Track test: The 2019 Corvette ZR1

Exiting uphill Turn 1 at Road Atlanta, the ZTK package's high wing creates downforce that keeps the 3,600-pound Corvette ZR1 planted — allowing for earlier throttle application. It's a hoot.

The Corvette Z06, front, develops an impressive 300 pounds of downforce with its Z07 aero package. But the high-wing ZR1's ZTK package takes that downforce number to 950.

The Corvette ZR1 must be experienced on track to be fully appreciated. Motor Trend test driver Randy Pobst lapped Road Atlanta raceway in an unofficial production car record of 1:26.4.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 features an outrageous 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged, 6.2-liter engine. Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, an amateur race driver, put the ZR1 to the test at Road Atlanta raceway.

At the end of Road Atlanta's long back straight, the Corvette ZR1 can hit 170 mph before huge, 15.5-inch carbon ceramic Brembo brakes haul it back to Earth.

The wing's the thing. Equipped with 950-pounds of downforce, the high-wing ZR1 is more nimble, more controllable.

The Corvette ZR1 shows off its tall rear wing and forward-opening, carbon-fiber hood at Road Atlanta.

The ZR1 comes with four additional heat exchangers (in addition to nine on the Z06) located behind the huge, lower front air intakes.

The rear tail of the Corvette ZR1

The last of the front-engine V-8s? Amid rumors of a mid-engine successor, the Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette ever.

Let's go racing: Media line up in Corvette ZR1s for hot laps around Road Atlanta.

To gain 100-horsepower over the 650-horse Z06, the ZR1 Corvette gets a taller, more capable Eaton supercharger.

A Corvette ZR1 comes into the pits after a series of hot laps around Road Atlanta raceway.

A Corvette ZR1 speeds down Road Atlanta's front straight.

New for just the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is a Sebring Orange paint option.

The Corvette ZR1 comes equipped with a state-of-the-art data recorder so that drivers can dig deep into their car's performance on track. Features include on-track positioning, g-load data and lap speed data.

Around Papenburg, Germany's eight-mile test oval, the Corvette ZR1 averaged over 212 mph.

Corvette Z06 meet ZR1: The 650-horse Z06, front, was king of 'Vette hill until the 755-horse ZR1 came along.

The Corvette ZR1, foreground, completes a formidable lineup of seventh-generation Corvettes. From left: 455-horsepower Stingray, 460-horsepower Grand Sport, 650-horse Z06.

A ferocious monster on the outside, the Corvette ZR1 offers luxurious living on the inside with leather seats, Wi-Fi, smartphone connectivity and other swish amenities. It comes in red, too.

The Corvette ZR1 is a two-seater — but it has loads of cargo room under its hatchback in back. A convertible version is also available.

Like all Corvettes, the ZR1 comes equipped with a configurable, digital dash display.

The simple, black side shark gill is distinct from the Corvette ZR1's sibling Z06.

Only three ZR1s have come before the 2019 car, a testimony to its place as the most capable Corvette of its generation.

The Corvette Grand Sport features terrific track-holding capabilities — but compared to the 755-horse ZR1, its 460-ponies feel slow.

Press the dash button and a secret compartment opens behind the Corvette ZR1's radio interface.

So tall is the Corvette ZR1's supercharger-engorged hood that the heads up display can't clear it.

Double trouble: A pair of Corvette ZR1's wait for laps around Road Atlanta raceway. The tall-wing car is in the foreground — short-wing base model is in the background.

The "base," $119,995 Corvette ZR1 comes with a standard rear wing that can be upgraded to a $2,995 ZTK package that features a taller wing delivering 950 pounds of total downforce.

Corvettes come up fast in the rear-view mirror.

The Corvette ZR1 comes with a Drive mode selector that ranges from quiet TOUR to insane, hell-raising TRACK.

The Corvette ZR1 is stuffed with tech features in addition to its outrageous performance numbers. Its rear camera helps visibility behind the big rear wing.