Chevy’s 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records

When people think about speed and power, Chevrolet is one of the first car brands that comes to mind. Over the years, Chevy has built some of the fastest and most exciting cars in the world. 

Whether you’re a fan of muscle cars or just love fast rides, these cars are sure to impress with their speed and power.

1. 1988 Callaway Chevrolet Corvette (Sledgehammer)

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 1988 Callaway Chevrolet Corvette Sledgehammer wc
Image Credit: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
  • Top Speed: 254 mph
  • Engine: 5.7-liter Twin-Turbo V8
  • Horsepower: 898 hp @ 6,200 RPM
  • Torque: 772 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,535 lbs

With an astonishing top speed of 254 mph, the 1988 Callaway Sledgehammer held the title of the fastest street-legal car in the world at the time. The twin-turbocharged V8, aerodynamic modifications, and lightweight design helped push it to this incredible speed.

The Sledgehammer was purpose-built for speed tests and represents one of the most extreme performance Corvettes ever made.

2. 2018 Hennessey Exorcist Chevrolet Camaro

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2018 Hennessey Exorcist Chevrolet Camaro
Image credit: Hennessey Performance
  • Top Speed: 217 mph
  • Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 (based on ZL1)
  • Horsepower: 1,000 hp @ 6,500 RPM
  • Torque: 883 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 2.1 seconds
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,880 lbs

The Hennessey Exorcist Camaro was designed to compete with the Dodge Demon. With a monstrous 1,000 hp, it took the already powerful Camaro ZL1 and pushed its limits even further.

The Exorcist reaches 217 mph, making it one of the fastest Camaros ever built. It’s equipped with track-specific tuning and additional aerodynamics for high-speed stability.

3. 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (Upcoming)

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Image Credit: Chevrolet
  • Top Speed: 215 mph
  • Engine: Expected 5.5-liter Twin-Turbo V8 (from Z06)
  • Horsepower: Expected 850+ hp
  • Torque: TBD
  • 0-60 mph: Estimated 2.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Weight: TBD

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is expected to be Chevrolet’s next supercar, aiming for 215 mph. Although detailed specs haven’t been fully confirmed yet, it is anticipated to be powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.5-liter V8 engine found in the Z06, with more power.

This model will likely feature upgraded aerodynamics, cooling systems, and lightweight materials to enhance performance and compete with other high-end supercars.

4. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ss2232456515
Image Credit: Gestalt Imagery/Shutterstock
  • Top Speed: 205 mph
  • Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged LS9 V8
  • Horsepower: 638 hp @ 6,500 RPM
  • Torque: 604 lb-ft @ 3,800 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,324 lbs

The 2009 Corvette ZR1, also known as the “Blue Devil,” was Chevrolet’s flagship supercar of the late 2000s. With a top speed of 205 mph, it was the fastest production Corvette of its time. Its supercharged LS9 V8 engine produced 638 hp, pushing the car to remarkable speeds while maintaining excellent balance and handling. The ZR1 combined lightweight materials like carbon fiber with powerful aerodynamics to achieve both speed and stability.

5. 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 wc
Image Credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Top Speed: 198 mph
  • Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged LT4 V8
  • Horsepower: 650 hp @ 6,400 RPM
  • Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,883 lbs

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is the most powerful production Camaro to come from Chevrolet at the time of its release. With a top speed of 198 mph, it’s not only fast but also offers excellent track capabilities with advanced aerodynamics, suspension tuning, and braking systems.

The supercharged LT4 V8 makes 650 hp, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. 

6. 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Image Credit: Chevrolet
  • Top Speed: 189 mph (Estimated)
  • Engine: 5.5-liter Naturally Aspirated LT6 V8
  • Horsepower: 670 hp @ 8,400 RPM
  • Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 6,300 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Weight: 3,434 lbs

The 2025 Corvette Z06 continues the legacy of Chevrolet’s track-focused supercar. With an estimated top speed of 189 mph, it may not be the fastest Corvette ever, but it is one of the most agile and responsive.

The Z06 features a flat-plane crankshaft engine, producing a high-revving 670 horsepower, which gives it phenomenal performance on the track. 

7. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ERay 1
Image Credit: Chevrolet
  • Top Speed: 183 mph
  • Engine: 6.2-liter LT2 V8 paired with an electric motor (Hybrid)
  • Horsepower: 655 hp combined (495 hp from the V8, 160 hp from the front electric motor)
  • Torque: 595 lb-ft combined
  • 0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Weight: 4,150 lbs

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray is the first hybrid Corvette and features all-wheel drive, thanks to an electric motor on the front axle. Although its top speed of 183 mph is slightly lower than the traditional V8-powered models, it excels in acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.

The E-Ray’s combination of a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 and electric motor produces a total of 655 horsepower.

8. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 ss253123645
Image Credit: Steve Lagreca/Shutterstock
  • Top Speed: 175 mph
  • Engine: 7.0-liter Naturally Aspirated LS7 V8
  • Horsepower: 505 hp @ 6,100 RPM
  • Torque: 481 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,820 lbs

The 2015 Camaro Z/28 is a track-focused model, built for handling and agility rather than outright top speed. With a top speed of 175 mph, it’s still one of the fastest Camaros, but its primary focus is on delivering exceptional lap times.

The Z/28 is powered by a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, producing 505 horsepower. Its aerodynamics, suspension, and lightweight construction make it highly capable on the racetrack, while the stripped-down interior focuses on weight reduction for improved performance.

9. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR 1
Image Credit: Eric Friedebach, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Top Speed: 175 mph
  • Engine: 5.7-liter LT5 V8 (Developed by Lotus)
  • Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,800 RPM
  • Torque: 370 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Weight: 3,465 lbs

The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was a game-changer for Corvette, offering cutting-edge performance for its era. The ZR-1 was powered by a 5.7-liter LT5 V8 engine, developed in collaboration with Lotus, and featured a unique aluminum design with DOHC (double overhead camshaft).

It delivered 375 horsepower, which was substantial at the time. With a top speed of 175 mph, the ZR-1 became one of the fastest American cars of its time, earning the nickname “King of the Hill.”

10. 2017 Chevrolet SS

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2017 Chevrolet SS wc
Image Credit: Jason Lawrence, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Top Speed: 160 mph
  • Engine: 6.2-liter LS3 V8
  • Horsepower: 415 hp @ 5,900 RPM
  • Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4,600 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
  • Weight: 3,975 lbs

The 2017 Chevrolet SS was a high-performance sports sedan based on the Holden Commodore from Australia. Despite its somewhat understated looks, the SS was powered by a potent 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, which delivered 415 horsepower and an impressive top speed of 160 mph.

Its combination of rear-wheel drive and sports-tuned suspension made it a highly capable car both on the street and track. 

11. 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS

Chevy's 11 Fastest Cars Ranked by Their Speed Records » 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS wc
Image Credit: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Top Speed: 154 mph
  • Engine: 5.3-liter LS4 V8
  • Horsepower: 303 hp @ 5,600 RPM
  • Torque: 323 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
  • Transmission: 4-speed automatic
  • Weight: 3,711 lbs

The 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS was part of Chevrolet’s return to offering V8 power in a front-wheel-drive sedan. Powered by the 5.3-liter LS4 V8 engine, it produced 303 horsepower, which propelled it to a top speed of 154 mph—impressive for a family sedan.

While the Impala SS was more about straight-line speed than handling finesse, it offered a good balance of power, comfort, and practicality, making it a popular sleeper car during its time. 

Indeed, Chevrolet has a long history of building fast, powerful cars that excite drivers around the world.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor |  + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.