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What’s the fastest Corvette ever made? The answer might surprise you. The Chevrolet product has long been an icon of the sports car world, with sky-high price tags and scorching speeds. The best ones can accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds! Here’s what you need to know about the fastest Corvette models in the world.
What Are the Fastest Corvette Models?
‘Vettes have been a Chevrolet mainstay for over 70 years. Since 1953, the checkered and red Chevy flags have roared across America’s highways. So, what is the fastest Corvette in the company’s history? Here are the top 10 to take for a spin.
10. 2005 C6 Z06
If you’re considering buying a slightly older Corvette but still want something with good performance, look at the 2005 C6 Z06. It’s almost 20 years old, but it packs a big punch. The 2005 Z06 has a top speed of 199 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Its 6th-gen engine pushes over 500 horsepower and makes up for monstrosities like the Chevrolet Vega.
The 2005 Z06 was hugely popular when Corvette originally released it, and many consider it part of a “golden age” for Corvette. It remains one of the coolest Corvettes you can buy. The handling is firm and stable, even when taking corners. It’s fairly attainable as far as high-end Corvettes go, too. The starting price in 2005 was only $65,800, so you can expect used models to cost significantly less than that, often between $20,000 and $40,000.
9. 2017 C7 Z06
The 2017 C7 Z06 might not be the fastest Corvette model, but it’s still easily in the top 10 and much more affordable than some competitors. Starting around $52,000, this slick sports car delivers awesome performance. It has a top speed of 197 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds or less.
The 2017 Z06 is known for its quick, grippy handling and smooth automatic transmission. Inside, it has an adaptable digital heads-up display showing everything from your speedometer to live GPS directions. Those looking for the top-of-the-line version of this model should go for the classy Grand Sport edition. With seven transmission speeds, it’s hard to go wrong with this blazing model.
8. 2011 C6 Z06 Carbon Edition
The special Carbon Edition of the 2011 C6 Z06 gave the 6th-gen Z06 a notable boost in performance thanks to some premium upgrades. This limited edition model was designed for the track and has lighter construction throughout. It has a top speed of 198 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. If you wonder how fast a Corvette is, just look at this model.
The carbon fiber build of this special edition makes it competitive with the more premium ZR1 in quality and performance. It can be tricky to find one for sale due to the small number of production models that Chevrolet manufactures. If you can get your hands on a 2011 Z06 Carbon in good condition, though, it’s sure to impress.
7. 2009 Z06 GT1 Championship Edition
The 2009 Z06 GT1 Championship Edition is a special model of the 6th-gen Z06 designed to compete with top European supercars, such as Ferrari. It is a limited edition production car, so it can be tough to find on the market. The Z06 model was originally priced around $85,000, but used models typically cost around $60,000 today. Do you have enough cash to fork over?
With a top speed of 200 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, the Z06 GT1 Championship is a powerful car. It was built to commemorate Corvette’s success on the track in the Le Mans racing series. That history definitely shows in the design, particularly the iconic yellow version of this model. Sleekness and speed combine in one of the fastest Corvette models of the 2000s.
6. 2013 C6 ZR1
The 2013 ZR1 is surprisingly competitive with its 8th-generation 2019 descendant. The 6th-gen engine on the 2013 ZR1 can hit up to 205 mph with an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Even a decade after its original release, this model can still perform with the best. In fact, it’s competitive with other luxury automakers like Lamborghini and Maserati.
So, if you’re looking for a top-notch Corvette but can’t get your hands on a C7 or C8 model, the C6 ZR1 is worth checking out. Its original MSRP could go over $100,000, but used models can be found for less than that today. Like other Corvettes of the time, this fast vehicle has rear-wheel drive to aid acceleration and maintain traction.
5. 2020 C8 Stingray
If you’re looking for your first supercar, the 2020 C8 Stingray is worth a spin around the block. It’s one of the fastest Corvette models in 2025 and one of the most affordable sports cars, with a starting price around $60,000. This model has a top speed of 194 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. How’s that for a speed test?
The Stingray has a mid-engine design and a silhouette reminiscent of European sports cars, two features that make it a hit with many drivers. The V8 engine delivers 490 horsepower, and the engine is RWD. There are also excellent utility features, such as front and back trunks and an incredibly smooth tour mode. The 2020 C8 Stingray may have seen dipped sales numbers in 2020, but its performance legacy will remain permanently intact.
4. 2019 C7 ZR1
The 2019 Corvette C7 ZR1 was a hit when it came out and remains one of the fastest and coolest models you can buy. On top speed alone, this is the second-fastest Corvette ever made, although the E-Ray, C8 Z06 and C8 ZR1 have it beat on acceleration speed. The C7 ZR1 has a top speed of 210 mph and an acceleration of 0 to 60 in 2.85 seconds.
