December 20, 2007 11:56 AM by Brian Potter Filed Under: Chevrolet Page 1 / 6: Next Page
With sales totaling just over 1000 units in Europe during 2006, the Corvette lacks traction for this market. With the likes of Maserati's, Aston Matin's, Porsche's, Audi RS's, Ferrari's, Mercedes AMG's, etc. painting the urban landscape in Europe, Corvette just doesn't evoke the same passion. In fact, it's quite a different reaction as demonstrated by Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson who took a helicopter gunship to the C6 Corvette last year. Why should that be? Perhaps it is a lack of credibility with American high-performance cars since there are only a handful of vehicles capable of mixing it up with their European and Japanese counterparts. Or maybe it's America's fascination with straight line performance? Whatever the reasons, Americans don't care. Their beloved Corvette is the culmination of motorsport excellence and 50 years of refinement and this latest pure-bred is the most anticipated and best Corvette yet.
Due for arrival in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model, the Corvette ZR-1 represents the ultimate Corvette. With the main objective to produce a split-personality car that is domesticated for the road yet a fierce track car, the ZR-1 takes the road less traveled. With the motto, “there's no replacement for displacement”, American performance cars have always stayed true. However, instead of using an even bigger version of the 505hp 7.0-liter LS7 motor from the Z06, GM opted for the same 430hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine and supercharged it, increasing output to an awesome 620hp (462 kW) and 595 lb.-ft.of torque (807 Nm). The new supercharged engine, called LS9, makes this sixth generation Corvette the fastest and most powerful production car ever produced by General Motors.
However, the ZR-1 is more than just a new powerful engine. The body gets littered with lots of weight-saving carbon fiber found in the hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it, carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave. The widened fenders are also carbon fiber to accommodate the larger wheels. For the first time, carbon ceramic brake rotors with painted blue calipers and exclusive 19x10 (front) and 20x12-inch (rear) wheels are standard for the ZR-1 as well as automatically adjusting Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension.
Performance figures have not been provided yet, however, GM acknowledges the ZR-1 will top 200 mph with a new 220 mph speedometer. Speculation puts a 0 – 60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and price is expected to come in at 100,000 USD.
Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.
“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
The ZR1’s basic stats:
All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
Only two options: chrome wheels and a “luxury” package
Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)
The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle’s summer 2008 launch.
“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”
Supercharged LS9 engine
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.
A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine’s confident high-rpm performance.
The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
Transmission and axle
The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.
As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine’s torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.
The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1’s exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system’s design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06’s 290-mm single-disc system.
The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.
Ride and handling
The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system’s ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.
From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.
Brakes, wheels and tires
Commensurate with the ZR1’s engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.
The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design – double that of the Corvette Z06’s 70-sq.-cm. front pads.
The brakes are visible through the ZR1’s exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.
Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with the legend “LS9 SUPERCHARGED” embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.
The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.
Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.
Interior details
The ZR1’s interior builds on the brand’s dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car’s performance. The ZR1’s cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:
ZR1-logo sill plates
ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
Specific gauge cluster with “ZR1” logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
The “base” ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
By the numbers
In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in “0150” would indicate it is the 150 th ZR1 built for the model year.
620 hp ? that's it ? for months i've heard 650 hp,still a great car,always a fan of the corvette,ceramic brakes for the american car, wow the american are moving forward now,btw what is that cut off area in the hood? looks childish
20 inch is 2much for such car , dont u think zo6s 7 liter block was better for supercharging ? am realy intrested 2 know if the engine can rounds7000pm before the red line
Wow magnetic ride control an audi TT has that, ceramic brakes again wow porsche had that 5 years ago. This car will be already old by the time it comes out. They brag about 6 piston callipers and better hp to weight ratio than so and so, but in the end all the cars they compared it to are better. Gimme a break this vs a 2008 GT2??? that has to be a joke.
What's the point of them comparing themselves to those cars then? I would understand if the corvette was better than them, but why compare urself and then say we are worse but as a bonus we are cheaper. What i'm saying is they shouldnt even mention or compare themselves to a porsche GT2 they should just say this is what it can do and this is how much it costs. Because the corvette does not compare with any other car than the viper, that should be their comparison.
Oh and i forgot to mention the GT-R still beats this performance wise and is a whopping 30,000$ cheaper. for 100,000 you can have urself a C6 vette with the lingenfelter twin turbo kit making 1000hp.
Then buy a GT-R, the people who buy Corvettes do so now a days not because they are on the absolute pedestal of engineering breakthroughs. They buy them because they have grown up in a society where Chevy=Reliable and Corvette is the sportiest car they have on the market.
Well if you look at the engine, it's going to be a pain in the butt to change the supercharger because the charge cooler is built into the intake, a kit will probably set you back somewhere in the region of 10,000$. So what's the point? you are paying an extra 30,000$ over the Z06 for low compression pistons, struts and brakes. Y not just get a Z06 and get low compression pistons, a S/C kit, suspension kit, and 8 piston brembo brakes with ceramic disks? Would cost you less than this. I would much rather do that or buy the C6RS.
radmeister is right.You can get a C05 and add a Lingenfelter twin turbo or there are many other aftermarket turbos out there that will add another 4 to 500 more hp.Also another thing wrong here is those Michelin tires.I would remove those Michelin tires and add some High Performance Bridgestones.
radmeister, actually the interior that's shown in the photos has a leather wrapped dash, and window sills (so much for all of the plastic). You should have know this since you have actually sat in one (you act as if you did).
I think this car wont be tuned by any tunner but make sure people will use suspention supercharger and the brakes on c6s wich will be a nice cheap tunnig .
This thing would have its hands full with a Gt3, nevermind a Gt2. Maybe at the 1/4mile it would come ontop but on the track not even close. Porsche spends more $ on R&D a year than GM makes profit in the same year. Lets be serious here. You cant even compare the two, the GT2 still remains an international icon like the 993 Turbo. This vette is only an icon to north american farmers.
radmeister, obviously you have actually driven the ZR1 since you have already declared it to be inferior to the GT2. If you will, please let us know all of the handling characteristics of the ZR1 and how they are inferior to the GT2 since you have actually driven a Corvette ZR1.
Tuners will probably start with a pulley change, high flow cats and exhaust and a tune. Tuners are also making great hp gains with the new Viper with bolt on upgrades (headers, cats and filters).
Dumb car for dumb people. Still doesn´t step away from the motto "add more crap to the car" . Excess plastic, excess carbon fibre, excess displacement, no new technology. Like slapping some lipstick on a pig.
This car is nasty! Guys..think about something..the z06 c6 has done the nurburgring in 7:49 and hockenheim in 1:11,7. Thats close to the 997 GT3, but faster than Gallardo, Murcielago, SLR,Ford GT, CLK DTM, 997 Turbo,F430 and so on..and the z06 is much cheaper than the other cars. i do not know the us prices, but in switzerland you get 2 z06 for the price of one gallardo. so, the zr1 has much better suspension, better brakes, much more power..it will be much faster i think. for this price, that's awesome!
leaf spring suspension? 2 valves per cylinder? cheap and nasty plastics? A supercharged engine generating 100 hp/litre? No wonder it costs half the price of any decent european sport car. This half price bargain sounds very expensive to me! NO THANKS!
What are you smoking radmeister? How can you say the GT-R performs better than the ZR-1 when the performance numbers haven't even been released yet and won't be until March or April? Second of all, where the heck are you ever going to be able to use half the potential of a 1000 hp car? The drag strip? BORING!!!
nasty ..!! this is one heck of a vette..