GM Bought a Ferrari SF90 and Porsche 911 GT2 RS as Benchmarks for the Corvette ZR1

When developing a new car, automakers regularly purchase vehicles from competitors to study and compare with their upcoming models. Acura, for instance, purchased a Ferrari 458 Italia and and a 911 GT3 (that Porsche left a sneaky message in) when building the second-generation NSX. We now know at least two cars that Chevrolet used as comparison points when developing the outrageous new 2025 Corvette ZR1: the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

Both cars had been spotted by outsiders amongst the company of Corvettes during the ZR1’s development process. The Porsche was seen testing during work on the Z06, although it compares more directly with the ZR1. Like the ZR1, the latest GT2 RS represented the ultimate turbocharged evolution of the 991-generation 911. That capstone 911 set the Nurburgring production car lap record on two separate occasions. At 691 horsepower, it’s one of the most powerful 911s ever built; it’s also nearly 400 hp less powerful than the ZR1, which is rated at 1,064 hp.

The SF90 used for ZR1 benchmarking was also seen testing at a GM proving ground, although it was thought at the time to be a benchmark for the E-Ray hybrid. Like the E-Ray, the SF90 is a hybrid that combines a V-8 with electric motors. Thanks to that system, the SF90 produces an enormous 986 combined horsepower, and serves as the top series production car in the modern Ferrari lineup. That number is, of course, still not quite equal to the ZR1’s massive power output.

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

The SF90, the 991-generation GT2 RS, and the latest ZR1 all represent what their respective automakers can deliver when they set their sights on building a truly extreme performance car. What sets the Corvette apart, of course, is that all of this development is happening on a platform available for under $70,000. The base C8, the hybrid E-Ray, and the mid-grade Z06 all punch above their weight class already; the ZR1 goes one step further in an attempt to match the very best of Ferrari and Porsche’s recent outputs. Suffice it to say, that last step is a big one.

Fred Smith’s love of cars comes from his fascination with auto racing. Unfortunately, that passion led him to daily drive a high-mileage, first-year Porsche Panamera. He is still thinking about the last lap of the 2011 Indianapolis 500.