The new Corvette ZR1 has just hit 233mph with GM’s president at the wheel

Still under the impression that Corvettes aren’t ‘real’ supercars? You’ll be pleased to know the new C8-generation ZR1 has just topped 233mph during a top-speed run at the High Speed Oval in Papenberg, Germany. Two hundred and thirty-three miles per hour.

That’s an extra large slice of humble pie for anyone who still believes the Corvette hasn’t transitioned into supercar territory these days. In fact, that number pushes it beyond the likes of the Gordon Murray T.50 and the Pagani Utopia.

Taking the wheel was General Motors president Mark Reuss, and in the Instagram reel posted for evidence (here), he was even joined by Jeff Gordon. Because who doesn’t need a bit of emotional support from a four-time NASCAR champ at a time like this?

As for the car itself, the ZR1 packs Chevy’s most powerful engine ever: a 1,064bhp/828lb ft flat-plane V8 dubbed the ‘LT7’. It’s big, it’s angry and it revs to 7,000rpm. Despite adopting the same basic architecture as its LT6 forebear, it has upgraded ports, a larger combustion chamber and better valve timing, among other changes. 

Chevy’s engineers even created a unique ‘Top Speed Mode’ for use on closed roads, which adjusts the chassis settings to unlock a bit more high-end pace when needed, like for this test. The car was also equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and had its rear wing swapped out for the smaller, more aero-friendly alternative.

Reckon the T.50 or the Utopia can catch the ZR1 with a pat on the back from Mr Gordon?