Corvette ZR1 Auctioned for a Whopping Rs 32 Crore, And For a Very Special Reason

Chevrolet recently began taking orders for the 2025 Corvette ZR1, but it reserved the very first unit, VIN 001, to be auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona. Rick Hendrick, CEO of Hendrick Companies and owner of a NASCAR team, secured the vehicle with a winning bid of USD 3.7 million (roughly Rs 32 crore). The amount raised will go to the American Red Cross, which will use the funds for disaster relief efforts in regions impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. This sale matches a similar record donation set three years back during the auction of the first 2023 Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition. Hendrick has a history of purchasing notable Corvettes, having previously spent millions on the first 2020 Corvette Stingray and the initial Corvette Z06.

Commenting on the occasion, Scott Bell, Vice President, Global Chevrolet said, 'The 1064 hp Corvette ZR1 is the pinnacle of American engineering. We at Chevrolet are proud to work with Barrett-Jackson and the Red Cross so that the historic sale of this American icon benefits people whose lives were impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, and countless disasters across the country.'

Corvette ZR1: Mechanical Core

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is equipped with an advanced 5.5-litre flat-plane crank V8 engine that generates an astounding 1,064bhp at 7,000rpm and 1,123Nm of torque at 6,000rpm, thanks to its twin turbochargers. Power is transmitted via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Also Read: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Sets the Pace with 0 to 100 km/h in a Remarkable 2.3 Seconds

Chevrolet claims the ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 2.3 seconds and complete the quarter mile in just 9.6 seconds when fitted with the optional ZTK Performance Package. These impressive figures were achieved on a non-prepped dragstrip using 93-octane fuel and the Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres included in the ZTK package. This package enhances aerodynamics with a large carbon-fibre rear wing, front dive planes, and an extended hood Gurney lip, generating over 544 kg of downforce at the ZR1’s top speed of 375km/h, though at the cost of increased drag.

Corvette ZR1: Design and Interior

The bodywork of the ZR1 is characterised by striking aerodynamic elements, including a split rear window, which serves as a contemporary nod to a classic Corvette feature. The front trunk has been reimagined as a flow-through bonnet to improve cooling, while newly added side intakes for the rear brakes and exhaust vents enhance thermal management.

Also Read: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Unveiled with 5.5-litre V8 Twin-turbo Engine

Inside, the cabin maintains the familiar driver-oriented layout of the standard Corvette but with a more refined touch. At the centre of the dashboard, is an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen for controlling vehicle settings and connectivity features, paired with a sharp 12.3-inch digital display that provides clear and detailed driving information. The interior also features a subtle ZR1 emblem to reinforce its unique identity, along with a dedicated boost gauge in the digital cluster to monitor turbocharger pressure, optimising performance.