This Corvette was built for the track, and it shows with the blistering speeds. Its powerful V8 engine delivers 775 horsepower. The C7 ZR1 also handles corners better than many other models, further setting it up for incredible runs on the race track. You might not see the Chevrolet brand on NASCAR gear or Formula 1 tracks, but the 2019 Corvette C7 ZR1 is among the fastest at top speed.
3. 2022 C8 Z06
The 8th-gen Z06 is one of Corvette’s lower-priced performance cars, but it still clocks in at a top speed of 195 mph. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.6 seconds! That’s especially impressive considering the starting price for the 2022 Z06 is under $80,000. Your high school kids looking for cars might not buy it, but it’s reasonable for a sports car.
This Corvette truly delivers for a car that seems like a “budget” model in the performance car space. In speed tests, it handily competes with a flashier McLaren 765LT Spider and offers an engine sound comparable to a Ferrari. The tour and track modes make it adaptable for a fun, everyday sports car. Would you drive it over the fast Italian sports cars?
2. 2024 E-Ray
One of the fastest Corvette models is actually a hybrid, the 2024 E-Ray. This gas-electric vehicle is Chevy’s first foray into hybrids under the Corvette brand. Other Corvettes can beat its top speed of 180 mph, but the E-Ray currently has the fastest acceleration, hitting 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds.
The E-Ray has an interesting powertrain setup, although not all Corvette fans are happy about it. The front and back wheels actually have separate power sources, with the car’s engine powering the back wheels and the electric motor powering the front wheels. The hybrid AWD does give the E-Ray fantastic grip, making it a good everyday sports car that can also perform on the track.
Corvette reportedly plans to release a fully electric version of the E-Ray down the road, although they have not yet specified when that model will be available. These vehicles use electric traction motors, so these Corvettes could quickly break the glass ceiling yet again.
1. 2025 C8 ZR1
The upcoming 2025 C8 ZR1 is currently the fastest Corvette ever produced. It has a top speed of 220 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The ZR1 line has a history of setting and breaking Corvette’s top speed records, and the 2025 C8 model doesn’t disappoint. It’s the first turbocharged model in its history, thus showing how fast a Corvette can go.
The 2025 ZR1’s 8th-gen V8 engine packs a punch with 670 horsepower, but premium upgrades can get the model up to 800 horsepower. It won’t come cheap, though. The starting price for the 2025 ZR1 is expected to be around $150,000. Chevrolet also has plans to make a hybrid electric version of the 2025 ZR1 that will reportedly be even faster.
What Is the Top Speed of the Fastest Corvette?
The Corvette is famous for flying down highways and racetracks worldwide, so how fast can a driver go in one of these vehicles? General Motors President Mark Reuss answered the question in an exhilarating 2024 test run. In Papenburg, Germany, the executive hit 233 mph in the 2025 ZR1 on the test track. Therefore, it’s the fastest car in American automobile history!
The newest Corvette set records with its speed, though it didn’t lose much speed in the banking. Reuss hit 222 mph in the turns, where drivers typically scrub speed when they operate the steering wheel. However, the engine with 1,064 horsepower was more forgiving and maintained its velocity. It was a factory-stock Corvette, but it made history in Germany as the fastest in the world.
Is a Corvette Faster Than a Mustang or a Hellcat?
The Hellcat has become so popular that people use the engines for Miatas and other custom vehicles. However, does it compare to the Corvette? It depends on the model and where you’re racing. If a Corvette and a Challenger race side by side, the Chevrolet product will likely win based on its straight-line acceleration. Also, consider the lighter weights and the reduced power needed for top speeds.
Gearheads also debate whether the fastest Corvette model could beat Ford Mustangs. Chevrolet’s top speed generally outpaces Ford products, considering the latter reaches about 202 mph in its fastest tests. Ford implemented a drag reduction system to elevate the speed of its prized product, but it doesn’t eclipse the bowties. The verdict is clear that Corvettes outpace the Mustangs.
What’s the Fastest Corvette Ever Made?
Corvettes are known for speed and are one of America’s top supercar brands. The fastest Corvette to date as of 2023 is the upcoming 2025 C8 ZR1, which accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 220 mph. The fastest Vettes are pretty pricey, but many models from the last 10 to 20 years still hold up. If you’re looking for a sports car that can tear up the track, look at these Corvettes and take one for a spin.
Love Corvettes? Check out our breakdown of the limited edition Corvette Boat.
Originally published 9/10/2023 – Updated 5/14/2025
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
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