s four-digit power from a small-block engine. Early claims are that the 2025 Corvette ZR1 will go from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 233 mph, a number even Chevy engineers weren’t sure was possible until they demonstrated it on the track.
Beyond this, Chevy has reduced the spring rates for a softer and more forgiving ride than the Z06. They also removed the frunk to improve engine cooling and downforce—after all, lots of power generates lots of heat. If you prefer a stiffer suspension, get the ZTK Performance Package, which is roughly equivalent to the Z07 in responsiveness. This kit adds an aero upgrade as well, with a large rear wing and front canards that can generate over 1,200 pounds of downforce to help control this wild animal of a hypercar. The full details still haven’t been released as I write this, but with a car so blazingly fast and nimble, the minor things take a backseat (at least they would if the Corvette had a backseat).
The Corvette Continues to Soar
When the C8 Corvette debuted, it was hailed as the best Corvette ever, winning awards from MotorTrend, Car and Driver, MotorWeek, and other respected industry names. Chevy has seized the reins and sailed into the 2020s with a Corvette lineup that has no weak links. Whether it’s the esteemed Corvette Stingray, the forward-thinking E-Ray, the track-ready Z06, or the boundary-breaking ZR1, you’re in for a treat. Every Corvette can also be purchased as a convertible to put the top down and enjoy the windy rush as you fly down the highway. If you ever get the chance to drive one, you’ll see why 2025 might be the biggest year yet for the historic Corvette.
