---
title: "Will the New Chevy Corvette ZR1 Use Active Aerodynamics?"
description: "A new patent filing suggests GM is working on some active aero for the C7 'Vette."
date: "2017-03-24"
modified: "2017-03-24"
authors:
  - name: "Will Sabel Courtney"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/will-sabel-courtney"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/8601/will-the-chevy-corvette-zr1-use-active-aerodynamics"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "active aerodynamics"
  - "aero"
  - "Chevrolet"
  - "Corvette"
  - "Coupe"
  - "sports car"
  - "Supercar"
  - "Track"
  - "ZR1"
---

# Will the New Chevy Corvette ZR1 Use Active Aerodynamics?

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/03/chevy-corvette-zr1-active-aerodynamics.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

Officially, we know almost zilch about Chevrolet's forthcoming track-ready Corvette. Unofficially, of course, we know quite a bit—or at least, we can take a series of fairly educated guesses. We know [it'll likely be called the ZR1](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/8511/watch-a-chevy-corvette-zr1-test-mule-roar-around-laguna-seca>). We know it may have [an all-new, DOHC V8](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/6669/the-2018-corvette-is-getting-a-dohc-v-8-is-it-for-the-mid-engined-vette>). We know it'll likely be the swan song for the seventh-generation Corvette before [the all-new, mid-engined C8 Corvette arrives](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/4302/the-mid-engine-corvette-is-a-terrible-idea>). And now, we know it may have active aerodynamics.

We know that thanks to [a patent published on Thursday](<https://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20170080770&OS=20170080770&RS=20170080770>) [and dug up by *AutoGuide*](<https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/03/the-corvette-is-next-in-line-to-get-active-aero.html>), which details an active aero system for a Corvette. Specifically, a front-engined, C7-generation Corvette, based on the patent drawings. The filing includes details on a series of moving aerodynamic alterations, including active hood shutters, movable diffusers and splitters, and a moving spoiler, among other pieces. The system would even regulate the vehicle's height as needed.

![message-editor%2F1490371945363-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.11pm.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1490371945363-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.11pm.png>)
**U.S. Patent Office**

![message-editor%2F1490371978446-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.51pm.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1490371978446-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.51pm.png>)
**U.S. Patent Office**

General Motors, unsurprisingly, was cagey when pressed on the issue. "We have no comment at this time,” Chevy spokesperson and former *Motor Trend* staffer Ron Kiino told *AutoGuide.*

So why are we guessing the active aerodynamics are bound for the upcoming Corvette ZR1? Well, considering the prototypes we've seen zipping around everywhere [from Michigan to Laguna Seca](<https://blog.caranddriver.com/zr1-and-mid-engine-c8-corvettes-spied-together-in-cold-weather-tests/>) have been caught wearing aggressive aerodynamic elements (including some with Boeing-spec wings out back), it seems likely that aerodynamics will be a key weapon in the track-focused Corvette's arsenal. In addition, if the C7 is on its way out, there aren't many opportunities left for General Motors to break out a new aerodynamic setup for the current-generation car.

![message-editor%2F1490371999169-screenshot2017-03-24at12.12.00pm.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1490371999169-screenshot2017-03-24at12.12.00pm.png>)
**U.S. Patent Office**

![message-editor%2F1490372015223-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.37pm.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1490372015223-screenshot2017-03-24at12.11.37pm.png>)
**U.S. Patent Office**

Assuming this is true, it could mean that the ZR1 has even greater potential to dominate the world's road courses. After all, it was [Lamborghini's new active aerodynamic system dubbed *Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva*](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/7896/lamborghini-teases-the-huracan-performantes-aero-system>) that helped [the Huracan Performante set a new Nurburgring production car lap record](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/7998/lamborghini-huracan-performante-shatters-nurburgring-record-by-5-seconds>). If active aero could help Lambo [shave roughly half a minute off the Huracan's lap time](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_N%C3%BCrburgring_Nordschleife_lap_times#Lap_times>)...who knows what it could do for the new ZR1?

## Author
Will is the former managing editor of *RIDES Magazine* and the former online editor for *0-60 Magazine*. He has worked for *Time Out New York* and *Rolling Stone*, and was the creator of *College Cars Online*, the first automotive blog specifically targeted at college students and young professionals.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/willsabelcourtney>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/willscourtney>)