A few years back there were rumors General Motors was considering using the Corvette nameplate for a standalone brand completely separate from Chevrolet, with the lineup to include perhaps an SUV and sedan along with the traditional sports car.
However, in a recent episode of “Jay Leno's Garage” featuring the new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM President Mark Reuss ruled out Corvette becoming its own brand.
Leno brings up the issue at the 18:30 mark in the episode, and Reuss replies that the Corvette is staying put as Chevy, as it epitomizes what the Bowtie brand is really about, and that's offering buyers more for the money that what they might expect, and doing it with fantastic design and performance.
The video is well worth the watch in its entirety, as Reuss provides a wealth of information on the new ZR1 as well as GM in general. Reuss' father, Lloyd E. Reuss, also worked for GM and was also its president in the early 1990s, and we learn about some of his history, including his own C2-generation Corvette which is also featured in the episode.
The 2025 Corvette range is due to start delivery later this year, though the ZR1, which was revealed in July, isn't due in showrooms until next year. Chevy hasn't announced a price but the starting figure is expected to be in the upper $100,000 bracket. Fully loaded examples may crest the $200,000 mark, which would be a first for America's sports car.
Incredibly, the 1,064-hp ZR1 isn't expected to be the end of the road for the C8-generation Corvette, at least in terms of performance. Prototypes have already been spotted for what's thought to be a new Zora flagship combining the ZR1's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 with the E-Ray's front electric motor. The combined output may reach hypercar levels.
