The moment a new supercar hits the dyno for the first time is a huge event for car enthusiasts. It’s where the manufacturer’s claims meet the real world, and the true power of the machine is revealed.

The team at Paragon Performance recently hosted what they called the world’s first C8 Corvette ZR1 on the dyno, giving the public a live look at what the new 1,064-horsepower beast can really do.

Kelly Aiken of Paragon Performance explained that they had just picked up the brand-new ZR1 from Bowling Green the day before and immediately put the required 500 break-in miles on it to get it ready for the test.

With the car strapped down and tuner Graham in the driver’s seat, the team prepared to pull in multiple gears to get the most accurate reading. Before the run, Kelly engaged with the live audience, who were guessing the car would make somewhere in the mid-900 wheel-horsepower range.

“Come on, give us a little more credit than that,” he joked.

After a series of pulls in third, fourth, and fifth gear that filled the shop with the sound of the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8, it was time for the reveal. Kelly held up the C8 ZR1 dyno sheet and announced the incredible results.

“I’m going to give it away. It starts with a one … 1,028.60,” he said, confirming the ZR1 put down “1,028.60 to the rear wheels.” The torque number was just as impressive, coming in at a whopping 839.85.

The team noted that this was just the beginning of their testing, as they have another ZR1 at the shop and plan to explore how different conditions and aftermarket parts affect the car’s output.

It’s truly insane to see numbers like 1,028 wheel horsepower from a mass-produced Chevy that comes with a full interior, air conditioning, and a factory warranty. The fact that this power is delivered through a dual-clutch automatic transmission makes the C8 ZR1 dyno run a stunning display of what modern engineering is capable of.