Photo Credit: Chevrolet
For years, the rumor mill has predicted that the eighth-generation Corvette ZR1 would likely have an active aero system, much like some of its competitors.
But now that the upcoming 2025 1,064-horsepower ZR1 has officially been unveiled, that active aero system is actually nowhere to be found.
Now, thanks to a recent interview with recently retired Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter by GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, we know the reason why the ZR1 has a fixed aero system instead.
In a nutshell, it just wasn’t necessary.
“No active aero, we have fixed aero like you see on [Corvette] race cars,” Juechter told GM Authority. “It’s very, very powerful. The lift to drag ratio is very good.”
He says his engineering team discovered during development active aero would have been just for “aesthetic” purposes – which goes against the Corvette’s long-standing philosophy that everything on the car isn’t just for looks but is there to serve a legitimate purpose.
“Almost every active aero system we have actually had the opportunity to test is there to make an aesthetic possible,” Juechter said. “So when the active aero is deployed, it’s both lower drag and more downforce. So because it achieves both, why not just leave it deployed all the time? It’s not like trading one for the other.”
A carbon fiber splitter, rockers, intakes, and underwing are included on the standard aero system for the ZE1, but an optional ZTK package features a massive high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, a tall hood Gurney lip and underbody strakes.
Source:
GM Authority
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