2017 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – 700bhp supercar is last front-engined ‘Vette

Track-focused supercar will have a fixed rear wing and lightweight wheels; will be a rival to the Porsche 911 GT3

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the fastest ‘Vette to ever make production. It will get around 700bhp and have a massive, fixed rear wing and bulging bonnet.

The rival for the Porsche 911 GT3 will also have a new set of star-shaped alloys, which will be lighter than those fitted to the current fastest ‘Vette, the Z06.

The ZR1 will also have the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang and Dodge Challenger Hellcat in its sights, so expect its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 to be ramped up to produce more than 700bhp.

The car’s chassis will be adjusted to suit the demands of track driving, while the suspension will have harder settings for its magnetic ride control system, as well as stiffer anti-roll bars and springs.

A set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres will provide the mechanical bite required to get the car’s bespoke downforce package working. Along with the Corvette's GT3 racer-sized rear wing, the aero package will include a larger front splitter and bigger cooling ducts.

This test car looks to be using optional carbon-ceramic brakes, but the ZR1 will most likely come as standard with steel rotors.

Performance for the ZR1 will trump that of the Z06, so expect a 0-62mph time of around 2.9sec and a top speed of more than 186mph.

The new ZR1 is expected to be revealed next January at the 2017 Detroit motor show.

As the final model of the C7-generation car, the ZR1 will be the last front-engined Corvette to make production.

The C7’s successor, the 2018 C8, will adopt a mid-engined layout. A prototype for that car was spotted testing earlier this year.