C8 Corvette Zora Prototypes Caught Testing On The Nurburgring

Spy photographers caught C8 Corvette Zora prototypes undergoing testing on the famed Nurburgring track in Germany. Though camouflage was not spared on the testers, here’s what we observe:

• Two prototypes – numbers 24 and 20
• Both are Coupes (no hard-top Convertibles) and look exactly like the C8 ZR1 with the ZTK Performance Package and the huge rear wing, except for split rear window
• Only visible difference between the revealed C8 ZR1 and these Zora prototypes is the split radiator on the driver’s side of the front end; it’s the same configuration that provides cooling to the electric front drive unit (motor) on the E-Ray
• Center-mounted exhaust like on C8 ZR1; the down-turned tips are likely to muffle the exhaust in nearby areas
• Yellow sticker on driver’s side rear window indicates hybrid / electrified drivetrain
• Drivers really pushing the prototype, with some photos showing the wheels leaving the track

Corvette Zora is expected to mate the twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 from the C8 ZR1 with an electric motor at the front axle, similar (if not identical) to the one used on the C8 E-Ray. The Zora will likely be the range-topping Corvette C8 from a performance and power standpoint, though recently-retired executive Corvette chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, went on record back in August saying that the ZR1 will be the most expensive C8 model.

Full photo gallery at GM Authority.