How did thieves manage to steal two Corvette ZR1s straight from the factory?
You’d think the safest place for a high-powered supercar would be the very factory where it’s built. But for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, that assumption just got turned on its head—again. Late last Friday, two suspects managed to drive off with a pair of brand-new ZR1s from the Bowling Green Production Facility in Kentucky. The kicker? They didn’t even bother peeling off the protective plastic wrapping. It’s almost cinematic, except it’s real life.
What happened during the police chase, and how did law enforcement respond?
When you’re dealing with cars packing 1,064 horsepower, you can bet police agencies don’t take any chances. As soon as the theft was reported, a multi-agency response kicked in—Kentucky State Police, Bowling Green PD, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office all joined the hunt. Within 90 minutes, both cars were located. Officers used spike strips to disable one ZR1, leading to the immediate arrest of a 20-year-old suspect. The other car was found abandoned, its driver having vanished into thin air. According to local radio chatter, the chase reached speeds over 180 mph. That’s not just a joyride—that’s a full-throttle escape attempt.
Is this part of a bigger trend of factory thefts?
Here’s where things get even more surprising: this isn’t the first time Corvettes have vanished from the Bowling Green plant this year. Earlier in 2025, eight Corvettes—including a ZR1—were stolen and later found abandoned at a Lowe’s parking lot. And it’s not just Chevrolet feeling the heat. Earlier this year, thieves broke into a Ford plant and made off with 14 Edge SUVs, worth over half a million dollars. Clearly, factory security is facing new challenges as thieves get bolder and more organized.
What charges are the suspects facing, and what’s the status of the investigation?
The suspect in custody is looking at a laundry list of charges: engaging in organized crime, first-degree fleeing, wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence, and obscuring the identity of a machine. The second driver remains at large, and there’s speculation that a recent vehicle pursuit and crash in Indiana might be connected. Law enforcement is still piecing together the details, but it’s clear this wasn’t a random act—it was a coordinated hit.
How are automakers responding to repeated factory thefts?
Repeated breaches like these are forcing automakers to rethink their security protocols. While the specifics of Chevrolet’s response haven’t been made public, industry experts say that manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced surveillance, biometric access controls, and real-time vehicle tracking. According to a 2023 report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, auto thefts in the US rose by 7% year-over-year, with high-performance vehicles being especially attractive targets. Factories, once considered fortresses, are now under pressure to adapt to more sophisticated threats.
What does this mean for Corvette owners and car enthusiasts?
For enthusiasts, these incidents are a jarring reminder that even the most exclusive cars aren’t immune to theft—sometimes not even before they leave the factory floor. On the upside, the quick recovery of the vehicles and the lack of damage show that law enforcement is getting better at responding to high-profile auto thefts. But the fact that this keeps happening suggests a need for ongoing vigilance, both from automakers and the broader car community.
The big takeaway? Factory thefts aren’t about perfect security—they’re about smarter, faster responses and evolving defenses. If you’re in the business of building or collecting high-performance cars, start with one security upgrade this week. You’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.