Will The Upcoming 911 GT2 RS Stand A Chance Against The New Corvette ZR1? - story Go to full screen story Fullscreen

Will The Upcoming 911 GT2 RS Stand A Chance Against The New Corvette ZR1?

Based on what we know, we stack Porsche's forthcoming flagship model against Chevy's latest track-focused 'Vette to find out

by Amreetam Basu on July 29, 2024, 08:00

The automotive world is buzzing with anticipation as two titans prepare to clash in the ultimate battle for supercar supremacy. In one corner, we have the all-new, rear mid-engined C8 Corvette ZR1, the most potent ’Vette ever to exist. With its twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 roaring with over 1,000 horsepower, this American-made monster is already causing a stir in Europe, proving that you don’t need a hybrid powertrain to deliver 1,000+ horsepower.

We don’t know much about the price yet, but the ZR1 at a rumored sub-200k price tag should be a bargain compared to the likes of the Ferrari SF90 (starts at $528,764) the Lamborghini Revuelto ($608,358), and even the current 911 GT3 RS ($241,300). This means the Corvette ZR1 will be more attainable, and will offer a better price-to-performance ratio compared to the aforementioned Italians.

However, on the other corner, we have the forthcoming Porsche 992 911 GT2 RS. It will be heavily based on the current 911 GT3 RS and could sport the same 4.0-liter flat-six but with two turbochargers. The previous 991-generation GT2 RS already cranks close to 700 horsepower, so it’s safe to say the forthcoming model will be pushing the power figures close to 800 horsepower, if not more.

So, the question is: Can the all-American 2025 Corvette ZR1 dethrone what could be the most potent pure internal combustion-powered Porsche? Guess we have to wait till the 992 911 GT2 RS debuts, but let’s dive into what we know so far.

Performance showdown

While we’re not too far off the debut of the 992 911 GT2 RS, rumors are already swirling about its powertrain, which is said to be the same 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six from the 911 Turbo models with bigger turbos and a higher engine redline. A video from Car Spy Media is proof that the upcoming 992-gen 911 GT2 RS is coming in hot with a very symphonic exhaust note. As for the power figures, it will be at least 100 horsepower more than what the 991-gen GT2 RS is rated at, which is 691 horsepower.

Also, the test mule is seen with the exact bodywork of the 911 GT3 RS, which means full-on carbon fiber bodywork (carbon roof, hood, door panels, and diffuser) and lightweight magnesium wheels. This could result in a power-to-weight ratio that puts it on par with or even surpasses, the all-new C8-gen Corvette ZR1.

Will The Upcoming 911 GT2 RS Stand A Chance Against The New Corvette ZR1? storyboard - image 188346

Speaking of the Corvette ZR1, this American powerhouse is nothing like what you’ve heard from the Corvette nomenclature. A 5.5-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 sits in the rear. Interestingly, this is the same V8 engine that powers the Z06, but Chevy calls it the LT7. This engine redlines at 8,000 rpm, which is 600 fewer revs compared to the LT6 from the Corvette Z06.

However, slapping on two turbos helps unlock a whopping 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque. This is a pure American muscle show-off to the tech-savvy Europeans that you don’t need hybridization to crank 1,064 horses. While Chevy hasn’t confirmed any 0-60 mph timing, it sure did disclose the top speed, over 215 mph. I’ll be honest with you: launching a 1,000+ horsepower supercar that drives the rear wheels only is pretty insane, and it could eat up half the rubber while getting to 60 mph.

If Porsche doesn’t want to go hardcore with the forthcoming 911 GT2 RS, the Corvette ZR1 could be the undisputed champion in terms of raw performance. In the real world though, it’s hard to guess, but Porsche’s traction control system is pretty hardcore, and less power could mean fewer chances of unwanted wheelspin off the line.

2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Engine 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six (speculation) 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8
Horsepower 800+ hp (est.) 1,064 hp
Torque (lb-ft) 600+ lb-ft (est.) 828 lb-ft
Gearbox 7-speed DCT 8-speed DCT
Drive Type RWD RWD
0-60 (mph) 2.5 seconds (est.) 2.5 seconds (est.) 
Top speed (mph) 211 mph (est.) 215 mph

Handling and dynamics

Will The Upcoming 911 GT2 RS Stand A Chance Against The New Corvette ZR1? storyboard - image 188347

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 isn’t just about the mad horsepower number; it’s been engineered to dance through corners with finesse. Chevrolet has equipped the ZR1 with track-tuned suspension that includes Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which is straight outta the Corvette Z06. Additionally, the ZR1 features extensive aero features, including the carbon fiber front splitter, canards, side sills, the rear diffuser.

To reign in all the power, the ZR1 comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes - massive 15.7-inch rotors at the front, the largest to be fitted in a Corvette. Opting for the ZTK package will unlock a massive carbon rear wing less curvaceous than the Z06, stiffer springs, stickier rubber, and a gurney flap on the hood. For maximum downforce, the ZTK package is your best friend - 1,200 pounds at high speeds. For a Corvette, these are astronomical facts and figures.

However, in Porsche-land, the 992-gen GT3 RS is proof that you can indeed own a car that practically blurs the lines between street and track. Think electronically adjustable uprated suspension, rear-axle steering, and advanced aerodynamics like the DRS (Drag Reduction System), which can be activated by a button. None of these features are available for the Corvette ZR1.

We don’t know for sure if the forthcoming 911 GT2 RS will come with all of the above features, but since the test mule seems to closely resemble the GT3 RS, the GT2 could potentially bring all of the handling and aero upgrades of the GT3 RS with a more potent turbocharged engine.

Amreetam Basu

Amreetam Basu

While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio