A digital artist reimagines a 1970 C3 Corvette ZR1 with C7 ZR1 performance, creating a stunning 755-hp restomod concept in bold orange.
For Corvette enthusiasts who love both classic muscle and modern performance, an exciting CGI concept is making waves in the automotive design world. Digital artist Abimelec Arellano, known as abimelecdesign, has unveiled a stunning restomod rendering that fuses the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 with the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1—a true blend of past and present performance.
This imaginative virtual build, dubbed "Orangetastic", maintains the C3 Corvette’s unmistakable long hood and aggressive styling, while integrating the aero elements, engine, and wheel package from the C7 ZR1. The result? A 755-horsepower vintage-inspired supercar that combines the raw appeal of a classic front-engine Corvette with the brutal performance of one of Chevrolet’s most powerful modern machines.
While Chevrolet has transitioned to a mid-engine layout with the C8 Corvette, not every fan has embraced the shift. For purists who still crave the front-engine Corvette experience, this hypothetical restomod offers a digital solution—no actual C3 Corvettes were harmed in its creation.
The virtual modifications include:
- A widened body (by four inches) for a more aggressive stance
- Modern C7 ZR1 aero components, including a front splitter and rear wing
- Larger wheels and brakes, optimizing the car’s handling potential
- A 755-horsepower supercharged LT5 V8, taken straight from the 2019 Corvette ZR1
The original 1970 ZR1 was an extremely rare beast—only 53 examples were ever produced between 1970 and 1972. Arellano’s concept pays tribute to this historic model, while also imagining what could have been had Chevrolet continued developing front-engine ZR1 variants into the modern era.
With its striking orange-and-black paint scheme, updated aerodynamics, and track-ready stance, this digital restomod concept offers the best of both worlds—the timeless appeal of a C3 Corvette with the raw, supercharged power of a C7 ZR1.
While this "what if" build exists only in the realm of CGI for now, it wouldn’t be surprising if real-world builders take inspiration from this design to create something just as radical in the metal. After all, for Corvette fans, the blend of old-school styling and modern performance is always a winning formula.
