Big ZR1 announcement today didn’t mention we’re not seeing it.

KIWIS hoping to meet the most powerful car General Motors has ever produced, also the first factory-built Corvette with turbo power, might be disappointed.

A flurry of media activity highlighting that the Chevrolet Corvette C8 we see in standard format has now gone into its ultimate petrol-wed ZR1 delivery skips one important fact - that the latest variant is not being considered for this part of the world.

That key message was only revealed by regional distributor General Motors Speciality Vehicles when pressed by media across the Tasman.

The ZR1 is based off the Z06, whose status here has been challenged.

Whereas the previous ZR1 ran a 'LT5' 6.2-litre supercharged V8, the new takes up a 5.5-litre V8, also used by Z06, but fitted with two turbochargers.

In the US models, the power output is 793kW at 7000rpm – or 1064 horsepower – while torque rates at 1123Nm at 6000rpm.

Every bit of it is sent to the rear wheels through a strengthened eight-speed dual clutch automatic.

A 0-100km/h time has not been quoted, however Chevrolet says the ZR1 can complete the quarter-mile (402m) drag-strip run in less than 10 seconds, and hit a 346kmh top speed – compared to 10.6s, and 313kmh for the Z06.

"The Corvette ZR1 is an exciting addition to the Corvette range in the North America,” a GMSV spokesperson told the drive.com.au website.

Locally, Corvette is offered to customers in Australia and New Zealand in three trims; Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray.

“The Corvette ZR1 is not currently planned to join the line-up in Australia and New Zealand, but we will monitor demand and assess further over time.”

ZR1 gets unique magnetic rate dampers and the standard ZR1 chassis comes in a low drag configuration with a small rear spoiler complete with adjustable short and tall wickers. There’s a standard carbon fibre front splitter, side intakes and additional brake cooling.

Requirement for better cooling and improved aerodynamics means it loses the luggage space ahead of the windscreen.

It can also pick up an optional ZTK package for track days that includes a high downforce rear wing, producing 545kg of downforce at speed, plus front dive planes.