The Sole Japanese Vehicle Capable of Outpacing the Corvette C8 ZR1

The 2025 C8 ZR1 is the fastest Corvette Chevrolet has ever made. Additionally, it is the first Corvette to ever use a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and the C8 is the first mid-engined model in history. Chevrolet claims the 2025 ZR1 is the fastest car that costs less than $1 million.

We attempted to find a car that is faster than the ZR1 when it comes to 0-60 mph or even its impressive top speed of 233 mph. While there were some low volume, high-performance cars which were quicker to 60 but were not outright faster, or they were not entirely road legal. However, there is an all-electric hypercar from a boutique Japanese brand that is outright faster and quicker than the ZR1, but Chevrolet seems to be correct when it comes to the price. Here's everything you need to know about the Japanese hypercar, which is faster than the Corvette C8 ZR1.

The Aspark Owl, reaching speeds of 272 MPH, outpaces the ZR1.

Aspark Owl Performance Details

Origin: Aspark Owl

The Aspark Owl is a Japanese all-electric hypercar that recently claimed the crown of the fastest electric vehicle in the world. In June 2024, the Aspark Owl SP600 model set a top speed record of a ridiculous 272.6 mph to claim the position as the world's fastest EV. Furthermore, Aspark claims the Owl SP600 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a mere 1.72 seconds, which is 0.02 seconds faster than the Rimac Nevera.

The Aspark Owl SP300 reaches an impressive top speed of 272.6 mph, surpassing the C8 Corvette ZR1 by 39.6 mph. Furthermore, the Owl SP600 accelerates to 60 mph in over half a second less time.

The Owl SP600 achieves this by using four electric motors that power each wheel, allowing for instant torque vectoring for better cornering ability on a racetrack. Aspark uses a 69 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to draw power which can fully charge in just 80 minutes and claims a range of 280 miles on a full charge. The Owl SP600 boasts a peak power output of 1,980 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque delivered to the wheels instantly.

Aspark claims the Owl SP600 weighs 4,189 lbs, which is impressive for an EV with its heavy batteries. The Owl achieves this by using a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which weighs just 265 lbs. Additionally, the body panels of the Owl are also built from lightweight carbon fiber, while the roof features stainless steel supports for strength and rigidity.

Equipped with a double wishbone suspension and hydraulic dampers, the Owl boasts an adjustable ride height that can be modified between 80 mm and 100 mm. For braking performance, it features carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 10-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston calipers in the rear. Buyers can choose from two tire options straight from the factory: Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero, both mounted on uniquely crafted high-performance alloy wheels.

The C8 Corvette ZR1 boasts an impressive top speed of 233 mph.

Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 Specs Overview

Origin: Chevrolet

Like every Corvette since 1955, the C8 Corvette ZR1 uses a V8 engine. However, for the first time in history, the new ZR1's 5.5-liter V8 is twin-turbocharged. Chevrolet announced that the twin-turbo LT7 V8 in the ZR1 makes a staggering 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, making it also the most powerful Corvette ever. The V8 is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Chevrolet announced the 2025 C8 ZR1 can reach 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and its 233-mph top speed makes it the fastest Chevy ever manufactured.

The latest ZR1 draws inspiration from the standard C8 Corvette and Z06 variants, but it takes performance to the next level with a more dynamic aerodynamic design. This enhancement boosts downforce, enhancing cornering capabilities for track enthusiasts. The new Corvette ZR1 features a carbon-fiber front splitter, rocker moldings, side intakes designed with integrated brake cooling, and a front under-wing equipped with stall gurney deflectors.

The flow-through hood design enhances airflow and increases downforce at the front. It effectively directs air to flow through the heat exchangers for the intercooler. Chevrolet has also incorporated extra cooling vents to boost rear brake cooling, while carbon fiber inlets positioned on the rear hatch draw in air to cool the turbo compressor.

The optional ZTK performance package on the ZR1 features a massive fixed rear wing for additional rear downforce, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney flap, all of which are made from lightweight carbon fiber. The package also upgrades the Magnetic Ride dampers to stiffer springs and adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.

The C8 Corvette ZR1 Remains the Quickest Vehicle Priced Below $1 Million

Trim Price Comparison

References: Chevrolet, Aspark

The Aspark Owl stands out as an ultra-exclusive hypercar, with the Japanese car manufacturer planning to produce just 50 units. In contrast, Chevrolet has announced that it will produce the C8 Corvette ZR1 in quantities dictated by market demand, categorizing it as a mass-market vehicle. The base price for the Aspark Owl begins at $2.7 million, while the premium Carbon Fiber Edition models escalate the price to an impressive $3.6 million.

The first generation C1 Corvette debuted in 1953 for a mere price of $3,490, roughly translated to $39,000 in today's money. However, the C8 Corvette ZR1 demands a much higher price and is sold in two trims – 1LZ and 3LZ as a coupe and convertible body options. The standard Corvette C8 ZR1 1LZ coupe starts at $173,300, and the 3LZ coupe is priced at $184,300. The 2025 C8 ZR1 convertibles demand a $10,000 premium over the price of the coupe.

Corvette ZR1 Compared to Other Supercars Priced Below $1 Million

Chevrolet's assertion appears to hold up. The 2025 Corvette C8 ZR1, boasting a remarkable top speed of 233 mph and a blistering acceleration time of just 2.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, positions it as the fastest car globally priced under $1 million. Among its nearest rivals are the McLaren 765LT, Ferrari 812, Ferrari SF90, and the soon-to-be-released Lamborghini Temerario. Nevertheless, none of these competitors come anywhere near the ZR1's impressive 233 mph top speed, and all are priced considerably higher.