Chevy’s always had a thing for speed. From dragstrip legends to high-tech track stars, the brand has built some serious machines over the years. While the Corvette usually takes center stage, it’s not the only Chevy that’s flirted with 200 mph. Whether naturally aspirated or boosted to the moon, these cars aren’t just fast for their time—they’re still fast by today’s standards. Here are 10 of the fastest Chevrolets ever built that prove bowtie performance is still very much a thing.
2023 Corvette Z06
The C8 Z06 is a naturally aspirated monster, powered by a flat-plane crank 5.5L V8 known as the LT6. With 670 horsepower and an 8,600 rpm redline, it’s the highest-revving production V8 GM has ever made. It’ll rip to 60 in about 2.6 seconds and top out at 195 mph.
But what makes it special isn’t just the speed—it’s the way it sounds and handles. Built with track work in mind, it uses a dual-clutch gearbox, carbon fiber everything, and wide rubber to keep it glued. It’s a Ferrari-fighter wearing a Chevy badge.
2019 Corvette ZR1
This supercharged C7 ZR1 came in swinging with 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque from a 6.2L LT5. It wasn’t just quick off the line—it topped out at 212 mph, making it the fastest Corvette GM had ever built at the time.
Available with either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed auto, the ZR1 also featured an optional ZTK performance package with a towering rear wing and magnetic ride control. It was brutal, refined, and shockingly stable at speed—like GM figured out how to make a sledgehammer fly.
2009 Corvette ZR1 (C6)
Before the C7 took over, the C6 ZR1 was the ultimate ‘Vette. Nicknamed “Blue Devil” during development, it packed a supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 good for 638 horsepower. Top speed? A verified 205 mph.
Built with carbon ceramic brakes and a lightweight body, the C6 ZR1 wasn’t just muscle—it could corner too. It was a wake-up call to Europe that American cars didn’t need excuses anymore. And it still looks nasty today with that polycarbonate window over the engine.
2023 Camaro ZL1
Chevy’s last great Camaro might also be its fastest. With a 6.2L supercharged LT4 making 650 hp and 650 lb-ft, the ZL1 could hit 198 mph with the 10-speed automatic and Track Performance Package.
It’s not just a straight-line beast. The Camaro’s chassis is tight, and the steering feel is one of the best GM’s ever built into a muscle car. Whether you take it to the drag strip or a road course, the ZL1 proves that going out on top is a very real thing.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport
This one’s not the most powerful, but it might be the most balanced. The C7 Grand Sport used the naturally aspirated 460-hp LT1, but paired it with the widebody, brakes, suspension, and aero from the Z06. The result? A legit 180+ mph top speed and near-perfect handling.
It was more about precision than brute force. With the 7-speed manual and dry-sump lubrication, it could handle repeated track sessions with no complaints. It reminded everyone that a well-tuned car doesn’t need massive power to feel fast.
2020 Corvette Stingray (C8)
The C8 Stingray flipped the script with a mid-engine layout, and Chevy didn’t hold back. Its 6.2L LT2 V8 made 495 horsepower with the Z51 package, pushing it to 60 in under three seconds. Top speed? 194 mph if you skipped the high-drag aero bits.
More than just fast, it changed the conversation around American performance cars. At under $70K when new, the C8 offered exotic-level performance for the price of a loaded pickup. And that mid-engine balance gave it cornering confidence the front-engine cars never had.
1990 Corvette ZR-1 (C4)
Built with help from Lotus and powered by the exotic DOHC LT5 V8, the original ZR-1 made 375 hp (later bumped to 405) and could reach 180+ mph—stunning for the era. It was called the “King of the Hill,” and rightfully so.
The C4 ZR-1 wasn’t cheap, but it was cutting-edge for GM. With unique bodywork, a 6-speed manual, and world-record endurance runs under its belt, it pushed the Corvette into supercar territory long before the internet got excited about lap times.
2014 Camaro Z/28
The Z/28 wasn’t built for top speed headlines, but it was still brutally fast. Powered by a 7.0L LS7 V8 making 505 hp, it topped out around 172 mph—but more importantly, it could hang with Ferraris on a road course.
It ditched everything that didn’t matter: no air conditioning, thinner glass, and stripped-down interior. The focus was lap times, not luxury. With spool-valve dampers, massive brakes, and sticky tires, the Z/28 showed what a Camaro could do when given a singular purpose.
1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6
It might not match modern top speeds, but in 1970, this was a rocket. The LS6 454 made a factory-rated 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, though real output was likely even higher. It could hit 0–60 in around 5.4 seconds and run the quarter in the low 13s.
That might not impress today’s crowd, but back then, it was nearly untouchable. The Chevelle SS 454 LS6 represented peak muscle car excess before regulations and insurance companies started shutting it down. Big, loud, and fast—it still turns heads 50 years later.
2022 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
This one’s sneaky fast. The Corvette E-Ray pairs the LT2 V8 with a front-mounted electric motor for all-wheel drive and a combined 655 horsepower. It’ll hit 60 in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed around 183 mph.
What makes it interesting isn’t just the numbers—it’s the way it uses that electric boost. The torque fill out of corners is instant, and the AWD gives it insane grip. It’s the first electrified Corvette, and it’s fast enough to make even skeptics pay attention.
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*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
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